Avenged Sevenfold - The Tragic Story of The Rev's Final Song

[@farabimandriva]

I loved how in fiction there's a lyric saying "promise me you'll never feel afraid" and then in so far away there's a lyric saying "sleep tight I'm not afraid"

[@EnergeticSpark63]

hey

[@360entertainment2]

12 years later and we’re still talking about him, this man knew what he was doing!

[@EnergeticSpark63]

hey

[@thatsarock]

13 years

[@EnergeticSpark63]

@@thatsarock hey

[@andrewpappas9311]

RIP Jimmy, you were definitely one of the best rock/metal drummers and you'll always live on with Avenged's music

[@unrealsin1979]

So Neil peart and joey jordison doesn't exist. Woooow...

[@Marta1Buck]

@@unrealsin1979 one of the best, can't you read?

[@andrewpappas9311]

@@unrealsin1979 I said Jimmy was one of the best, not the definitive best

[@rimastyduta2728]

@@unrealsin1979 at least read it first, "ONE OF" it's literally cost nothing

[@peanutm9346]

@@unrealsin1979 what about the drummer from nickelback legit the best

[@apolloxeon]

That album will always give me chills thou, especially considering the creepy gothic arrangements and background vocals... definitely git me through some very dark times

[@DeweyJHall1]

Agreed. You can just feel that Nightmare is different than all the other records. It's definitely a go to for when I'm having hard times.

[@vinodkumaraug]

"Save me" makes me cry every time I listen to it

[@DeweyJHall1]

@@vinodkumaraug its a very emotional song for sure

[@jeffwilliams3224]

I went to the nightmare tour,...emotional is an understatement, but powerful and almost angelic. Hellyeah also played while Vinny Paul was around still and he wanted everybody to scream so his brother Dimebag could hear, I almost went deaf, louder than standing next to the tower speakers. Dimebag for sure was hearing that shit from Valhalla. A7x came out, put up the picture of them huddled around the rev as their backdrop, did a stage huddle, and then Matt said, "colorado was Jimmy's favorite place to play, he's here with us all tonight" if you've never seen metalheafs cry, that was the showstopper see it, as well as the best concert I've ever been too.

[@apolloxeon]

@@jeffwilliams3224 holy shit bro, that sounds so fucking cool... it's one of those things I just wish I was there, the closest thing to that I've seen them do is when they performed "so far away" around 2015 I think... I can't remember the setting properly but I think it was in a closed off stadium, I'm pretty sure you can find the video on KZbin (or not cause I don't see it now that I'm not using yt premium), but bottom line I think what you described is just one of those things you should've been there to truly experience

[@juliusnisonen2431]

The outro to fiction is some of the most heartbreaking music I've ever heard

[@FalloutEnthusiast]

truly, its so foreboding. hard to listen to sometimes knowing it was prolly one of the last vocal lines he ever recorded, or at least 1 of the few last ones.

[@NFCSiLENCE]

Yeah but not as hard as So Far Away. And in Fiction these "Let it burn" are also hitting

[@morganc.m1830]

​@NFCSiLENCE dude, that song is literally a s*icide note. It hits harder than "So Far Away." "So Far Away" is a response to "Fiction".

[@staystrongjoseph]

Jimmy and avenged basically changed my life when i was about 14 years old. I started watching every live show, interview and funny moments of them that it made me feel like i had a second family, specialy when i felt lonely and sad. I'm 24 now, even though i don't listen to them as i used to a decade ago, but they are one of the most important bands in my life and when an a7x song comes up i never skip it. For me, Jimmy WAS a7x and he defined their sound. After he was gone, They are still amazing writers but just not the same for me

[@decemberflower3990]

What kind of music you listening to now?

[@staystrongjoseph]

@@decemberflower3990 Everything honestly, but my fav band is Anathema at the moment cuz i connect with them emotionally. Joe satriani is also one of my fav, and i recentely discovered a band called "sleep token" which blew my mind I also listen to shoegaze a lot

[@fatboysgarage7984]

I couldn't agree more. I always had an interest in music, but the first time I heard City of Evil and their self-titled album, I knew I had to learn music. Playing music and listening to their first 6 (7 if you count Live in LBC as a full album) got me through a lot of bad things in life.

[@staystrongjoseph]

@@fatboysgarage7984 same my dude! Definitely life changing albums!

[@Clockworrk66]

@@staystrongjoseph sleep token is amazing

[@MammothPlanet1]

Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan was one of my favorite drummers growing up and I will always take his style of drumming anywhere with me and every time I listen to the song Fiction it makes me cry because I knew it was his last song he ever wrote and it was kind of a message saying "I hope what ever I left behind is worth it" we will always love you for what you did for Avenged Sevenfold Rest In Peace "The Rev" FoREVer ❤

[@iplaywithrocksforfun]

Do you remember when they released his death as a plane crash in the news paper? I still remember where I was when it happened like it was yesterday. I was crushed

[@mandrew20111]

I couldn’t listen to fiction or saint james when they came out, both make me cry... and I’m a 30 year old man... 🤦🏻‍♂️ losing jimmy still to this day brings me to tears sometimes. I always wanted to meet him more than anything else in life and I never got the chance.

[@codydrummer]

Rip Jimmy. I am surprised that you didn't mention the fact that they got Jimmy's favorite drummer Mike Portnoy to record the album as an honor to him. Portnoy and Shadows got tattoos of the Deathbat logo with The Revs face too.

[@joelmacdonald6994]

Negative. Most of the drums on the albums were done by the “Rev”. Portnoy finished a few bits, and he did the tour after, but Jimmy is very present on the album. This was Jimmy’s last album.

[@meant4hell]

Not only that, but Mike refused to do the double ride thing when playing live, nor did he want to be in any of the music videos out of respect for Jimmy.

[@codydrummer]

@@joelmacdonald6994 that is incorrect. The Rev had demoed the drums but the recording was all Portnoy. They did release bonus tracks with the demos, but the album was definitely Portnoy. He played the Revs parts adding little touches but being as true to the parts written as possible.

[@woodenhoe]

@@joelmacdonald6994 most of the songs are based on Jimmy's demo, except the last song "Save Me". You can notice the Portnoy's tricks here and there.

[@woodenhoe]

"It's like playing my own song" -Mike Portnoy

[@mitchluckersrightshoe]

Jimmy is one of the few people who's death I still cry about so many years after it happened. God I miss him

[@krisryker666]

Me too..

[@tuievans]

Same here

[@sovietelmo3000]

Bruh y’all didn’t even know him

[@krisryker666]

Doesn’t mean we don’t care 😡

[@sweetangel6630]

@@sovietelmo3000 there’s a connection some people make with musicians they love that I can’t really explain, almost like they/their music are a best friend

[@eridinus2110]

RIP Jimmy You Will Be Missed And Loved Hope Your At Peace Now And FoREVer

[@monsoonsynner6939]

He just ran into the woods and when he comes back he’ll be the knife master!

[@georgefloydsinhellwbreonna5330]

@@monsoonsynner6939 facts 🤘🏼

[@reaperkollyns6495]

He's gone into the woods and he's never coming back, and when he comes back, he'll be the knife master.

[@eeshsinger]

like dr seuss said: dont cry because it's over. smile because it happened. RIP The Rev you super talented man His story had a really sad ending he may be gone but we and future generations will still be loving him and his songs

[@MartinBellamyMBDrums]

I remember hearing Fiction for the first time when that album dropped. It’s still one of my favourite songs.

[@TheJayLordx]

It completely broke me, such a haunting song. I remember being laid in my room and bursting into tears at the part where it dies down and the outro.

[@iancampbell5493]

Just wanna share: The Rev was the first well-known artists death that I’d experienced. I was 14, just starting to carve my own path with musical interests. I was very into other deceased artists (SRV, Queen, Cash, to name a few), but many of them were gone before I was alive, or too young to be aware of their passing. This one fucking hurt. I remember my mom texting me about it first thing in the morning while I was crashing at a friends house. I rolled off the bed and cried pretty hard. Felt a little silly about it cause I’d never “known” him, but the impact he alone had on my pursuit of drumming was enough to feel connected with him. I’m not alone in this and sure plenty felt the same pain. Thank you Jimmy, I genuinely wouldn’t be the same without your influence.

[@mildly_0]

thank you guys so much for spreading word about this legendary man. now everyone will understand everything a little bit more 🖤

[@EnergeticSpark63]

hey

[@jaystechroom]

I remember being a senior in high school and everyone telling me hey man I'm sorry about what happened. Then I went to my bands practice and they told me. I couldn't believe it. My favorite drummer. Gone. So I decided to play PDP drums in his honor and a Tama snare drum so I can always remember how I started playing drums on a Tama imperialstar set and that I play music not just for myself but for my idols such as Jimmy. Rock in heaven bro

[@mezzripper5708]

Jimmy was absolutely one of the best drummers in this era...and could hold his own in any era! He lyrics were also very underrated!! So sad to lose such a talent at that young of an age.

[@Osric24]

The Rev was a classic shooting star. Burned hot and burned fast. One wonders if he knew all along or not. But there never was nor will ever be another like him. The drum skill, the screams, the brilliant writing and composing. RIP St. James.

[@dimesnake]

Exactly 💯

[@ziamarie]

I met Ax7 back in 2006 and all of them were so sweet and down to earth but none moreso than Jimmy. The way he talked to you made you feel like you knew eachother for years instead of minutes. Im so glad i got to meet him before he died. RIP Jimmy...foREVer

[@rxdhxrns]

Thank you for remembering him, but you would talk more about his Enlarged Heart and the fact he already got a diagnosis that his cardiac problems would get worse nearing 30. That’s why he knew he wouldn’t make it. That’s why he was taking painkillers. I’m just glad he got his rest and gave us so many good songs. RIP Jimmy.

[@monsoonsynner6939]

Such an emotional song, Jimmy’s vocals give me chills every time. I hope the Rev is up in A Little Piece of Heaven training to become the KNIFE MASTER

[@MetaldivaSez]

Such a wonderful story and tribute to The Rev. "Fiction" is beautiful.

[@nickfischer750]

Fiction was the song that I heard when I was on my way to the hospital to see my grandmother's final moments. Still to this day I cannot hear that song and those final lyrics without sobbing uncontrollably. "I hope it's worth it, what's left behind me, yeah, I know you'll find your own way, when I'm not with you." Love you gma, love ya jimmy. And to all my lost friends. Love y'all.

[@FalloutEnthusiast]

i remember being in 5th grade listening to betrayed on repeat when i used to visit my gma in the hospital. this was 2009. she ended up passing in 2010 and the first time i heard fiction i just bursted into tears.

[@ChrisInmanDrums]

The Rev was the reason I started playing Drums. And given how the drums have gone on to define my life, I can honestly say that this one man had the biggest impact on my life any one individual ever has or will. It’s everyone’s dream to leave behind a legacy in some way, shape or form, and he sure as hell did that.

[@Cannedbread09]

I feel you on that he inspired me to start playing drums last year so i am always thankful for my best friend for showing me avenged and introducing me to the rev and giving me a favorite drummer and someone to look up to when playing drums

[@jonibravo99]

You didnt even cover any of their song on your channel lol

[@shanesmithwiu]

RIP Jimmy! Your legacy will live on until your brothers see you again!

[@arinda6824]

Miss you, Jimmy. I really do. We'll gonna get to see you again someday, in a little piece of heaven.

[@DatalyConduct]

I feel really compelled to emphasize the tragedy of this death. Being related to a lot of the band members close friends from family connections and hanging out with these guys every so often, I want to shed light on a few things missing from this video. As such I ask sincerely to keep all of your respect among the band members intact and to not bombard the band members about this before continuing. I can say with confidence no one expected this to happen and didn’t intend to talk about it. But I can’t help but want to clear the mystery and stigma surrounding Jimmy’s death on behalf of everyone who knew him personally. All I want from this is to provide closure to anyone who has been affected by his passing because reading a lot of comments from you guys, I can tell he meant a lot to you all. For some of you he was your inspiration to start playing music and a hero in your life. Again, all I ask is to respect everyone involved because this was very traumatic for all who were. So ahead of time, I give much thanks for respecting these wishes before you continue reading: When you see Jimmy playing behind the scenes notice there is quite a few times where he is wearing prescription glasses. The reason I mention this is because this is partially the reason for his passing and why the whole thing is so heartbreaking. Jimmy was always known to wear glasses when he wasn’t recording videos or doing shows because if he wasn’t wearing them, he was practically blind. Even when we would cross paths in the gym (we all went to the same one) he was always wearing his glasses. Which also adds solidarity to the amount of talent he possessed as not only a drummer, but a musician as a whole. For all who didn’t know, when Jimmy was playing live for everyone and all of you, he was also playing blind. He did not wear contact lenses. Which leads to the build up of what happened. 2 weeks before his passing Jimmy received eye surgery so he didn’t have to wear glasses anymore and to help play better without the use of contact lenses or spectacles. To which he was prescribed pain medication for his procedure. The sad truth is, as we all knew and as stated in this video, Jimmy loved alcohol. A lot. The night before his passing he was together with his band mates and his wife at a party/get together. According to the band mates and friends there, Jimmy’s skin was grey in color so he was sent to bed to rest. But he never woke up. It was a bad mixture that took him but that wasn’t his intent at all. Many people were upset that he wasn’t sent to a hospital by friends or anyone, however no one knew what was truly going on when it came to the band mates. Jimmy, The Rev, was each and every band members first death they ever experienced. So when the narrator mentions that they didn’t know where they’d go after that with the band they were 100% right. They just lost their best friend overnight and had not dealt with this situation before. For the band to continue on as they did has me respect every member in this band, old or new. This was a MASSIVE blow and nobody saw it coming. Nobody. Not at the time it happened at least. Out of respect I’m not mentioning anything else other than that you are missed, Jimmy and it still feels like yesterday that it happened, not this long. You impacted a lot of souls, dude. More than you could have ever imagined and more. We all miss you terribly and the stories you brought forth and extremely glad that Matt, Brian and everyone put your voice through the speakers as of now to preserve WHAT you brought forth and to ease the pressure off the bands new drummer. Was one of the best tributes to a band mate and one of the highest considerations for a new band mate I’ve ever seen and glad you both were the ones to receive it. Favorite story from you was the time you went to the Huntington Beach/Fountain Valley Guitar Center and stumbled upon that blues drumming competition. I’m keeping that one close to the chest. But by far one of my favorite moments from you. Rest In Peace friend. You were a diamond in the rough for sure. And gone too soon✌️🤟❤️

[@meunomenaoethiago284]

Thank you for the enlightening, man. That man was a great inspiration, and i remember hearing his drums the first time when first listening to waking the fallen. I'll never forget that feeling, he was indeed gone too soon, and for sure is missed a lot

[@Dwdrummer1995]

I remember from an interview, one of the other band members said he had just purchased a new car prior to his passing.

[@poconodrumz]

When I was getting into rock and metal when I was a kid, the rev was the first metal drummer I got into

[@Perro73]

Rough...everyone else is a downgrade, compared to The Rev

[@anttheman6370]

Matt had one of the most amazing and unique voices wish he made more songs when he had that amazing voice

[@marcelofg4214]

Fiction always makes me come close to crying, or in other cases, making me cry. The song has the deepest, most literal meaning behind the lyrics which makes us all realize how much Jimmy struggled until he met his death. Its simply inexplicable. RIP Rev 😢

[@MelTheMisfit]

I still can't fully get through Fiction without shedding a few tears especially with his voice coming through at the end. Jimmy passed a week before my memeré so it was two losses back to back for me. Two people I cared about and looked up to were gone. And though I never got the chance to meet him, I will never forget the 2 shows I was lucky enough to see him at in 2008 performing with the band. He was and still is an inspiration to me musically and I know I'll never forget him.

[@NotGoodEnoughTheory]

I was obsessed with him... I wrote a school paper on him.... I doodled death bats with his hair style in school.... I tried to cover all his songs on my drum set growing up.... How he felt about Dime Bag was how I felt about him.... I never obsessed more over a musical idol than I did Jimmy. I always aimed to one day be a famous musician myself... I busted my ass off my whole life to learn how to write and compose music. I started on drums at seven. I was this goofy out of place heavy metal kid growing up in Hesperia California who was a fish out of water just playing drums, guitar, piano, just what ever I could get my hands on... One day in high school I played this riff at my friend's house... My friend was like "Hey, what song is that?" And I was like.... I don't know, I just made it up.... So he played unholy Confessions by Avenged Sevenfold... I was stunned... I was playing a riff similar to that by mistake... The one I was playing was in standard tuning at the time.... I didn't know what drop D was yet.... After that, I became curious about A7X. Then I seen a DVD of The Rev... And I was hooked... This guy reminded me of myself... Reckless, relentless, determined, goofy, weird, a creative analytic who's just misunderstood unafraid of what people thought of me.... I was that goofy clown kid that would say... But I thought it was funny.... Before I even knew the rev did that... It was like... Holly crap.... That's me... That guy is so much like me.... Mismatching my cloths... Looking like a carnival attraction... Always getting into art of all sorts be it music, painting, drawing, and creative writing... When I seen that he could do it... I felt that I could do it... If he can do it, I can do it... We're so much alike... I know what it's like to be a creative analytic who's only obsession in life is to write limitless compositions.... When the rest of the world doesn't matter to me... The only thing that matters is my brush and canvas.... Everything from my life, to my work, all of it.... It's just a work of art to me... From my greatest failures... To my greatest moments of success.... The big difference between me and him is... I have no support..... I do it all on my own the hardest way possible... With the world revolving against me... Back in the 80s and 90s it was possible to get support from talented band members... But... When your the underdog in a pop culture infested world that doesn't share your enthusiasm for heavy metal.... I didn't let that stop me... I write full on demos all by myself all instruments just me.... The Rev is my inspirational hero... Even after all these years. I wrote in my paper that one day, I wanted to meet the rev in person and either have him sign my drum sticks, I would have dropped dead if he would have drummed with me in a jam or something... Than that day came when MSN reported his death... I was going on about how inspired I was about him and waiting excited for the new album.... And my Dad said... "Son, I have some bad news for you.... The Rev is dead." I was devastated and heartbroken. A7X just... Wasn't the same after Jimmy. No offense to brooks... Jimmy was that 50 year storm... The kind of guy who only comes once in a lifetime... He was like Patrick swayze in point break. He mastered that kit... He didn't just thrash on it.... He made that kit SING.... He made that kit Dance... He made that kit twist and turn... He did things with that kit I never in my life heard anyone do..... He composed heart melting rhythms and when you listen to his tracks.... It's like so much soul is poured into every single take... I still go back and analyse his style... This push, pull, twist, turn, it's like the ocean playing the drums, it's like he builds worlds or something.... It's way more than just thrash hard, be impressive, and over kill it... This guy put a reason and a purpose behind every stroke... This guy painted pictures with that kit... No offense to Joey jordanson (Whom I share a birthday with 4/26) Joey was awesome... But the Rev, he was a whole other world of drumming to listen to.... Between Joey from slipknot... Moose from Bullet for my Valentine. These drummers were really great... Hell, even the drummer of Asking Alexandria is pretty good... But... When it comes to Jimmy... The only thing I thing could ever beat Jimmy... Would be if Asking Alexandria drummer had Jimmy's soul behind the kit.... If he could push it, pull it, twist it, turn it, and build songs that told stories behind that kit where the drums really illustrate this.... Motionless in whites drummer comes very close to this.... Not quite... It's still missing something... It needs this perfect level give and take that only jimmy could pull off.... He had this way of having a perfect balance of pure diversity.... It just.... It's almost as if he has a scientific formula to get the right just the right flavors in every stroke... It's just insane how he wrote all that.... There probably never will ever in a million years ever be another Jimmy the rev Sullivan. There is no drummer alive that could be him.... He is the Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley of heavy metal drums.... He deserves the Rock n Roll hall of Fame hands down. That's my opinion.

[@acrasis]

holy shit, i didn’t realize how deep this project really went. this is my favorite album from a7x, this hits so much deeper knowing the history behind it. thank you for this video

[@MysticalEmpress23]

Every time I hear “so far away” I tear up a little.. it’s so sad really

[@brandonblount5909]

RIP Jimmy, as he falls, his memory, his creativity, spirit and love lives on within his family, his friends and the band. Farewell to another iconic drummer and an amazing artist. Rest easy buddy.

[@juggaloluke55]

Such a shame he died. He was SO FUCKING TALENTED

[@fictionTR]

The brightest souls always burn out the fastest… 😔

[@nickknee3515]

When I was getting into A7X around 2010, I had no idea about Jimmy being gone. I got City of Evil first and and played the hell out of that album and I was in awe at the drum sound and how insane every song was, then I got the White album at the same time I got Nightmare. I listened to the White album abunch but when I started listening to Nightmare, my cousin had died in a car accident and it hit me and the family pretty hard. I would just drive around listening to that album thinking of my cousin and I thought it was weird how the album just spoke to me during my mourning process and how much it made it hurt before it got better. Then I heard the story of Jimmy and all the rest of the things about the album and his untimely death and it just gave that album even more meaning to me. Thank you Jimmy R.I.P

[@dskatyusha6282]

RIP Jimmy i loved your songs and I am glad the band kept going

[@aaronryder4008]

I get chills every time I hear Fiction. The fact that this guy worked his ass off to leave a footprint in the world of metal before his death gives me strange kind of motivation. Thank you for everything The Rev

[@ZackSkyes]

It's so good to hear that again after a decade, he definitely left his mark.

[@timmccoy9860]

I'm black, I ❤ Avenged Sevenfold music, and I had a younger brother who was the DJ & backbone of a local rap group we had called AMH(Arkansas' Most Hated) and he passed in the summer of 2019 at the age 39 before he could make 40. Everytime I hear "Seized The Day" or "So Far Away" I weep and think of me and my brother's rough but humble beginnings and upbringings. RIP Jimmy the "Rev" AKA Nickel Bag Jimmy and say hello to my bro for me and see ya soon......

[@Irrelevantdrummer]

Jimmy is one of the main reasons I found a passion for drumming. His death really affected me and tons of others, but he will always live on. Rest in Power, foREVer

[@mandrew20111]

I think Jimmy touched many more people than he could have ever imagined. My life goal was to meet him, I was in a band and I fully planned on meeting him on the big stage one day. Once he passed, that dream was taken away from me. Music has never been the same for me since. I felt like I lost my best friend even though I had never met him... RIP Jimmy, maybe I’ll meet you on the other side.

[@gafuraskarov2814]

I couldn’t finish this video. This was too much. Jimmy was an incredible musician and an extremely mysterious person. FoREVer

[@shuttertv9905]

I'm not crying, you're crying. Rest in peace to a legend. How different the band would be if he was still around.

[@pikachurextuber5612]

Then, I used to think So far away was beautiful. Now, I realize how sad it is. RIP The Rev

[@rona7xfandragonballzfan247]

The rip the rev Sullivan will be missed Soo sad I love a7x band

[@jacobfurst4266]

Cant believe you guys just uploaded this cause over the last week I’ve been getting crazy into a7x. Rest In Peace The Rev

[@m4x_129]

Still missed...

[@susanoo3695]

"i lost my final fight to disease i feel like this is where it ends i need that shot to enter my veins my Brompton cocktail blend cause i can't feel my face i won't struggle on" that line from Brompton cocktail makes sense now

[@ringo.9396]

yeah but he didn't wrote brompton cocktail

[@sassykaren7587]

Jimmy was an amazing drummer and he is seriously missed. I was shocked when I heard that he had passed away. The song “How Do I Live Without The Ones I Love” chokes me up every time I hear it.

[@jrist15]

My favorite song by Avenged Sevenfold is Save Me... it’s the final song from nightmare, written by the other members about him, and how they feel responsible for not seeing through to help him. It’s really beautiful and an epic of a song

[@FalloutEnthusiast]

actually jimmy put a lot of work into save me, it was supposedly his favorite song to write on. he came up w the melody and everything, theres even a short snippet of the demo floating around w him singing, but obviously the band finished the lyrics after his death.

[@nicky27b]

Even though I was too young to be aware of the Rev's passing and I didn't got into metal until 1 year ago, it really hurt me when I heard about this, Jimmy was an excellent drummer and very kind, I heard stories about how Jimmy touched people's heart, and I'm one of those people. I never heard about you Jimmy, but your story makes me cry, I feel like I knew you before, you really touched my heart, you will always inspire me and be remembered as a legend foREVer ❤

[@AlanSilva-bu1kp]

Fiction was the first song I listened from Avenged Sevenfold and Jimmy's vocals were really outstanding. Till this day that is my favorite song from them. I always think about him when I listen to the album. He was one of best drummers out there. He seemed such a genuine person. May he rest in piece, he deserves it.

[@viper-x117]

My bestfriend introduced me to Avenged. We grew up listening to them together. My friend passed in 2017 and I saw Avenged for the first time in 2018. Shadows gave a small message about friends and family that are no longer with us. I wept at that concert. I've never felt more connected to a ban. I love you A7X, Dustin loved you. Avenged are living legends. RIP Rev, RIP Dustin. I miss you both

[@theflyingcrud]

City of evil inspired me to start playing drums. Here we are 15 years later and I still play daily. Thanks Jimmy..

[@drkbob]

Nightmare does have something special, the last four tracks in particular have given me chills for over 10 years now.

[@thakima_bawitlung]

We have small band struggling with your song till today.This band is our inspiration! R.I.P. Jimmy

[@The.Revnant]

The Nightmare album has a special place in my heart. Glad this channel finally covered this topic on the Rev. We A7X fans truly appreciate it. 🤘🏻

[@austinbridges518]

As glad as I am that they didn't break up, it speaks volumes how important Jimmy was to the band and the other guys that, when he died, they didn't even think the band would go on.

[@JLchevz]

Fiction has always struck me as a painfully sad and beautiful song, more than the others

[@JeffGriffinDrums]

The most influential drummer to me. RIP Rev. You’re life was definitely worth living, and you lived the fuck out of it man 🖤

[@Perro73]

My favorite drummer ever!!! He took over for Vinnie Paul, which Im sure he'd be stoked about!!!. His style was unmatched!!! Huge loss as a brother and the A7X family!!! Still breaks my heart!!! R.I.P foREVer!!!

[@bobzmuda3940]

WHAT AN AMAZING VIDEO THANK YOU SO MUCH! Completely unexpected and such a great surprise ❤️ Rest in Peace Jimmy

[@Sinfullybliss97]

They never been the same since 🥺

[@MrArska666]

Yup, Jimmy's boots are hard to fill

[@Sinfullybliss97]

@@MrArska666 those vocals and that just raw talent and musicianship can't beat

[@tvbnine793]

I just graduated from Colorado State University with my English degree. For my capstone class this past fall I wrote a whole essay about how Avenged Sevenfold and Dragonforce help me do homework and study, my professor gave me an A. I'd love to meet A7x's band members one day and thank them personally for helping me find the courage and determination to get through school, Jimmy would be proud. Rest In Power the Rev

[@julianfrost2701]

one of the most iconic rock stars of the 21st century - so glad that a decade later millions of people are still honoring his memory, and still acknowledging what a god gifted freakishly talented musical genius The Rev was.

[@Mrbuttdart17]

The part where he sings towards the end of the song by his self like half slurring the words always gives me chills.

[@optimus4209]

I remember jamming out to mtv music when I saw the letters scroll by that said jimmy had left us. My life most definitely paused on a dime and I'll always have the rev in my heart as my favorite drummer. See ya on the other side

[@rickfirth_5924]

I Remember when I first discovered Avenged Sevenfold, I was 9 years old at the time and I Played Call of Duty Black Ops 2 where they made the song Carry On for. I really liked the sound and got to listen to their other songs until I came across the song So Far Away. I looked at the videoclip and wondered for days why the drummer wasn’t in the videoclip and was shown of at the end in a compilation of beautifull scenes of his career. I started reading the description and saw that the drummer “The Rev” had died on the 27th of december 2009. At that exact moment I started crying in my room… still 9 years old, not knowing the band at all, but it had me in tears. From that exact moment my mom came in and wondered why I was crying, and the only thing I said was: I’m going to start drumming. Fast forward almost 10 years and I’m still here beating the shit out of my drumkit almost every single day playing along with my hero and favorite drummer of all time: James Sullivan “The Rev”. Rest In Piece Hero, I hope to see you one day

[@MichaelBerra]

I've made so many videos on this! I'm soo happy a big channel like you is shedding light on this! foREVer

[@Bad_Riders]

Nightmare (the album) is what introduced me to a7x. Production was so good, songwriting was phenomenal and it launched a love affair with a band that i still have in high rotation to this day.

[@aylabillick]

Jimmy is the reason I got into double bass playing and screaming. To say he influenced the trajectory of my musical life is putting it lightly. This man changed my world! As I’m sure he has for many of you here! Love ya Jimmy! Thanks for all you left behind for us! 🤘🏻♥️✌🏻

[@TheCursedClover]

Almost 13 years later they all still carry on

[@Chapo-559]

I still remember the leak they had for nightmare song months before it actually came out 😭

[@vincentjakeescolar2346]

Nightmare is actually A7X's most unique album. I love it so much I can listen to it all day long on loop. "Fiction" always gave me chills. Those dual vocals are so eerily beautiful. That song sounds and feels like The Rev's farewell song. He may not be on this mortal plane anymore but he lives forever in his songs and in all of us who love A7X. Rest in Peace Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan. Keep rockin' wherever you are.

[@NFCSiLENCE]

The Rev will live forever in our minds and hearts. His place is right on the top in drummers heaven and he's looking down on us smiling

[@Brongo1111]

Jimmy was Avenged Sevenfold. I'm glad that you were able to help me grow as a person. What I have of yours will always inspire me.

[@brynstarkiller7419]

There are lots of great drummers .Then there’s the Rev . Neither nor since has he been bested.

[@KonLuvsShrek]

the self titled song nightmare is special to me, hell, the entire album is, for context, im only 14, when i was a baby, my father would play nightmare and other tracks from a7x around me, which led to me loving this band and having nostalgia that i just cant pinpoint where it comes from. i wish i couldve met the rev, if only he was alive today..

[@Druid_Plow]

The Rev is the reason i learned to play drums. Miss you Jimmy.

[@deniseogorman3787]

RIP JIMMY MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE PEACE You were an excellent drummer, and you left all of us to dam soon. I am new to this band but I tell you what they are the most awesome band i have ever heard and they are my new favorite to listen to. AVENGE SEVEN FOLD, YOU ROCK!!!

[@KhingKhezu]

foREVer RIP, the pain you shared on those albums helped me get through my own struggles

[@a7xalm]

Miss him! I was lucky enough to meet him and get his autograph about 6 months before we lost him. Still makes me sad.

[@Barewell]

All the songs he wrote through the 5 albums are some of the best. His screams in songs like Afterlife are just bone chilling. Best drummer to have walked the earth.

[@christianthompson7915]

wouldn’t say the best or really top 10 but damn does he make some good shit. he’s a good drummer and we really did lose a great drummer

[@tuievans]

RIP Jimmy The Rev Sullivan You will always be one of my favorite drummers

[@andrewanderson9896]

I remember the day he passed like it was yesterday. It was my brother's 13th birthday and I found out the rev had passed the day after. I walked over to my hen girlfriend's house a few blocks away in tears. Avenged Sevenfold was my all time favorite band at the time and I was so sad.

[@randomguy13241]

The rev is the reason i play music. He was insanely talented, and he seems like he was a good person.

[@screaming_cat_]

The intro to their song nightmare gives me chills every single time I listen to it. With no fail. That drun roll/fast paced fill at the start is legendary. Goodbye to you, master drummer. For you will find peace in the after life.

[@undericesinger]

This was done well, but you already know this entire story if you were looking into this album when it came out.

[@buddha487]

Your point?

[@undericesinger]

@@buddha487 My point is self evident in my initial statement.

[@iKaresaboutNASCAR]

So freaking glad I got to see him play live. Especially his masterpiece in A Little Piece of Heaven. Will forever hold those memories close.

[@OGJazzyB]

Thank you I feel Rev never gets mentioned with the top drummers. Definitely my favorite drummer of all time May he rest in peace

[@AgentSaibot]

What's eerie is that I just got into a7x and last night I finished listening to Nightmare. Came back home and this was recommended O_O

[@MisterBolticus]

Truly one of the greats, I don't think I'll ever not miss him. The double kick fill on Blinded In Chains still gives me goosebumps to this day and that fucking voice was a creature all of it's own, so unique in every sense.

[@dennisperin2989]

I remember the first time i heard ( Sounding the Seventh trumpet) The Rev, play, i was so blown away, yea Brian was the sound, but that drummer & back up vocals were so unique, & are the reason i am a fan today. thankyou for the badassery behind the kit…RIP Jimmy…

[@ferdiarif6884]

Gone but never forgotten ❤

[@ConfusedAdenine]

Truely a legend, may he be remembered foREVer. Helped me through so many hard times, bless him and his music. He was a treasure, taken too fast. RIP Jimmy .

[@matronix1977]

Absolutely brilliant tribute and also informative ! The montage of this video is perfect for what was available.

[@opgkoyote7989]

I’d heard one Avenged Sevenfold song up until about a year and a half ago. This band opened my eyes to rock. I’m just now starting to research and discover the history behind my favorite bands. An old coworker of mine was a HUGE Avenged Sevenfold fan. We’d talk music quite a bit. Late thanksgiving 2020, he took his own life. Rest easy Frank, I miss you big bro

[@anibitscream]

Life made him go through a lot of struggles but he was so passionate.