Avenged Sevenfold Fiction Reaction Video!!!

[@Chainhandle]

The story of Fiction: (A little pre-context - in the band’s last performance with The Rev (Sonisphere August 2009), it is clearly noticeable that The Rev has gained weight. Depression? Maybe.) So on December 25, 2009, The Rev went up to M.Shadows (lead vocalist) and handed him a CD with the Fiction demo on it, which was originally titled “Death.” The Rev handed him the CD and said “I feel like I’ve given you guys everything I can on this album. I don’t know what else you guys have, but I’ve given you guys everything.” Three days later, The Rev is found dead in his home. The Fiction version he gave him was a demo - which means it’s just a general sound of the song’s direction and usually contains mumbled sounds and no lyrics. The Rev recorded himself “singing,” playing an electric drum kit, and played the organ. Mysteriously, the vocals you hear on the official Fiction song done by The Rev are the actual demo words he said. This is why there is speculation around the song, because even though he was not really supposed to be saying anything, he chose to sing lyrics about moving on after death. Again, this song was titled “Death.” The band wanted to give a tribute to The Rev so they isolated the vocals from the demo and used them on the official version. They later changed the name from “Death” to “Fiction,” which was a nickname for The Rev and what he had tattooed down his stomach. They finished writing the lyrics to it, had their fill in at the time Mike Portnoy play the drum parts, and had M.Shadows sing the verses. Jessi Collins also appears in the song, being the voice between the final chorus and The Rev’s final verse. The original story of The Rev’s death goes that he was hungover from a friend’s wedding reception and took pain killers to ease the headaches. He then went to sleep; a sleep which would turn eternal. He had too much alcohol left in his system, and the reaction with the medication caused an overdose. In an interview concerning whether or not he thought The Rev committed suicide, M.Shadows said that he is not ruling it out. But that the last time he saw The Rev was December 26, where he was playing the piano and laughing with friends and family. Edit: The last time anyone saw Jimmy was at a wedding reception, the night before he passed away. Matt’s wife has the last picture of Jimmy - sitting at a piano, surrounded by his loved ones. Also, in a 2010 interview, Synyster Gates is adamant that The Rev knew what he was doing. He said “He planned it all, that crazy fuck. Knew he was gonna be gone by 30.”

[@ciaranhoward4282]

Thank god someone knows the actual story!

[@monicajean37]

Jimmy's weight is actually water from congestive heart failure from Jimmy's heart condition, that killed him when mixed with drugs of anykind

[@monicajean37]

Ciaran and they weren't even a huge band at this point, it was only after Jimmy died they rose to fame (nationally)quickly, Shelly told me the morning the Rev died that the band DID NOT want to become famous off of Jimmy's death.

[@Iynes]

Monica Jean I hope that’s a joke? A7X were massive even before the rev died. I saw them live here in Ireland and it was a sold out show. Sure they bigger afterwards but they were already a massive band

[@monicajean37]

@@Iynes not joking, example: Queensryche was more famous in Japan than they ever were in the US, same with A7X, back then they were huge in there area of California but not all over the US, after Jimmy died Shelly(Syn's wife) said to me"the guys don't want to get famous over Jimmy death"

[@GC-gb2jv]

The Rev wrote and recorded all of the the parts on this song on his own without the band, and he gave it to the rest of the band a few days before he died. They have verified this.

[@deepshadowsentertainment]

G C exactly

[@Qliphirot]

Sadly interesting, a suicidal song.

[@CalebDavislfcandfcb]

I’m not crying. You’re crying. foREVer.

[@DexScene]

He was burning inside, means he was in so much pain and he knew he would not live very long and he overdrugged himself what I believe. As he said, "not that I could or that I would let it burn, under my skin". I was finishing my school when he died and I heard the news from Myspace. It was such a shocker. After that everytime I heard this song, it gave me so many chills. Iam listening to this music after about a year because of you guys and I still got that chill. RIP Rev. Very nice video, love your discussion and reaction. keep it up

[@VinAndSori]

Thanks! Glad u took the time to give us a listen! Peace!

[@giosauraus5214]

What I heard is that he had a disease that made his organs grow bigger than the rest of his body so he overdosed himself to kill himself before his own organs can kill him

[@halomaster2137]

Dex Scene he actually committed suicide the song if you listen closely you can tell it’s his suicide note. Brompton Cocktail is what he killed himself with (one of the songs that A7X made too).

[@DexScene]

I believe that as well.

[@fakeshake234]

Such a sad song. He sings the first line of the first verse, the chorus and the beginning of that ending section. Interesting (somewhat funny) fact that I read was he apparently recorded himself singing that ending section super nasally because he was jokingly impersonating the lead singer. It totally seems like a thing he would do knowing how funny he was haha. Great reaction guys!

[@VinAndSori]

That’s a cool insight !

[@ericwelsh3639]

fakeshake234 I was thinking that last line he recorded was as he was overdosing. Sounded like he was slurring, nodding out and saying goodbye

[@alexwade2425]

@@ericwelsh3639 that's an interesting take on it, I never thought like that...

[@MRDUSTY2301]

Alex Wadeee ive been told the rev was drugged up while recording his vocals , not to mention he had a tendency to sing gibberish or slurred in general when recording vocals

[@cambowmanmusic1922]

@@ericwelsh3639 how would he have overdosed while he was recording if he finished it and died three days later?

[@PoppaWhiskaz]

I think this was the Rev's suicide note. He'd struggled with his disease for a long time and felt like it was his time to go. On Avenged Sevenfolds previous, self titled album, he wrote a large portion of the song "Brompton Cocktail" which is about a man struggling with disease and deciding that he wants to take his life by injecting a lethal mixture of drugs. The song also has lyrics saying he believes his sins will be forgiven and not to ask why he chose to leave this way, and how he has the right to die how he wants to. Also, on an earlier version of that song the Rev had a small vocal part in the beginning where he said "Im calling out louder louder, but nobody can hear my screams." If you look up the drugs in his body, that mixture doesnt sound like a recreational dosage. I believe he took his life how he wanted, with his Brompton Cocktail. As for the band knowing, Im not sure that was the case. They finished the album after his passing and worked on this song, which was originally titled "Death" by the Rev. This song hits very hard for me as Im an enormous fan of not only the band in general, but Jimmy "the Rev" Sullivan. He was such an incredible and talented person. My favorite drummer and vocalist, hands down. I can honestly say I appreciate the way you both do reactions, very sincere, personable, and respectful of the song. When I saw you guys did Save Me, and the emotions you both displayed on such a heavy subject I immediately respected you both.

[@VinAndSori]

Yes a little piece of heaven is on the list. So far away is the third part of “the rev trilogy” that’s coming up soon!

[@prov9697]

Little piece of heaven is somthing else. Lol you might want to watch the video for that song. It shows the pinkly smooth side of the rev.

[@VinAndSori]

Pinkly? :)

[@guitarbattleslive1274]

he didn't write any of the lyrics to brompton cocktail though, the rev himself even said in the making of video that shadows wrote the lyrics.

[@VinAndSori]

Interesting stuff

[@M21xLEGEND]

Avenged Sevenfold - “A Little Piece of Heaven” It’ll be a different taste from them and show their mad genius side

[@VinAndSori]

Yes that’s like the 5th request ! Have you joined us?

[@M21xLEGEND]

VinAnd Sori Yes I have! I love that you put in the research and effort to learn about A7X. Hope you guys grow fast and have a great journey!

[@VinAndSori]

Appreciate that

[@conkker8225]

this song was also written by the rev

[@jerrodk8583]

There's a video of the making of that song. Basically the Rev had an idea, no one really liked it or wanted to work on it at first but as it progressed they all loved it

[@braedonmorrissey7548]

Damn every time the Rev sings "Let it burn" I get chills

[@yankeescenter6948]

Awesome reaction. The sound of the Rev screaming “Let it burn” in the song always give me chills. One of the most talented and creative musicians I’ve ever seen. Can’t wait for your reaction to So Far Away and other A7X songs. Keep up the great videos👍

[@VinAndSori]

You got it! We have had a few requests for “so far away” ...hey so what do u think that line meant? (Let it burn)

[@yankeescenter6948]

VinAnd Sori I think he’s saying he couldn’t handle the pain and committed suicide. The lyrics before that he’s saying that “not that I could, or that I would” as if he doesn’t think he can do it but as he screams “let it burn” with all that passion and power, it’s as if he made the decision to just do it. That’s what I get out of it but it is fairly cryptic though. And So Far Away is a beautiful tribute song for the Rev and it is quite possibly my favorite avenged sevenfold song.

[@VinAndSori]

Good breakdown, you’re probably right on that one

[@samlawrence4627]

Another interpretation of that line is "not that I could or that I would" commit suicide, and to let the pain burn because he can take it.

[@VinAndSori]

Ohhhhh I see

[@iamflow2111]

I honestly and wholeheartedly shed a tear everytime I hear this song. But the song that makes you feel is a good song 😁

[@VinAndSori]

True story !

[@xryguyx05]

The Nightmare album was originally supposed to be a concept album and this song was supposed to be the last track. It was originally titled "Death" and was supposed to close out the Nightmare concept, so that's why the song is so dark. It was supposed to be somebody being in a Nightmare and death was supposed to be the end of the concept, but the band scrapped the concept idea after The Rev's death. They changed the title to "Fiction" because The Rev used to always tell everyone that he felt like his life was a fiction story, and he had it tattooed on his chest. This wasn't a suicide note, it was just an eerie coincidence.

[@pasdeal]

St James!! The light to the darkness of So far away! Amazing song

[@VinAndSori]

On it!

[@theroachden6195]

St. James is the final way they said bye. Gates wrote it

[@M21xLEGEND]

Some Avenged Sevenfold live in LBC would be amazing too. It really shows their true talent

[@mr.pacman218]

Absolutely

[@kamilap545]

ive heard this song 3 times today because i keep coming back to it, and i cry every single time. this song is so emotional, the rev always knew..

[@elliotknight99]

This song absolutely tore me up when I first heard it. Great reaction and insight you guys

[@MrMattf727]

This song was originally titled Death by the Rev but the band decided to call it Fiction, one of Jimmy's other nicknames. He also had "Fiction" tattooed on his stomach. The Rev had an enlarged heart and was told by doctors he'd never see 30 years old. M Shadows, the singer always dismissed the thought of suicide, but Syn the guitar player in an interview said he believed Rev had this all planned out because of that. Rev had been writing this song for years and finally finished it. His enlarged heart issues had been causing him a lot of pain, and towards the end the band had noticed he was pale and had gained some weight and wasn't as energetic as usual. He was at the end of his 20s and when he turned in the demo for this song he told M Shadows that "this is it. this is the last song. the album is done. I've given everything i could for you guys" and 3 days later he was found dead. all of rev's work on the lyrics is typical of demos....usually it's a lot of mumbling and not refined work. it's just a demo afterall. the band decided to keep the rev's piano and vocal parts in. Rev was on piano and actually played all the parts for the demo but the band had to do some filling in and Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) played the drum parts and Shadows filled in on lyrical work. on other some parts of the album his father actually did some parts. also many say in the end of the song when he talks about "the ones who walk beside me" he's talking to his pallbearers. He knew his best friends and family would be carrying him. walking beside him.

[@internationalwellbeingcent3317]

I heard Fiction was originaly made by The Rev and he sang all the lyrics, but A7x decided that Shadows had took some parts of the song

[@Mercilesstantalus]

I know you're already planning on doing So Far Away so I won't also request it and I also saw that someone pointed out that Synyster Gates, his best friend, wrote it all. I hope you keep that in mind when you react to it especially if you do their music video reaction to it. It is so very much a direct reply to this song from Rev here. It's so wonderful for the band to have shared everything with us like this and thank you so much for your very sincere reactions.

[@VinAndSori]

That’s dropping tonite... there’s an official lyric video

[@bobv6519]

It was actually for syns grandfather before rev passed

[@giacomonoia7566]

"Im Vin"... "And I'm sorry"

[@curse5697]

lmao

[@jessjanica4296]

My heart is broken. It's crazy how these lyrics fall into place. He was an incredible person, and artist. I love him so much. Rip James ♥

[@happening2023]

This song was written by The Rev. The name of the song was originally called as Death. And after he passed away they changed the namd into Fiction which is the nickname of The Rev.

[@frankjohn1092]

The general consensus here is that the Rev wrote this as his suicide note and recorded it days before his death, the recording was found by the band after his death, and the song was finished by them.

[@VinAndSori]

Whoa!!! Are you serious? See that would make more sense if u ask me. It bothered me sooooo much! ✌🏻

[@frankjohn1092]

Yeah, Ive researched this song and the story behind his death in depth being that I'm a drummer and big fan, and I've read that in multiple places, I even heard the band get asked about it in an interview and they sort of refused to answer out of respect for Rev but also strongly hinted that this was indeed the case. Its a sad story but the most likely scenario given this song and his death. Keep up the reactions, love them!

[@VinAndSori]

Thanks for the support !!

[@fadeingfire748]

The Rev recorded the demo in secret in M. Shadow's studio and named it "Death". He died three days later after he showed the band the demo which was comprised of his the vocals you hear now, and nonsensical mumbling which the band usually used as a placeholder for other lyrics, all sung by The Rev, kind of like the Buried Alive demo.

[@cassstan985]

I thought he turned what he recorded in to them. I didn't they found it

[@scramblesthedeathdealer]

I absolutely love this song, I just can't listen to it without tears. It's hauntingly beautiful. R.I.P. Jimmy and all of my loved ones who are no longer with us, God Bless you all!

[@paolovitale9604]

MIA and A Little piece of heaven (written by the REV).

[@VinAndSori]

Make sure you sign up soo we can put that on the list! Also, are these all A7x songs?

[@paolovitale9604]

No, they made about 100 songs. On wikipedia there are the titles

[@ricklaurencem.regonda8507]

MIA yes!

[@VinAndSori]

Yes!!

[@ricklaurencem.regonda8507]

VinAnd Sori thankyou very much :) We appreciate all these videos. I know there is a long list of song for you to react but please can you consider this song.. Dream Theater - The best of times lyric vid thankyou!

[@romulonery9843]

I don't know if my poor english will allow me to express how I really want but, in 7:26, when Sori asks herself if the band could possibly know what was about to come... well, The Rev wrote his part 3 days before he died, and the song was originally called "Death". It was LITERRALY Christmas (he died december 27 or 28). The band wasnt recording yet for the Nightmare album. They found out these lines and other just in January, when they decided to move on and record all Nightmare album. Also, Save Me was the first song they wrote, the singer said that in a interview in 2011, if I'm not mistaken. Anyways, the band def didnt know, but the could imagine, since The Rev always have struggled with drug addiction. Plus, The Rev wrote ALL the drum lines for this album and the piano for this song. Keep the incredible work!

[@VinAndSori]

Totally understand what you said! Good info

[@leonscottkennedy013]

I understand this song is very painful to hear. Don't worry we avenged fans support you for whatever you went through.

[@VinAndSori]

I legit feel the love for sure! One more in the rev trilogy “so far away” on the way!!!

[@leonscottkennedy013]

Can't wait brother!!!

[@stubbyburritoproductions3764]

The Rev wrote this song in secret and the singer recorded vocals after he died.

[@VinAndSori]

That’s pretty much what we’ve been hearing

[@stubbyburritoproductions3764]

The entire previous album his writing was getting more obscure (Brompton Cocktail, and A Little Piece Of Heaven, Almost Easy) and near the end of their tour he gained weight and let his beard grow too

[@VinAndSori]

So the end was coming ..

[@stubbyburritoproductions3764]

By the looks of it, it's really sad but it's also kindof enspiring how Avenged Sevenfold pulled through and kept going for him. In an interview the singer claimed they were planning on quitiing but changed their mind because he would want them to keep going.

[@VinAndSori]

Exactly! That’s pretty much the conclusion we came to in the “save me” reaction

[@173atomic]

These guys had to live through a lot. Even when they first started there was an accident when bands current singer walked into a now ex band member trying to commit suicide. Songs I Won't See You Tonight Part 1 and 2 are about the issue and address it from both sides, the person commiting and his close ones. Really amazing songs very different aswell as the emotions. You should deffinetly check it out.

[@VinAndSori]

We def will... have you subbed yet? If you sub, you can make requests that get tallied

[@173atomic]

I did, great reactions btw.

[@VinAndSori]

Really appreciate that !

[@Werewolf914]

The Rev wrote this song in secret the other band members didn't know about it, M Shadows recorded his vocals over it afterwards, and while we can't say for sure there's definitely evidence to suggest he took his own life, he wrote this song then was found dead with Alchol and different Pills, which is a 'Brompton Cocktail' which is the name of another song, Avenged Sevenfold has been my favorite band since 2005, and even though I never knew him, I cried when I heard about his death and then even more after listening to 'Fiction' I love the song but it's hard not to cry when it comes on. Rest in Peace Jimmy!

[@solomon8833]

He wrote the song and turned it in on Christmas, I believe the last time he saw the guys. I think he recorded parts of the vocals for them so they could know what it sounded like probably meant for Matt to sing it, but it sounded good enough they put some of them on there. He died 3 days after Christmas. And he titled it "Death".

[@robertonome2448]

one of the most heartfelt (and saddest) piano ballads ever written... by a 'metal' band, funnily enough I like to think that the descending arpegios section/bridge represents The Rev finally slipping up and/or letting what's "under his skin" come up and at the same time feeling the comfort in doing so (as the harmony switches up from minor to major along with the soothing backing vocals); then he calmly recites his final words and thoughts, in a sense All in all, this 'trilogy' (or rather, whole album) is by far the best musical tribute I've ever heard dedicated to a former bandmate (along with... you guessed it, Metallica's To Live is To Die).

[@fajarrev8669]

5:12 his departure is the greatest loss,i really miss you foREVer :(

[@julianyarbrough663]

Fiction was a song I've always loved and admired the rev for, but never would I have wanted to relate to this song. Last year on November 11 my uncle passed away due to a heroin overdose. I saw him a 4 days before he died and he was in that state. He had schizophrenia and the drugs didn't help. Ultimately I do believe he od'd on purpose. This song only became more valuable to me after he died. It hurts but in a helping way.

[@motorcitymaniac167]

thank you💜

[@VinAndSori]

Thank you !

[@r6exrider]

Brampton cocktail will explain a lot. also written by the rev.

[@guitarbattleslive1274]

no it's not, watch the making of video. the rev said himself that shadows wrote the lyrics?

[@VinAndSori]

That’s what i heard from someone else too just now

[@guitarbattleslive1274]

skip to 2:12 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hojSi5tmipKbhtU

[@VinAndSori]

Thanks... the more I hear about him the more I wanna know. Isn’t it crazy how every song has a story?

[@brunocabral7750]

guitar battles live it was also writen by the rev(mostly)

[@kevinhunt3311]

When I saw the tour to support the Nightmare album, this was one of the last songs. They had a piano on stage and at the very end a light shone upon it to show he was not there to play it anymore. A very powerful and memorable moment!

[@brunocabral7750]

So far away and victim are by far the most emotional songs about the rev pls do those two😄

[@VinAndSori]

We’re doing a trilogy called “the rev” we’ll do that song to round it out. In the meantime we have “save me” and “fiction” by the way... welcome to the fold Brother !!! 🤘🏾

[@stephenpetrovich2383]

reading these lyrics gave me chills...Ive heard the song a few times...but never really just listened to it....

[@jonpierce3340]

I’ve seen this request a few times but I’m gonna go ahead and highly recommend “A little piece of heaven”. You two won’t regret that one and judging by some of your other videos, you guys would have a blast breaking this one down.

[@VinAndSori]

It’s def on the list... we’re finishing the rev trilogy with “so far away” tonite!

[@jonpierce3340]

VinAnd Sori looking forward to it! That one will hit ya in the feels lol.

[@demanderhujon2317]

Your review leads me to tears...love it

[@VinAndSori]

Appreciate that

[@bradleyyoder1445]

One more request after "So Far Away"... I think they left the Rev on the happiest note with "St. James"... very underrated and one of my very favorite A7X songs... I would really appreciate it!!! Thanks again for the videos!

[@VinAndSori]

It’s a positive upbeat song?! Please yes! Tell me you’ve already joined the fold so we can put it on the list!

[@bradleyyoder1445]

VinAnd Sori absolutely... written about him more directly and super upbeat in comparison to the others. :-)

[@guitarbattleslive1274]

it's basically an irish drinking song about celebrating life:)

[@AviationTV]

The thought of doing it, the destruction it leaves behind. Usually no one knows the time will come. The Rev was a very energetic and free thinking person. When you have thoughts as these you generally find ways of not letting others know about but rather uplifting them higher to not bring others to that same place.

[@bahamut404]

This song was writing and played by the rev, M shadows dubbed the vocals to add from more substance to the song. The band had no idea about what was going to happen after the song was finished. The original title of the song was death, and was changed after the rev’s death.

[@TripleTapHK]

So in case you didn't figure it all out, the Rev wrote the song 3 days before he died and the band recorded it after his death. The drummer is actually Former Dream Theater percussionist Mike Portnoy. Honestly to me it sounds like a suicide note. The Rev struggled for so long with addiction as well as his enlarged heart. Of course it could all be just a huge coincidence but who knows.

[@MooseyFate100]

If you'd like to hear a guy facing the brink of his own mortality in a brave and knowing way, check out some of the later Queen stuff. "The Show Must Go On" and "These Are The Days Of Our Lives" are both notable "A Winter's Tale" is the last song Freddie Mercury ever wrote, two weeks before his death.

[@VinAndSori]

Man.... that’s crazy. Ok on the list. Which one first ?

[@MooseyFate100]

"The Show Must Go On" is my recommendation. Written by Brian May, and a crazy vocal performance from a very sick man

[@tplouffe9226]

VinAnd Sori In The Show Must Go On, the vocals from Freddie were done in 1 take, I think that is a noteworthy thing when listening to how emotional and powerful the performance was. The last song he recorded vocals for was Mother Love, its a haunting song because he was months away from dying while recording it and he was in a very very bad condition, pretty much on the verge of death. And he sang each line as they were written because he knew he wouldnt be able to wait for the whole song the be done, he also recorded it with just drums because he couldnt wait for it all to be written and halfway through the song, the lead singer changes to Brian May, Queen's lead guitarist, because Freddie died before the song could be finished.

[@VinAndSori]

Wow, we’ll do it !

[@SVNFLDFN]

The Rev wrote this song and didnt tell the band about it and turned it in 3 days before he died and told the producer that he felt like he was done helping on the album. The producer didnt think anything about it and didnt listen to it yet. 3 days later ye was found dead and the producer listened to it and showed it to the band. It was originally titled "death" by the Rev but the band changed it to "Fiction" because that was the Rev's nickname for himself. Then they recorded M shadows vocals over it too. The rev played the drums, sang, and played the piano on this song

[@soundsannin1870]

Did drums piano and lyrics. Just like a little piece of heaven.

[@RandomHeroSpotting]

The Rev actually played the piano, did the drum work, sang and wrote this song. He did finish this song three days before he was found dead. Many believe this song was his suicide note, he was battling a disease that doctors told him he will live to 30, he had an enlarged heart. The Song Brompton Cocktail was a song about his disease that he wrote, it describes his method of suicide and that he "has the right to die". It is such a sad sad story 😞 The Rev actually did the drums for Nightmare too! Their is a version on KZbin that features his drums and backing vocals! Another thing I heard, don't know if it is entirely true.. Syn wrote So Far Away a little bit before the Rev's passing, it was actually a tribute to one of his grandparents. I heard that Syn and Jimmy both cried together as Syn sang the lyrics to him.

[@FalloutEnthusiast]

I love what you guys are doing here and love your commentary. The Rev and a7x made me realize at a very young age that music was my passion, and I haven't looked back since. Listening to City of Evil in elementary school made me love fast, hard drums and rough vocals, and even got me into guitar. I owe a lot to this band, more than even I realize right now, but the Rev especially has made me see that music is my life. Anyways, y'all listened to one of their harder songs to listen to, and were able to see why it is held in such a regard, while also showing a lot of respect to the late Rev and the fans. Instant subscribe after this one, blew me away.

[@seanwilkinson5547]

I have the same Fiction tat that Jimmy had. Same meaning same everything. I met the band in 2014 and showed them...Syn and Matt cried

[@TripleTapHK]

You guys really really really need to react to the song Victim from Avenged Sevenfold. It's a very interesting portrayal of some of the events and emotions the band went through surrounding the Rev's death. It's almost a bit angry and resentful towards Rev to some degree and I think that's one of the reasons they don't play it live. I think it's just a bit too real for them. The song actually helped me cope with the loss of my little brother to an overdose and is now one of my favorite songs of all time.

[@thelanternexpress9371]

The Rev did the piano and drums and some of the vocals. He wrote this song and they recorded it 3 days before he died.

[@imcherylynn]

I know I came late to this, but I just wanted to share. I saw the live debut of this song. What was done was they brought out a piano, left it empty, and put a spotlight on it during The Rev's parts. It was a lot. Very emotional. It was just the piano, M. Shadows, and their current drummer at the time, Arin (it was also his first show with them). We had a lot of firsts that night, Fiction was just one of them. The whole audience sang along to his parts as well.

[@dillonsronce2583]

The rev was an amazing piano player as well as drummer obviously.

[@frkshw_edc9887]

Haven't read all the comments for this video but The Rev actually wrote and did the initial recording of this song without the knowledge of the other band members

[@alickswiden71]

he died 3 days after he finished writing it and proposed it to the band. His voice on it is demo recordings that they kept, but he died before they went into the studio. Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater (one of Rev's idols) came in to record the drums that the Rev wrote and go on a few tours with the band when they came back

[@alickswiden71]

He didn't drum on any songs on the album but wrote for all of them apart from the 2 that were written as tributes to him

[@alburnett75]

Beautiful song and they play as tribute to Rev at their concerts. What a talented soul he was.

[@mt12450]

Brings me tears every time. Even watching halls reaction. Straight waterfall. foREVer

[@VinAndSori]

Tough song

[@mt12450]

+VinAnd Sori Time to get on that Architects train. Very similar situation to the Rev passing, their founding guitar player and predominant song writer passed away from cancer in 2016. A bit of their last album is him writing about the sickness he was going through at the time, y’all should react to Gone With The Wind. Brilliant song

[@VinAndSori]

Architects... that’s the name of he band ?

[@mt12450]

+VinAnd Sori yup, English metalcore band. Riffs for dayz!!

[@VinAndSori]

Legit !

[@tamiramos5873]

If you listen to alot of the songs that Jimmy had to be in control of writing, you will see a pattern. This song can be paired up with a few lyrics in the song "So Far Away." Listen to and read the lyrics to "Brompton Cocktail" & "I Won't See You Tonight"

[@derrickgpgwilson5371]

Since the first time I heard Fiction I've described it as? Feeling very heavy (like weight on your shoulders) and gradually the weight lifting by the time the song ends.

[@kuneefay]

Great content! 'Jenny' and 'God Went North' by Nothing More are powerful songs. Looking forward to more from you guys!

[@VinAndSori]

Awesome!! Make sure you suscribe so we can tally your suggestions !

[@gabrieltommy3657]

This song wasnt originally suppose to be called death but when the rest of the band found the song, the original name to the song was Death

[@seanlee91]

The Rev actually wrote the entire song musically and lyrically. It was actually supposed to be just him singing but, he never got to sing the entire song due to his passing. Fiction was his goodbye letter to his bandmates, friends, family, the whole world. The rest of the band never caught on that he was saying goodbye in this song until he actually died. If you do some research, you will see that he died from a mixture of certain prescription drugs and alcohol and that mixture that he made is actually called a Brompton Cocktail. If you go back to their self-titled album, there's a song called Brompton Cocktail that The Rev wrote. He wrote that song saying that's what he was gonna do years later. He was born with an enlarged heart and was told that he wouldn't live pass the age of 28. So, he decided that if he was gonna die, he wanted to go on his own terms. Seriously, check out the song Brompton Cocktail, it was his forewarning song.

[@bachsoutdooradventures]

He wrote this song. And played drums. And guest vocals

[@rosie7447]

The Stage is an incredible and deep song highly recommend very great song to pick apart lyrically my all time favorite song 👍🏻

[@VinAndSori]

Yes the stage is the second most requested song behind so far away!!

[@VinAndSori]

Tell me you subbed so we can add it to the list !!

[@rosie7447]

Yes I did love your reactions ! Love how you breakdown the songs and both songs are incredible 👍🏻

[@VinAndSori]

We appreciate the time you took to watch us for real!!

[@rosie7447]

Of course ! Looking forward to future videos 👍🏻

[@suaelephantpen4407]

another great reaction..thanks you guys ...

[@VinAndSori]

Thank YOU !

[@grandsaga]

The research and reflections are quality contributions. Good channel.

[@sarcasmoassholio4208]

Hey guys, check out "Hollow Years" Live at Budokhan by Dream Theater. BTW that's Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater on drums for this a7x album who taught the Rev. He stepped in to finish recording after he passed.

[@aaronjohnson4566]

The rev wrote this song and played the drums and piano but wrote the song brumptin cocktail also for his suicide note and this song was about his good bye and stuff 😭🤘🏻

[@mrich998]

Jimmy was in a world of his own. He always knew he wasn't going to be around for a long time. He's always had a way with music and foreshadowing. Before he died, he had undergone lasik eye surgery. A lot of people struggle with that surgery, a lot of people commit suicide but the medication was too much for his heart. Jimmy didn't go on purpose. Jimmy gave us what we were meant to have from him. He gave us Jimmy full speed ahead and I couldn't be more grateful for it.

[@kenna5495]

also, jimmy *the rev* wrote and composed the entire song without the band knowing. he then gave the song to matt *the singer* three days before he died. matt finished his lyrics later on, after jimmys death...

[@kaiza3312]

This song makes me tear up everytime. Favourite band and always will be. foREVer

[@xerodelacroix5552]

Check out So Far Away, the video is ab absolutely beautiful tribute to him. The Rev also wrote the lyrics of Brompton Cocktail and the backing vocals (sung by himself) on Afterlife off the album prior to this, those should clear up a lot of speculation.

[@VinAndSori]

We’re literally five minutes away from recording “so far away” to close out “The Rev” trilogy ... be on the lookout. Find us on Facebook:VinSori.seven

[@martinallen589]

Please do The raven that refused to sing by Steven Wilson. Love your reactions guys!

[@VinAndSori]

On it! Intriguing title !!

[@Kjertinge]

Also to Sori, The Rev wrote these demos around Christmas time, while everyone was on break/holidays. And he just wrote some music and then left this earth. And as a band and family (it took them forever to finish the album and finish this song) but they did it for the fans and The rev

[@carrieburns9535]

The Rev recorded this whole song, piano, drums and vocals. He turned the tape to M. Shadows just a couple days before his death and said, " That's it. That's all I got left to give." Of course Matt thought he meant for the album. They didn't listen to the track until after he died. Which was not a suicide attempt or intentional overdose-it was combined with an enlarged heart & the narcotics they found in his system. Either way, he felt alot, too much for any one person to handle. This world is not a forgiving place, nor is its' people. Following his immediate death, A7X were all sitting with friends and family slumbering in Matt's living room for days. Then someone said, 'we should listen to it (the tape)." They did, and in quiet, they all lost their emotions, understandably so. They said, "It was like he knew. He was saying goodbye to us". Later on, while perfecting all the demos, Matt had added in some, but few vocals on this track, and left the rest in its original form. It was the hardest song they ever had to listen to. And for the fans, I think I can say for all of us, it was extremely difficult for us as well. I believe many of us who deal with depression &/or substance abuse, we just know when our time is coming, we know when we've had enough of this difficult world. Even if our death is not necessarily suicide, we know when our body, our mind, our emotions just can't take it anymore. You're not alone. If you or anyone you know suffers from unwanted thoughts or substance use, you may call the numbers below. Suicide Prevention Hotline: [phone] Substance Abuse Hotline: [phone] REST IN PEACE foREVer

[@cameronharrington6813]

I can't find anything past 2014 where they did this song in concert. Going to see them next Sunday with a friend who only listens to RnB...

[@johnjohnson9425]

I really like that you guys get in depth with your reactions. Would love to see you react to Chapter Four by Avenged Sevenfold and get your take on it

[@JayMill24]

That first line you felt. I saw it in your eyes. Very real line. Props to you Bro.

[@DexScene]

You should definately react on critical acclaim - A7X live in LBC. You can see Rev live there and how tallented was he ^.^

[@VinAndSori]

On the list for sure !

[@fzr9359]

@@VinAndSori please do this!

[@chrisstief2479]

Brompton Cocktail also written by the Rev. he knew he was going to end his life thru addiction. He was a genius who couldn’t control himself and addiction and mental disorder is some times not over come. Saying all that. I am Christian and have had many of the same issues. When you dig deep and get older you handle it. He was just a child.

[@Totally_not_hated]

chris stief nope, The rev had a condition called cardiomegaly...an enlarged heart...he told his band mates back when they were kids and he said “I’m not gonna live past 28” if he did it would be very painful...suicide or not idk, I hope it wasn’t suicide but at the same time I do because it’s going out on his own terms...addiction wasn’t a really main reason behind it. Nor was mental illness

[@chrisstief2479]

I did see about his heart condition but it does stand that it was a “accidental” suicide. Rip Rev no the less.

[@haamed8267]

Your channel is the only reaction channel that contains so deep discussions about meaning of songs. Cheers from a muslim in iran.

[@prov9697]

Its not known if it was suicide or not. Lot of people think this was his suicide note. I believe its the rev playing the piano and mike portnoy from dream theater ( the revs favourite drummer) was on the drums.

[@VinAndSori]

Beautiful song

[@prov9697]

And thank you for doing this song. There is nothing the a7x fans love more than The Reverend Tholomew Plague

[@VinAndSori]

We know that’s for sure!!

[@deepshadowsentertainment]

Portnoy did not do the drums on this song

[@marcussilva4961]

@@deepshadowsentertainment wrong, portnoy record all drum lines of this album,

[@lfatherev5510]

I love your video. I am a new ITALIAN subscriber

[@VinAndSori]

Whoa! Thank you !!

[@andronokissthewolf7727]

The rev wrote the piano parts two

[@VinAndSori]

Really?? Talented guy! -Sori🤘🏻

[@askylinesdivision]

Great video! I think the Rev also recorded the piano if I’m not mistaken! Such a great and talented musician. We miss you foREVer!🤘🏼

[@cautionwetfloor525]

The Rev wrote this song and did everything for it when he presented it to the rest of the band and sung the lyrics drums and he had the guitarist play exactly what he wanted him to play they put his vocals with the lead singers right after he passed away he wrote the song because he did know he did have long this was his way of saying goodbye

[@Crhoedso]

There’s a theory that The Rev’s death was a suicide, and “Fiction” is his suicide note, and he was planning on committing suicide since there self-titled album, with the song “Brompton Cocktail”, which is the mix of medicine with alcohol, that’s how he died.

[@davistimmyd]

That song makes me cry every time

[@ReaperProduction666]

He doesn't want the pain of leaving everyone behind to burn under his skin he doesn't want to feel the sorrow of leaving

[@monimoo88]

I know afew people who KNEW they were going to die. my aunt the most recent. she kept telling her husband she had to leave and needed to go and he didn't know what she meant. two days later she was gone. my stepdads friend had a similar situation. woke up one morning and told his roommate that something bad was going to happen and kept calling out in prayer. he left for work and ended up dying in a car accident.

[@andrewvasquez7872]

The coolest/saddest aspect of this song is that nothing, not even the drums had to be re-done or re-recorded after he died. The takes he did for this song were perfect enough that they were able to piece it together after his death because he died before the album was finished. M. Shadows recorded his part AFTER the Rev died. The hardest part for the fans was not only knowing that Jimmy "The Rev" was the heart of the band but that the guys were childhood friends.

[@Kjertinge]

I was a Rev fan since I was a kid. Been listening to them since 2004. Bought Waking The fallen when I was just 9 years old. There’s no doubt in my mind (and it seems obvious) that this song and many other songs on this album (lyrically) we’re good bye notes from him And as we know he ODd and we know he did for his own reason The band doesn’t like to speculate or make conspiracies as it doesn’t bring their brother back but you can’t ignore the music he’s wrote.

[@lucasfelton4034]

At this point in recording where the Rev died, he had just submitted the demo for this song. At the time, there was talk that the album was going to be a concept album following a character, and this song was actually to be titled "Death". It was said by the band that the recording was good enough in quality that they could use his singing parts in the final cut. Most of the other songs were recorded in demo form but did not have lyrics yet (which is why they ditched the concept album and made it a tribute album to his memory). After his passing, they finished this track and changed the title to "Fiction" which was a nickname of the Rev.

[@tarkus1056]

The album this song is from was going to be a concept album with a story connecting all songs, this specific song was called "Death" and was the closer of the album. After The Rev's passing the band didn't feel like continuing with the concept album and instead used the ideas The Rev had left to write songs about him and the situation. Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater recorded the rest of the drums.

[@willypokemon6211]

Fiction "Is the last song made by The Rev" This song seems to contain the last message and a prediction of what will happen when The Rev gives the lyrics to the song this is a terrible and shocking thing for the other band personnel, fiction songs, originally created far before, the album nightmare song which was originally titled "DEATH" then after the death of The rev, Avenged Sevenfold changed its title to "Fiction" as a tribute to the rev this song contains thoughts of hope from the dead, but the effect of the listeners is the worst nightmare, I miss you Jimmy😢

[@The_Crooked_Path]

The REV wrote all parts of this song (maybe other than the synth). He was a talented pianist, drummer and vocalist and lyricist.

[@r6exrider]

the rev finished this song 3 days before he passed. he wrote it and it was originally called death i think

[@mike3963]

I like the song because it reminds you that we all have an end and to remember that those who have passed wouldn’t want us to worry about them and they would want us to live life for them.

[@askylinesdivision]

Also, the guy with the higher voice is the Rev, baritone lower voice is M. Shadows