Brooks Wackerman Interview

Brooks Wackerman (Avenged Sevenfold) sits down with Nick D'Virgilio. He talks with Nick about his first tour with Avenged Sevenfold, his musical background, and much more.
After the interview, check out drums at Sweetwater: www.sweetwater.com/shop/drums-...

[@brianmancilla77]

I LOVE the fact that he specifically said he wants to honor the parts that the Rev did in the older songs but wants to find pockets where he could slowly introduce his own style. Honestly he is such a great guy. Brooks has gained my utmost respect.

[@donnascott9407]

As an A7X fan since 2004, I'm liking this guy. We will always miss the Rev but I welcome this guy.

[@lovemetal4884]

his skills on new album is eargasmic!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@hartzy7425]

I've had the pleasure seeing Brook play live a few years back. The man has incredible chops. Like fucking crazy. He did amazing work on The Stage, and I bet he'll be just as good on the next A7X record.

[@drumfeck5970]

I think Brooks is the closest we will ever get to have Jimmy's style of playing back in Avenged. He is insanely good!

[@river4088]

Amen to this! As a fan of nearly that long I had a hard time accepting someone new, but Brooks has really blown me away. No excuses-without Jimmy, we couldn't do better and I'm glad to have him :)

[@OnlyBadVibes935]

@@river4088 not to mention the fact that Brooks was one of the Rev's inspirations as a drummer so id like to imagine the Rev also approves too

[@TheCarExp]

Man! Wackerman is the perfect fit for A7X. This guy is really good!

[@catrichbillay1506]

Chris Benavid Hell yes

[@SuccessOfLife]

Chris Benavid this guy is really god*

[@zfin87]

But, Nobody can Replace Jimmy... That is one hole in every A7X Fan's Heart that will never be filled...

[@braindredd]

He's good but he will never come close to jimmy

[@Rx_Vitamin_R]

I completely agree. If it couldn’t have been Portnoy, this man is the next best thing.

[@JOHLummies]

I hope he stays in A7x

[@MegaYoyo911]

Same!

[@FilmThePoliceFTP]

Yep

[@burialofficial8913]

yeah he’s amazing but i miss the rev😞

[@WakeatheDead]

he seems like a genuine nice person, been a fans since his Bad Religion day. hope he stay with A7X for long time

[@crashbeatXD]

He just quit a7x today

[@joaoloureiro163]

CrashBeat lol

[@oMiiZePs3]

No he didn't lmao

[@crashbeatXD]

Clay Murray Yes he did

[@HuyNguyen-vj1uw]

CrashBeat sike

[@DeppyChanyster]

cutest face. no pierced. no tattooed. low profile. high skill. powerful. keep metal. Mr. Brooks Wackerman

[@kiradali8992]

Deppy Chanyster He's incredible! ❤️

[@ilhamramadhan5925]

On point

[@alucardhellsing9780]

He got tattooed

[@bungxarr2024]

i just realize , that portnoy only member of DT who has the tattoo on his body.

[@wanmohsein4242]

@@alucardhellsing9780 really ?

[@BrejetyKirby]

He seems like a very intellectual man and very creative. Great qualities for a drummer. Just like what Jimmy was

[@brianmancilla77]

BrejetyKirby Jimmy was a lot crazier tho lol thats why i absolutely loved him. not to mention he had an angelic voice

[@BrejetyKirby]

+Eclipse Editor yup. Just saying I'm glad they found a replacement they're comfortable with

[@jamesjosephsewell1094]

wackerman is a funny name for a drummer

[@radicallybean]

James Joseph Sewell get it? cause he walks the drums af

[@Rx_Vitamin_R]

It’s the perfect name.

[@andrewbilbrey5235]

Brooks, Your work on A7X new album is really impressive! Fast feet, clean fills and GROOVE. Keep it up fam. Looking forward to seeing you guys on tour.

[@leahgannon2718]

Omg he's such a nice , genuine , chilled out guy.

[@sassysudz1]

I hope they do lots of drum cam views with Brooks. I wish they would have done that with the Rev

[@jaydoode15]

Jennifer Herrera there's a video of rev drum cam, it's part of the Sabian vault series, look it up on KZbin

[@closinginonclosure]

+jaydoode15 Thanks for sharing the info. Glad I stumbled across your comment while scrolling

[@infuriatedsloth3335]

closinginonclosure Is that the only one because I've watched that one a million times

[@jamdwhi]

It's sad how little footage there is of the Rev.

[@hayyangaming2823]

Jennifer Herrera basically the rev doesnt like that cam on his drum because he like his own way and doesnt like to show off

[@jordantredway5456]

Avenged Sevenfold deserves a drummer like this. Filling the huge shoes of The Rev is NOT feasible for most. Instead of trying to do that, Brooks simply listens, learns, pays homage, and attempts to fit in by being himself, not trying to make himself into something he is not. I’m glad they discovered one another, and that they did so at an early time when Brooks could actually meet Jimmy and get to know him.

[@AvStevieStevenJamesDrums]

Brooks Wackerman, what a cool guy.... Very humbled...

[@danlc95]

Great interview! Brooks is a phenomenal musician, just unbeliavable. His performance on the new album is absolutely blistering. It gave me the same feeling as the first time I heard City Of Evil, with the mighty Rev.

[@hgjeitanger]

Brooks seems like a perfect fit for Avenged Sevenfold. He is humble, but extremely talented. I also feel that he fits the band more than Arin did. I loved the segment where he said that he would honor the parts that Jimmy wrote, and try and put in some parts of his own. He is a really talented and respectful musician.

[@sebastianbeadnell4059]

Herman Gjeitanger I'll have to disagree I don't thing he should add or take away from jimmys parts a good amount of the songs Brompton cocktail, little pice of heaven, Almost easy, Afterlife and much more were all written by the rev and I don't think they should be changed at all

[@kamilap545]

sebastian beadnell he meant that he wanted to put in some of his own styles in their new album while keeping the rev’s legacy in a7x

[@The2467sam]

sebastian beadnell he didn’t say he was going to change everything he said he would like to put his pieces in once & awhile. He probably won’t touch the Rev’s songs but I’m sure he can add little pieces here & there of his own creativity to make some songs sound better. He understands that fans love the Rev & I’m sure he does to that’s why he said that he’s practiced the Rev’s style to make sure when he played it would be the same as if the Rev was playing it

[@lonelyvariety]

67 Sam he can add little pieces of heaven to the songs

[@dendysatyabima3735]

Powerful drummer covered with nice character

[@Budaboose]

Brooks is so good he doesn't even need drums to play smells like teen spirit. I thought that was funny. It was a perfect analogy.

[@trainspotter360]

Brooks really re-invigorated Bad Religion. The Process Of Belief is an absolute classic.

[@TheSlushoo]

Welcome To The Family.

[@jberryhill1108]

Brooks is a beast. People who don't know drums don't know true talent. Can't believe there are people dissin Brooks! He's put his own flare on A7X's musical style and it's only going to get better. Can't wait until their next album. Its gonna be better than the Stage, guaranteed.

[@nathandrums0]

Totally agree with the "wanting a mixture of cymbals that cut and have a warm tone" mixing A custom and K's go amazingly together.

[@danlc95]

I do the same with 2002's, Signatures, and RUDE's.

[@ppmguire]

I do the same with AAX, HHX, and Metal-X. It's expensive, but man the sounds you can get out of these brands mixing properly is amazing. I've also considered mixing Zildjian, Paiste, and Sabian cymbals for their unique sounds before too.

[@nathandrums0]

+ppmguire I use all zildjian myself but the mixture of cymbals I have is just beyond amazing. My 18" K hybrid hit together with my 18" A custom is like butter. So smooth and melodic. Puts a smile on my face every time I hit them! lol. I just recently acquired the 21" A sweet ride and that thing is probably the best ride I've ever played in my life.

[@ppmguire]

My previous comment made me put my dad's 22" old Zildjian on my set. Idk what model it is, but it sounds really good and the bell pierces through anything.

[@nathandrums0]

+ppmguire zildjian rides have some pretty great bell sounds. My sweet ride bell sounds massive and full, absolutely love that thing haha.

[@Baraka_Obama_]

I've been a Metalhead for 17 years now and have never heard of this guy...His drumming on The Stage is insanely good

[@jaketaylor7493]

Dr. Kush lol you're doing it wrong

[@kylevaughan4939]

Dr. Kush his career is mainly punk

[@PRFTVPunkRockFamilyTV]

Hard and fast...Clean as fuck

[@nrolinger]

Interviewer pro tip: let your interviewee finish his answers before interjecting.

[@human2069]

The interviewee does cut him off at some points though There's also quite a few awkward moments with both of them though

[@RaskalTheKing]

man I had no idea this guys pedigree! I have so much respect for a dude that can play that deeply with so many acts, so many styles. Avenged has only been this lucky one other time..when the Rev was with us. Welcome to the family!

[@richymart]

I met Brooks years ago when he was playing with Suicidal Tendencies, I was already a fan from his work with Vandals and Infectious grooves, we spoke for like an hour he gave me his full attention and is to this day one of the nicest guys in rock that I’ve ever met. Legend.

[@pillznarRy]

Best move Avenged has made in the past couple years is bringing this guy in. This guy is the next best thing after The Rev!!!!!!

[@wafflesowns]

I'm a huge fan of Avenged and Jimmys work and I do like this guy, he seems genuine and respectful 😊

[@Koray.K]

Would be epic if he said "My friends used to call me a knife master" considering he is the most fitting and the closest one to the Rev's style.

[@thearchitect6961]

cant wait to see them live 18 february in Amsterdam! :)

[@GuilhermeSoares-lt7iv]

smoking one weed and seeing the show very crazyyyy hahhahaha

[@Pojotin]

I would like one drug

[@Joxxum]

Gino Janssen Duurt nog lang helaas:(

[@thearchitect6961]

Barrie Butsers jaa inderdaad :(

[@kaijudd4036]

I love Brooks style, flow and the fact that he is now with A7X is just amazing. Coming from the punk scene and moving to the metal/rock beat, I don't know of a way he could top that!!! Plus Brooks fits right in so there's no better place for him and the band than together.

Great interview, Brooks falls into A7X perfectly, love this man.

[@arthurkitchen8896]

What a total Badass and a nice person.

[@mayanadia95]

I am enjoying this interview video so much. Nice!

[@johnnybensonitis7853]

Wow, what a laid back guy! Fantastic interview, very much appreciated!

[@logancessor9009]

Honoring jimmy. Thats what i needed to hear. I havnt listened to any new a7x since rev passed. Maybe i will..

[@jameswarren4217]

He really kicked ass on some Bad Religion albums. The Empire Strikes First is some of my favorite punk drumming.

[@Wrathchild244]

Fan of his since 1993!

[@wanmohsein4242]

BROOKS IS SO UNDERRATED

[@AlmostaFlipinSkater]

Brooks will always be my favorite drummer.

[@rpmartin8650]

Same, too bad BB from RA kinda sucks.

[@dylandevoe7]

Love this guy. His drumming on The Stage album is really refreshing. He's played in so many great bands. Excellent fit for Avenged Sevenfold.

[@Lazyboy51]

Cool interview, can't wait to order my drum set through sweet water.

[@jamdwhi]

I'm glad they parted ways with Arin. He was a strange fit. Never looked or felt right. And Brooks' playing really reminds me of the Rev. Very similar styles and level of creativity.

[@hollowoxhollowox4870]

that must be really cool to be interviewed by Nick D'Virgilio

[@ppmguire]

I'm glad I stumbled onto this interview and that he was able to explain what he plays and WHY. Not just "So and so gave me this stuff so I play it". Expected nothing less from a talented individual of pedigree that absolutely shreds for one of my fav bands.

[@Black_Jesus3005]

Excellent interview thanks

[@stephendavenport316]

Great interview!

[@dummerdrummer4802]

That was such a solid handshake at the end lol

[@mikeowen7741]

im so proud of A7X and Bad Religion especially....growing up listening to such an awesome band like BR to have their drummer be sent to pretty much my favorite group from here on out, musically, it makes a lot of sense...couldn't be more stoked dude. Brooks, thank you man...and keep up the outstanding work. Whether you guys know it or not, you're forging an avenue in metal and rock never seen before, and fans like me really truly appreciate it. The Stage grows on me more every time I listen to it.

[@88omair]

Excellent interview by NDV. NDV's a stellar drummer himself

[@cristiangirl897]

His voice sounds like Brian's in a way

[@theimmortalrain867]

NiicKy Gonzalez I can see it. About the same pitch, same tone. Oh man. Do not put Syn and Brooks in the same audio only interview together. I don't know if I'll be able to tell them apart!

[@NotDogman]

Madeline Armstrong You could probably tell the difference when ever one of the voices says "you know" multiple times in a single sentence.

[@risyadzainul7207]

Thanks god, I am not the only one who think that

[@justayoutubecommentator3059]

Nicole Gonzalez omg, they really do sound exactly identical. that’s insane wtf

[@righteousdescent2271]

Nicole Gonzalez that was the first thing I noticed about his voice

[@BWDRUMMEROFFICAL]

I dont even like A7X, but Brooks is awesome and NDV is a solid interviewer. Would love to see more of these from Sweetwater & NDV

[@mpk33]

Brooks was amazing in Suicidal Tendencies. It's my favourite lineup of theirs. And I was blown away by him live. His DW kit sounded amazing, especially the snare. The same with his time in Bad Religion. He was almost too good to play with them.

[@freakyalex100]

doesn't he look like Aldrich Killian, the villain in Iron Man 3??

[@Rbolyard]

Great questions!

[@ROADKING97_]

hes the man!

[@marckymark94]

Brooks is the man!

[@yusaqelshandi6667]

We Love you Mr. Wackerman...

[@steevidrums]

I always thought Chad was his dad. I remember the Bad 4 Good album coming out. Featured a young guitarist from Newcastle (Thomas McRocklin) that was on Steve Vai's The Audience Is Listening Video. He came to Swansea do a guitar clinic for Ibanez guitars, must have been around 1989 or something, he was really young at the time (I was only 16 myself) but a great little player.

[@jsowder19]

These Sweetwater guys are damn good at the interviewing process. Not looking down at papers the whole time or leaving dead random staring at hand. Well done.

[@HOLLOWOXDT1]

you do know that it is nick d virgilio who is interviewing ??

[@user-zq8sj4vd4v]

Brooks Wackerman. he's perfect

[@mathiasthamias9140]

how the fudge can you interview brooks wackerman without ever mentioning infectious grooves or suicidal tendencies?????? he was around 17/18 years old and really recorded some of my most favourite drum parts of the 90's!! that's something to talk about isn't it?????

[@rapthewrapper5467]

Brooks needs to do ASMR

[@MrDevilman67]

this dude kicks ass on drums he played with korn for a song, pretty insane!

[@mattgames7543]

I love A7X, I love wackerman and looking back at this is crazy since I know he killed it not only live but on the stage album.

[@rjc7289]

I remember when he was a kid playing drums in Bad 4 Good.

[@ascension54321]

I miss the days he was on Bad Religion

[@nathandrums0]

I don't his full talent was being used in BR. Sevenfold's new track shows what he's really capable of IMO. fite really well with them though.

[@nathandrums0]

Fits*

[@ascension54321]

I agree to an extent

[@ronaldtinkham3245]

Bad ass drummer. I do miss him in bad religion

[@brettwest4949]

Remember when he was in a band called bad4good.He is great.

[@sammason189]

Avenged Sevenfold are my favourite band ever (have been since 2005) and this guy is just an absolute master! 🙌🏻 ❤ Unpopular opinion: he's the best drummer A7X have ever had 👍🏻

[@shantheman6879]

What a lucky guy being able to sit in with Frank Zappa.

[@harryhunt1735]

He looks like Karl Pilkinton wit hair

[@Liyingbemo]

awesome

[@xxwantedxx]

This guy freaking epic!

[@BlackMaria]

Couldn't agree more

[@hazardgaminghg122]

Agreed.

[@fastfiddler1625]

Wow, a lot more technical than I thought it would be. Liked it a lot. Certainly a worthy successor for A7X.

[@kakeflo6194]

He could make an essay with all the "You know..'' he uses. Just messing around love Brooks and glad hes happy

[@Teamcurtisbjj]

Hey Brooks. You’re an amazing drummer. Remember The Vandals. You were a great drummer for them. Would’ve been nice if you mentioned playing with them. It’s where I found out about you.

[@vlazurah789]

Can’t believe it’s almost been two years (or so) since the Stage dropped...

[@jamsjr44]

His brother is a sick drummer too!

[@sweetwater]

🤘🥁

[@jokodrumsguitar]

Sweetwater should be the premierguitar of drums that would be really cool, to see rig rundowns of drums

[@ryant3600]

man his work on the new album is phenomenal. He just kills it.. I think AX7 finally found a long term drummer..

[@hazardgaminghg122]

Its A7X.

[@LVX777]

I feel like Brooks is the chiller version of the Rev, its so weird! We miss ya Jimmy!!!

[@St_Mindless]

Last I saw, he had Remo black dots on toms and Aquarian Super Kick on both basses 🤣👌👌

[@tataaditya19]

noice interview..

[@zackfraser8924]

What's disappointing is all these talented guys come from a long line of family members that did these things for generations and these guys randomly find their way into the music scene. I'm the first "musician" in my family so my chances seem slim.

[@danlc95]

Same here man!

[@mikeowen7741]

nobody served in the military in my family since WW2 except for myself...at least blood-lined..my younger cousin did serve his 4 yrs and separated recently....so I hear you on that aspect. I plan on putting in my 20 years, proudly and alone. To set the example is to look inward and react outwardly. Stay committed brother.

[@UltraMegaSeaMonkey]

ur not alone, first guitarist in the fam right here

[@meant4hell]

Tell me about it, I'm in the same position as you, infact my family didn't even approve of my passion for music in the early days, now they're warming up to it.

[@kylevaughan4939]

half of my family is military. other half is music. I'm on the music side

[@samtracey3100]

Its a shame this interview wasn't a little more Personel. Nick actually knew Jimmy personally, not insanely but he was a friend and even 1 of the engineers/producers of the Unfortunate Snort EP from Pinkly Smooth, would have been cool for him to share a little from his side and match opinions etc. Still overall great intverview even 5 years later haha

[@Rakonax]

He is almost perfect for A7X, the only thing that is missing is a colorful skin

[@way2sh0rt07grad]

I’ve been a drummer my whole life starting at 5 years old. The past 15 years I picked up guitar. One thing I’ve noticed is drummers are really big on the brand of drums. He said DW drums and my heart dropped. Me personally being biased to Pearl since my dad plays them. When I picked up guitar, that whole argument goes out the window. You can have 20 different guitars without looking insane, but you look at a drummer and they’ve usually got 1 kit they play on for years.

[@LautaroQ2812]

Keep honoring The Rev playing the old stuff great. But for the new stuff, it's your turn Brooks. Make A7X great again!

[@gilbertogallegos2663]

Coming soon in 2020 hopefully A7X should be inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame

[@kennkar6887]

youre awesome wacker ,,,I like how they dont restrict you ,,ariens shit was on a clicker ,,,love the fills ,,,dont leave

[@giantsfan8872]

Bad4good!

[@N3V2-Nevto]

Brooks actually had "the REV" chops / drumming on him :) They almost totally sound alike in the record :)

[@hazardgaminghg122]

Wait what is that?

[@janjiricek812]

Drumer no1 of world

[@Calisexpensive]

the stage is the only song released rn and I'm just wtf 0.o who r u! lol #stupidgood

[@rjberardi4836]

People aren't realizing he is one of the greatest ever

[@AaronStark1993]

Both his voice and face remind me a lot of Nick Swardson haha. Great drummer!

[@synsin3866]

I want to see him play almost easy that will be so insane

[@kylevaughan4939]

cheng yang ohhhh they played it the other night

[@paradigmshiftz7]

There's videos of them playing it live with Brooks on drums. He kills it every time.

[@Trinidi.]

Brooks would eat Capt'n crunch??? that's my favorite cereal XD

[@Shiko-wy6cg]

Brooks whats up my guy?

[@dimitrisdm6997]

he was in suicidal tendencies too back in 99....great drummer