The Impossible Job Of Avenged Sevenfold's Drummer

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

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[@GryHen-pg9iy]

I miss my boy jimmy still!

[@No_Transitory]

I love your drum setup and your cymbals. They have such a unique sound. Thanks for making this video and I appreciate your tutorial videos to help improve. I've been drumming since middle school (marching band, jazz band, symphonic) then in 10th grade I joined my first band (way back in the late 90's early 2000's) i should of stayed drumming but after 9/11 I felt the need to join the Army. I've owned some awesome drum sets and my favorite unfortunately got stolen. But I do plan on gearing up again and just jamming my heart out. Watching your videos inspired me to get back into it as I felt my senior year I was starting to get the groove of it (especially in the studio which I had always dreaded my days in the studio) shout out to Retrophonics Studios as the sound engineer molded me to playing to a click track and while I'm sure he wanted to cuss me out but being that I was 15 I'm sure he didn't want to discourage me but he pushed me out of my comfort zone which helped later down the road when bands needed a studio drummer. But seeing all of your content has made me want to start up again and while I'll probably never have the gear or kit I did have, something is always better than nothing. Thanks again and please keep these awesome videos coming bro.

[@AmCrowG-rc4ow]

WOW,I just saw that🙃😯

[@anthonyking5404]

Portnoy was a friend of the band and only filled in to they found a permanent member. Portnoy not only played the parts perfectly, but added his flair.

[@MattyBeeProductions]

Portnoy was incredibly reserved on Nightmare, which is what I feel made his little sprinkles of flair here and there so powerful. My friend and I often talk about the little ride bell accents that Portnoy added into the chorus of Nightmare that wasn't present on Jimmy's demo and how they are a perfect example as a way to add your own flair to something that is subtle and actually enhances and accents the existing material. It feels like it belongs in the song.

[@SINGHDASLAYA]

Portnoy is in my opinion the best drummer. He can literally play any style and write drum parts perfectly. I'm not a huge fan of his bands songs overall as they don't have a somewhat casual playback factor to them but he never goes for that being a prog drummer and all.

[@memphetic]

@@SINGHDASLAYA Portnoy-era DT is definitely more of a... sit down and listen sort of thing than a casual background music sort of thing.

[@SINGHDASLAYA]

@@memphetic no doubting that. It's a musical experience thoroughly but a lot of people don't take the time out of the day to do that. I remember listening to the song Octavarium let alone the entire album and almost falling asleep as good as the song was because it was 25 minutes near enough.

[@Behemoth66]

Portnoy and the rev were the greatest drummers A7x had. The ones after have been mediocre at best. Their current drummer is the worse. He doesn’t even fit in

[@nowwhatnotnow]

From the very start, Portnoy signed the contract for one album and one tour. He never intended to stay in the band for good, he was actually helping them. And after years in DT where he was the drummer, lyricist, songwriter and a guy in charge for media relations, he said he wanted to be 'just a drummer' for one tour. Nobody fires Mike Portnoy, are you crazy?

[@micahcorson8831]

Don't get me wrong I love MP, but he was willing to join the band permanently and the band wanted another drummer. They thought it would be more of a "A7X with Mike Portnoy" super-band type thing, and MP is just a touch controlling

[@behamiltonsrful]

I absolutely love Portnoy. He was a bit of a control freak, self admittedly. He wants/needs to be in control, or at least back then. You can see it from one of the behind the scenes videos where he is constantly having James re-record and critique parts. Not going to get into a conversation on the vocalist, that is a whole other discussion. However, Portnoy was not the main lyricist; Petrucci writes 60-70% of all lyrics in DT. I just had to double check myself to make sure. After Mike's departure, it is almost 100%, and now the other guys also get to write. What I would REALLY love to see if Portnoy/Lifeson/Lee do something together, not Rush, but something else.

[@e-man7143]

Mike portnoy wasn't it brah.

[@force83x]

he was fired from DT lol

[@micahcorson8831]

@@force83x that's not true, Portnoy came up with the idea for DT to take a short break for a few years and the rest of the band was surprised by the suggestion and didn't want to do it. They all took a few weeks to think about it, came back and nobody had changed their minds. So it was a collective agreement that he would leave, and the other members of DT certainly weren't happy about it.

[@Changon]

Pretty disrespectful to say Portnoy “couldn’t cut it”. The intention wasn’t for him to be a permanent band member. He came in and played his part like he was hired to and did an amazing job. In fact, he showed respect to the band by not inserting his style too much in the album and the tour. Smh

[@Touma134]

Sounds like it was something they discussed going by what Portnoy was saying. It's less that he can't play up to their standards but that his individual style didn't mesh.

[@camiloorsini9674]

Replacing a drummer is one thing, replacing a dead drummer best friend is another… the band didn’t want Portnoy because they knew that even though he honored Rev’s sound for a year, they couldn’t ask a a legend like Portnoy to change his style for the band for the long run. And he’s too impactful of a drummer, he’d change the band completely. They preferred a less known but talented drummer to come in and blend in.

[@LividdOW]

He said he couldn't cut it because his sound was too defined, which is fair.

[@elagace03]

I’d have to agree, nightmare was my favorite album for a time, “save me” is an incredible track, and it’s a perfect blend of the revs and Portnoy’s sound. He stepped up when the band was at its lowest and filled an impossible gap pretty impressively.

[@jimmygee3219]

They said they let him go because he had too much of a name already to really be a permanent member

[@therevx5225]

I genuinely have so much respect for Mike Portnoy for filling in for the Nightmare album. He knew that The Rev looked up to him as one of his biggest idols and inspirations, and the fact he stepped up to fill in for him is quite honestly one of the most heartfelt things a person can do. He played The Revs parts and styles perfectly, the entire Nightmare album really feels like a eulogy for Jimmy, and Mike Portnoy is really what helped push the emotion over the edge. Nightmare is such a masterpiece, and such an incredible legacy for The Rev to leave behind. Mike Portnoy is ultimately what brought it all together and gave it the feel it deserved.

[@imfknradio9978]

Agreed, I hadnt heard of Mike Portnoy till listening about something about The Rev. but then learning about him filling in for The Rev after his death, being his Idol, I bet The Rev was celebrating in the afterlife. Massive Massive respect for Mr Portnoy

[@deathisforeverx1]

Crazy thing though is portnoy actually struggled at first to play the revs parts because of the amount of double bass .

[@AnotherCarGuy95]

I got to see them live with him and I am soooo glad I went

[@ortus7747]

"The multiple drummers who couldn't fill the role" Idk about that bro. Portnoy filled the role perfectly and did his job for the time. Same goes for Brooks, a better fit even.

[@adamkirkby7958]

Ya wtf? "Even Portnoy couldn't fill his shoes" after playing a recording of Portnoy explaining they didn't want to commit yet... RIP to Jimmy but Portnoy is on a whole different tier of drumming.

[@vhtorr]

its actually about Jimmy's unique creative process. You can of course find more skilled drummers, but it is a fact that no one can write and or perform like him (you have to take his actually insane vocals through band albums)

[@joedwyer3297]

Portnoy played his part well but calling him a perfect replacement for the rev is a bold statement, not because hes not as good as the rev technically but because his style is totally different cause jimmy was so unique But since the whole deal was that he was a stand-in, he was a fantastic choice

[@AlmostReady504]

Portnoy is a MONSTER

[@tylerwheatley3981]

Brooks is not a better fit at all. listen to the new shit album and go listen to old avenged. The rev wrote 80% of their songs. Not saying brooks isn’t good. I love brooks but no. The rev was HIM

[@eply995]

The thumbnail is missleading. Portnoy never intended to stay in A7x. He is a friend to the band and after rev died he filled in for the band for one album and one tour. He was not fired.

[@RorJ]

Do a bit more research. Even tho the band told him that this wasn't permanent he still got online and said that he's career with Dream Theatre is over and he is full time on A7X. That's why the band got angry with him

[@rxdhxrns]

Brooks is an amazing drummer, also Matt said back in 2005 he would love to be in a band with Brooks in the drums. Btw, The Rev actually knew he would pass away due to his heart condition, that's why he wrote songs like Fiction, Save me, Nightmare, etc.

[@mintynuggets]

Brompton cocktail

[@KytexEdits]

Well, he passed away due to an overdose of various substances, which with songs like brompton cocktail and fiction is obviously suicide and not accidental.

[@johnyreyes3567]

@@KytexEdits it was definitely a suicide but they told him as a child that he might not live past 30. Synster Gates is adamant that it was intentional tho, he said The Rev always said that he wanted to go out on his own terms

[@sadbucket233]

fiction was super creepy, like the song was great, but the fact that rev died all of a sudden, and then the song comes out looking like a last letter from rev before he left us. like that was the last song for the album too, he finished writing it and said it was the last one for the record. he died in 3 days after that. its like he foreshadowed his death. that song still gives me chills and tears.

[@jayhill2193]

@@KytexEdits lyrics of Brompton Cocktail were written by Matt, not Jimmy.

[@jdm3075]

Hard for me to watch anything about the Rev without tearing up. To find such a kind soul who is that talented and passionate is simply an anomaly. He was the guy who made me get into drumming. RIP The Rev.

[@thanksyoutubefortakingmyhandle]

Got me into drumming as well, 16 years ago

[@MikeRthe1]

Did you know him personally?

[@apollo1401]

@@zombiefrogg8542 "drugs". He had an incurable heart condition and suffered manic depression as well as alochol abuse which resulted in a purpose overdose. That's common knowledge.

[@bracholi]

​@zombiefrogg8542 No... they don't actually.

[@DarthwRath]

Same. He made me a drummer.

[@ericormathias]

Great work on this! For Portnoy it wasn’t that he couldn’t fill the Rev’s place, it was just the fact that he had a temporary contract.

[@jamesyager6426]

true he stated it many times that he wasn't actually joining AX7 and that he was just filling a void for a time until they found a new drummer which ended up being Erin

[@riccochet704]

And Portnoy had his own things going on. Don't think he could have stayed with A7X long term anyways. Dude is a beast and legend though.

[@steveferraro3357]

@gilgameshcicero8169 Portnoy didn't "offer himself" to A7X, they reached out to him knowing that he was Jimmy's favorite drummer.

[@steveferraro3357]

@@jamesyager6426 Correct, it was never meant to be permanent. Portnoy said that from the get-go.

[@1BioMarco]

​​@gilgameshcicero8169To say the truth: Portnoy did not leave Dream Theater, but he was fired. He asked his mates for a break from the eternal album/tour cycle, but his mates said no to him, they wanted to move on. I can imagine that A7X would have kept Portnoy as a drummer. Technically and musically there is probably no better drummer than him. But with the risk that Portnoy's style would have had a massive influence on A7X's style. And Portnoy just split with his band he co-founded >25 years before. His previous band mates were not just mates but family. This was a true divorce and Portnoy, instead of managing this situation professionally, shared his anger and desperation with the entire world through social media (while the DT camp was pretty reserved). This resulted in many headlines like "Mike Portnoy, currently on tour with A7X, says about his former band mates of DT ... blablabla". I remember exactly those times, almost every day another post like this on Blabbermouth. A7X had enough own problems, and then they found themselves touring with the probably best drummer in the world - who suddenly had massive own issues with his (former) major band. Back then there were even rumors that Portnoy left DT because of A7X, which was absolutely not the truth. But it gave A7X some bad press that was not very helpful is resolving their own problems as a band. The video summarizes this correctly: too much history with Portnoy.

[@Tuyafazcara-e5s]

The Rev is so much more than just a legendary drummer. His artistry is next level and deep

[@pebbles8677]

The Rev and Joey Jordison, two insanely talented drummers gone. R.I.P

[@duallity2403]

and Neil Peart....

[@KrazyGoodMods]

That's what I was thinking. So much talent lost far too soon.

[@alant9517]

Our generations greatest two drumbers and give anyone of the legends a scathing run for their money

[@drewjohnson4794]

They're not even in the same league. The Rev should not be compared like that. It's actually very wrong to anyone who actually knows the amount of talent Jimmy had. Mike Portnoy filled in for him. Need I say more? Slipknot music is uninspired noise. They don't need a drummer the caliber of Portnoy. I'm not trying to be rude. If that's what you like, cool. But Avenged is on another level. Slipknot is the Kiss of Metal.

[@pebbles8677]

@@drewjohnson4794 well avenged are my favourite band I totally agree their talent is like not many bands out there these days. I do think Joey jordison was insane on drums though, whether you think it's just noise or not he was still very talented 👍

[@novashaven9132]

Portnoy was Rev's biggest inspiration. You can literally hear Portnoy's style in Rev's playing. But Portnoy was personally asked to record one album that was already half wrote by the Rev before hos death. It was an honor, not an intention to stay with the band.

[@unholyfiction3223]

The most important part of Jimmy’s talent, in my opinion, was his natural flair. He truly was like an octopus on the kit, his movements were fluid and graceful, and he constantly pushed himself to play more intricate rhythms with that same flair, not out of a need to be the best, but out of a passion for expressing his element and creativity through music. The Rev is, always has been, and always will be, a massive influence on metal, one of the gods of the kit, and one of the most talented, passionate, and loving faces to ever grace his communities. foREVer

[@Guitarguy-55]

Dude was my favorite part of the band. Will always be one of my favorite musicians. Long Live the Rev!

[@BlaspheBeast]

That's why I started listening. He was awesome.

[@jeffreydean5112]

The Rev not only played drums for them at a high level but he also wrote a bunch of their songs. He was truly in touch with the songs and you can hear that hole even though other drummers have filled in since his death.

[@shyb7847]

Yes, his writing is missed

[@lt.spears1889]

They said that in the video not sure how you missed that

[@zackakai5173]

That's the real thing they lost when he died (from a strictly musical perspective I mean). There are plenty of guys out there who can play the drums really well, but he was also not only an extremely good songwriter, but an extremely unique one.

[@morganc.m1830]

That was said in the video. Idk why you're pointing it out like they missed that fact.

[@morganc.m1830]

​@@lt.spears1889exactly.

[@aidenj5john]

From my understanding of what happened, the Rev died and wanted Mike Portnoy to replace him, he played on Nightmare and wanted to stay with A7X after recently leaving Dream Theater. A7X really liked Portnoy but didn’t feel like they were ready to have a new permanent drummer and they didn’t want to get in between the beef between Portnoy and Dream Theater, but they still are friends to this day. I don’t think they fired him per say, but the more you know :)

[@Dwendele]

From everything I've heard and read, Mike was just helping them out. His joining A7X was never really going to happen. He could have filled the Rev's shoes though. Mike was much the same for DT as the Rev was for A7X. He wrote most. Of the music, as well as singing etc.

[@kevbutt3193]

From my understanding, it wasn't even that. Jimmy was a huge fan of Portnoy and it was more of a respect thing that he played/toured with them on Nightmare(Uproar fest). I could be completely missing a big chunk of that history though. I'd be happy to admit I'm wrong if this is wrong, lol. Either way, RIP to Jimmy. Dude was a magical person and a phenomenal drummer.

[@mcgarnacle21]

Yeah this video presents it as a "Even Mike Portnoy wasn't good enough to fill the shoes" but it doesn't sound like that at all. It's a pretty poor representation of what actually happened.

[@Kimsos]

What is sick about his drumming? Pretty not sick IMO...

[@briandavis2885]

@@Dwendele he did not write the music in dt. He was the primary lyricist. Petrucci wrote most of the music.

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Get 15 days FREE to DBO Academy! 👉 bit.ly/DBOFREETRIAL

[@rednexcentralnc]

Nice vid man but in response to saying Mike Portnoy couldn't live up to the Rev......have you EVER heard of Dream Theater? Because you've obviously never LISTENED to them.

[@jamesirving3576]

😮

[@morganc.m1830]

​@@rednexcentralncwhen he said that he wasn't talking about his skill. Why tf can't people realize that?

[@brownfella1830]

I don’t remember portnoy leaving because of not being good enough, I always remembered that he was just not trying to commit and the band wasn’t either

[@morganc.m1830]

He didn't say it was because he wasn't "good enough".

[@jttoolegit]

Buddy really made a video about other people and still somehow found a way to talk about himself for 10% of the video.

[@juanvsreviews]

Lol, I was thinking about that… haha

[@vincentvalentine9417]

Seriously this is unwatchable

[@HerculesRockefellerESQ]

"The rev was one of the best that ever picked up the sticks, but anyways here's a bunch of shit about me that nobody's interested in, jammed in the middle of a video about someone else"

[@HerculesRockefellerESQ]

"Oh and here's a clip of me playing 'Nightmare' throughout the entire video"

[@Bwana6274]

Port boy can and did play the Revs parts with ease. He was NOT let go because he couldn’t play the songs.

[@willleaton2827]

Nobody said that he was let go because he couldn't play the songs

[@ryanbowers1228]

If you're coming to this video to directly compare the Rev and Portnoy you're gonna have a bad time.

[@jdm3075]

Jimmy was heavily inspired by Portnoy too so Mike was basically stepping into another version of his own shoes.

[@GenevaSevenfold]

I don’t think this guy watched the video completely

[@watchlistenlearn]

10:30

[@damnrite811]

He’s my favorite drummer ever. He was so talented and such a genius. I’m glad he’s getting his flowers.

[@volrath__]

The Rev was truly was iconic! I'm so happy I got to see him play before he passed! Btw, you guys killed it at Download! Was an epic show!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Download was sick!! Thanks for watching! Glad you had a good time!

[@SuperRedNovaDragon]

I love the rev he was an amzing drummer. This was the first band i resonated with and its my all time favorite. I listen to waking the fallen, the stage, city of evil, nightmare and httk every day at work, it keeps my energy up. Brooks is an amzing drummer his work on the stage is incredible and arin did a great job nailing the 80's feel of httk

[@andythedrummer9642]

Brooks is truly the perfect man for the job. He is so innovative and creative!

[@Behemoth66]

He doesn’t fit the band at all. He’s like the outsider of the group. I grew up with jimmy in hb and we shared a locker with a7x. With that said, the current drummer doesn’t fit the band personality wise and the albums with the current drummer have been below par. The drum parts that jimmy and mike wrote were so much better. That and jimmy was heavily involved in many aspects of their music just like Portnoy with dream theater

[@andythedrummer9642]

@@Behemoth66 well, that is your opinion. Everyone from the band has said that Brooks is the chillest guy in the world, and Matt said quite exactly that "if you don't get along with Brooks, then the problem is in you". As for the drumparts, both LIBAD and especially The Stage parts have been absolutely mindblowing and I couldn't imagine anything better. I do love The Rev of course, but Brooks fits this job so well too.

[@Burtme-D4M]

@@Behemoth66idc if you slept with the rev. Your opinion is moot if the members embrace brooks. Brooks has insane chops and skill. Move on.

[@dynamo4543]

hell yeah Brooks is a legend coming off from Bad religion, hes done an amazing job

[@rallymaniac92]

@@andythedrummer9642 Though I'm not a drummer myself, I absolutely love Brook's contribution to Avenged Sevenfold's sound! His playing is so versatile and exciting... I hope he remains with the band for years to come. What's even better is that I get to see the band in Basel in June!

[@sarojkhanal9872]

The funny thing is how Portnoy is being missed out. Avenged is more than thankful for PORTNOY. He did what avenged want him to do. The Result is ablbum nightmare. This album is real piece of work.

[@morganc.m1830]

Ablbum

[@Bodster_03]

Such an amazing video! I’m 12 and I’ve been playing drums for four years now and has been an A7X fan since I started playing the drums. You did such a great job of making this video and combining all the different parts of The Rev’s drumming and history! 🤘 Rest in Peace, Rev. And I also love I prevail and I saw you at Welcome to Rockville!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Thanks so much for the kind words! Keep up the amazing work my friend! That's amazing, that show was so much fun!

[@Quincebo]

@@DrumBeatsOnline Get this kid that great drum set✌

[@whoisjuliano]

@@Quincebo yes!

[@johnbernhardt4319]

Nightmare with MP is by far my favorite album. They should've kept him! Especially given he was the Rev's idol and could play all his parts!

[@FFred-us9tw]

Agreed. Nightmare was the last great album they made.

[@ComatoseRat]

@@FFred-us9tw bullshit, nightmare is one of their best for sure, but just because the stage and libad sound different dont make them any less phenomenal. No disrespect to hail to the king even, as conservative as it was, it was a better album than most bands produce in their existence.

[@or1on89]

@@ComatoseRat Hail to the King is a lame album. Don't fall blind just because it's your favourite band.

[@behamiltonsrful]

I have spoken to Mike, and while he loved his time there, he was more into collaborating with lots of musicians and doing lots of projects. I asked him about it when he stopped doing Adrenaline Mob, who I absolutely loved. His exact words were "Just enjoy the music, brother" when I questioned him leaving them. And he was right, and I did

[@SeanSilas_IronWrath_GTR]

NIGHTMARE was the best! Thank you Mike for filling in! RIP REV!

[@TheReverendTholomewP]

Wonderful video. Jimmy's work forever altered my life, as well as others. I'm forever grateful for every single one who sat behind the kit in this band

[@chiyo-chanholocaust8143]

Portnoy replacing the Rev will forever be one of the coolest moments in metal history. Portnoy was his ultimate idol, and he would have felt extremely honored

[@americanagothic7851]

Jimmy was a phenom at a very young age. Very accomplished drummer, period. I don’t think people realize how good he really was and who he could hang with in the drumming world.

[@paulsupra1243]

Jimmy honestly made the band. I've seen them a lot in concert, and while I like a very select few songs since Nightmare. A7X isn't the same without the Rev.

[@nocentz4656]

Mike was never going to be a replacement he literally had another band he had to tour with.

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

This was a great video. Massively informative and your editor is top notch. Thank you much!

[@RC32Smiths01]

What a one of a kind musician. Seeing that someone as iconic as Portnoy could not replicate someone he inspired shows just how iconic The Rev himself has become. The dedication and the passion that the entire band has for making music is something to at least be highly respected. Rest in peace to a legend.

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

The Rev did a lot more in the band behind the scenes than people even knew! He will be missed dearly. Brooks is the right guy for the job though! I played a festival with them recently and they absolutely crushed!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@DrumBeatsOnline Right on man! Cool to know you had that experience, it must have been exhilarating!

[@dans3294]

Portnoy is a better drummer but not right for A7X. Maybe he didn’t wear enough makeup.

[@uppyb0t]

I think what was being said about Portnoy was a bit misunderstood. It seemed more like they didn’t want him to be the main draw for the fans rather than he couldn’t hack it. They wanted it to be the Avenged show and not Avenged featuring Mike.

[@JoeyRam.]

​@@uppyb0tYou hit the nail, in past interviews and instructional DVD's he (Portnoy) always advised that you always play note by note but never hide your mark while playing, even if you are taking after someone else. 🤘🏻🥁🤘🏻

[@TexasCajun83]

The Rev reinforced me. I was drumming on a metal band in HS back in 2000. Now my son is 13 and A7X is his favorite band 🤘

[@closinginonclosure]

0:21 I'm not sure it's completely accurate to suggest they've had "four drummers". Portnoy was more of a session guy who was brought in to record and finish Nightmare, and played a few shows. Aarin Ilejay was also a session guy but toured quite a bit more than Mike did, but was never an official member either. They've only had two official drummers. Jimmy and Brooks.

[@blasmo7891]

Not true. Arin is one of my closest friends. He was a session guy for a bit but became a full member of the band after about a year.

[@closinginonclosure]

@@blasmo7891 😂 You're so full of shit. He was strictly session touring from 2011-13 and a temporary member from 2013-15. One of your closest friends and you don't know that? Haha. Ok, guy.

[@closinginonclosure]

@@blasmo7891 And don't think I don't see your pathetic comment history telling everyone "Arin is one of my closest friends and this is 1000% true" and telling multiple people he's your best friend. 😂 What a doinker

[@blasmo7891]

@@closinginonclosure lol jokes on you pal. I’ll make sure to text him tonight and laugh about this comment

[@mr.sidecomments9278]

@@closinginonclosure Arin was indeed a session player that eventually got promoted as a permanent member. A7X at least had been clear about it, unlike Trivium who considered one of their replacements as a mere session player even though he made 2 albums with them.

[@RecklessEnterainment]

The biggest thing about the Rev to me is he wrote some of their best songs. I never really liked much of their stuff after the nightmare album and I realized it was because Jimmy wrote so much of their music. Afterlife and Almost easy are both of jimmy’s songs and probably 2 of their best.

[@Jirkby]

Mike Portnoy can play anything the Rev wrote, saying he couldn’t hack it is not the case lol dude is a god on the drums but had his own shit going on and couldn’t commit. Rip Rev

[@briandavis2885]

MP was fired from the band

[@nonamesleft136]

​@briandavis2885 not true. He was brought on to finish the tour. The Rev was super talented, but Mike is top 10 rock or metal drummer.

[@briandavis2885]

@@nonamesleft136 true. He even said he wanted to stay on w a7. They opted to let him go. I think they wanted someone a bit closer to their age

[@mr.sidecomments9278]

@@briandavis2885 I think what Mike meant of wanting to stay with A7x isn't because he wants to be a full-time member but rather he wanted to finish the entire Nightmare tour which spans from 2010 thru 2011. Keep in mind that he was still a member of Dream Theater when he recorded Nightmare. He knew that juggling both A7x and his own band just isn't feasible so he asked the rest of the DT guys to take a 5-year break.

[@jacobr.1769]

Great video. Jimmy the rev was definitely the backbone of the band. His vocals are unmatched. Subscriber.

[@IftkharAhmed]

Singing aside, and the fact The Rev was a great drummer, but to say Portnoy wasn't able to fill his spot is just totally grossly incorrect. Portnoy plays WAY more complex music than A7X does and is considered one of the top five drummers in the world. There are numerous clips from the Uproar Tour proving this. In fact, he came in and finished the parts The Rev started for the "Nightmare" album. This is NOT a knock on The Rev at all it's more a knock on the statement that Portnoy couldn't cut the mustard in A7X totally incorrect. Portnoy was one of The Rev's biggest influences. I saw the tour that Portnoy played with them (Uproar Festival) and he made it look "almost easy". Portnoy most likely left the band because he was just a temporary fill in and he is much older than they are. That's no knock on his ability at all as he's a FAR more accomplished drummer than any of the drummers that have played for A7X. Ilejay didn't get much time to prove himself but Brooks Wackerman is a great fit (I've seen them with him too) for them and he's a great drummer too. But I'd have to say skill for skill Portnoy was the best of all of them without a doubt.

[@morganc.m1830]

Nobody said he couldn't cut it because of his skill. He even said it in that interview clip, that they weren't ready to commit and wanted a lesser known drummer who had room to improve.

[@bobafett109]

Was fortunate enough to see A7X a few times between 2004 and 2009 A7X and Pinkly Smooth were 2 of my top 5 bands in middleschool/highschool The Rev was absolutely amazing on recordings and live performances my #1 favorite drummer and vocalist of all time. RIP Jimmy

[@IainFrame]

I still watch that YT video of Jimmy tracking the drums for Almost Easy. He makes it looks ridiculously easy. Just walks in, sticks on the headphones, plays the entire thing flawlessly, takes the cans off, and walks out again 😮🔥

[@Stevenaramburo]

I love how they talk about the rev, there is this sadness but then happiness for all the good times :') he was unique... I'm happy to live in a time where Jordison and Rev existed at the same time :')

[@christph3118]

Absolutely

[@ABreadlessDuck]

This video is so off about Portnoy it’s ridiculous.

[@morganc.m1830]

How?

[@bmetal2]

Truth hurts!

[@THE_BEAR_JEW]

I still remember how devastated I was when Rev died. Not just because I was a fan of him, but because anytime you lose a member of the band that's such a core piece, it's pretty much over. Reminded me of when Dimebag or Layne Staley died. There's just no replacing that.

[@dr.crentist592]

I grew up with the guys in a band called Oceana, and they were constantly playing shows with Confide. Even did a whole tour where they headlined, Arin was a super down to earth dude and one of the best drummers I ever knew even before they blew up. Then one day my friend said "Hey go check out A7X's drummer" and I about lost it seeing Arin up there behind the kit on his live debut with the band. I'll never forget that 😂

[@Amazing_Universe-o5x]

No one can replace the Rev He was irreplaceable ❤ Rest in peace

[@simonhimself1]

I was at Arin’s first show with the band. He crushed it. He had impossible shoes to fill. It’s like when Jason took over for cliff in Metallica.

[@TPG_Plagues]

He recorded the entire album on one take. There's one single mistake and he kept it in just to keep that one take thing. I love it.

[@JN-kn1uo]

Damn, wheres the mistake at? I def missed it

[@ruytobarm]

i didnt notice which mistake you’re referencing

[@dpham5585]

Brooks really is taking the band to new creative heights. Love him and his drumming on their last two albums and the guitar/drum duos with Syn.

[@dvdaltizer]

You have a really great style and format to this video! Great job telling the story. I can tell you put a lot of work into it.

[@randolphvanhook5829]

The Rev was a true once in a lifetime talent. The drummer is the engine of your band, when that engine has problems or has to be replaced it’s never going to be the same, especially considering how much more than just drumming The Rev did. Even Zeppelin couldn’t carry on without Bonham. So many great bands lose their original drummer and lose something they never get back. Clive Burr from Iron Maiden, Jukka from Nightwish, etc.

[@Overhead_Official]

Even joey can't be replaced...rest in peace btw..

[@chriscarew899]

gnr never sounded the same since firing Steven Adler either!

[@andrewlindenfeld6222]

For a second I thought that "one man band guy" at 5:11 was Bubbles from Trailer Park Boys 🤣 that would have been a sweet tribute to Neil effing Peart... two drummers gone way too soon.

[@versev0]

Arin is actually such a power drummer, i want him to help lars out there

[@AdamNYLONSTROKE]

I’m loving these drummer deep dive videos! Could you do one for Tommy Lee?

[@MrBlueDux]

I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR SO LONG

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Heck yes!!

[@mr.shwift5052]

The rev is like the drummer version of dimebag. There playing continues to influence the metal industry and have helped stitch it together to what it is today. Both gone but never forgotten

[@huntergibbs7797]

i think brooks saved a7x. he really brings in what they missed. im so excited to see them live in September

[@darkcrypter]

I just saw them on the 18th in Camden, and they’re fucking incredible. Start to finish, openers and all, amazing show.

[@102ndsmirnov7]

I just really miss the Rev's occasional singing in A7X, it was just so incredibly good.

[@alfredneumann4332]

my reason to start drumming was Lars Ulrich and Christoph Schneider. My reason to improve and push my limits to become a better drummer was the Rev. i discovered A7X with his death, sadly but studying his parts and his playing had me practice after school for 5-6 hours everyday for years. and i loved every second of it

[@HF-dw6nx]

Brook's drumming on "the stage" is pretty sick

[@HilmanOfficial13]

Brooks skill is very natural and he never looked exhausted even play 4 or 5 song with extreme notes, Arin play 3 or 4 song with extreme notes always look exhausted and sweaty. And Mike Portnoy is a living legend, he always accept the challenge even this challenge is impossible job, don't ask about his skill, we know he's a insane drummer like Jimmy🤣, because of him I learn to play drum in highschool 👍 he's my hero

[@boardy2971]

gotta love that Tool reference, probably a reference to parabola too cause it's litterally a song about leaving your body

[@jasonfrancois2730]

I LIKE DRUMS! I love The Rev’s drumming! Intense but relaxed while playing!

[@spongeb27]

Avenged is my favourite band of all time and it's not that close, yet even I am aware that Portnoy being fired from Avenged makes no sense, he's an absolute icon in the industry, has been going far longer and honestly is probably more virtuosic at his instrument even than Syn and Matt. Everyone has already said it but he was literally there to do them a favour first and foremost, and I honestly believe he literally couldn't have done a better job on Nightmare. It made perfect sense too imo, how can you possibly follow arguably the greatest drummer of his generation? By drafting in the greatest drummer of his own generation, it would've been like getting Van Halen to replace Syn for an album (in the same circumstance).

[@haxortrent]

Their newest album is incredible. What I very slightly dislike about it is also what I love about it and I hope most people don't hate on it for being so different from their other albums. The fact that they made it so different is just awesome

[@joshuasill1141]

One of the reasons that glam metal, hair bands, and nu-metal kinda died out. It was all the same recycled sound because no one really changed. Everyone hated Metallica's "Load" album while I personally love it. They didn't forget their roots, but also they evolved their sound. Probably one of the reasons they are still going strong after 40+ years while many of their peers got left behind.

[@corywisneski520]

The main reason it isn't well received is because most people find it unpalatable. Maybe it's not bad but I dont think I have anything good to say about it

[@River-o4t]

Gabe, I love your content! I may only be -- yrs old, but i find your drumming inspiring. I love rock and I prevail is awesome! I play DW drums and zildjian cymbals, but the sound of your drums are literally sick! Keep making it for me!!! Also Id love a free drumkit or cymbal!!!!!!

[@stanfordkoch1271]

I dont think the drummers cant cut it, its the band that still has the rev as a reference and they dont want to stray from that path, and i think that makes it impossible for any drummer to stay in the band

[@morganc.m1830]

Um, so you're still saying they can't cut it? Lol.

[@paralleldimensions8803]

1:17 I've seen that video before and I love that matt straight up stopped the show to make sure the guy was ok.

[@morganc.m1830]

Yeah, but what I'm confused about it is how is that the drummer saving a fan?

[@vananon51]

You were the drummer for I Prevail?! Whoa dude. Awesome. Also, what do you do to get your arms so buff? You’re living my dream: being a pro drummer, and being really buff. 👍🏻

[@MeetMrMayhem88]

He still is the drummer for I Prevail 👌 I just saw them last month with Godsmack 🤘

[@KalibMonday]

I’m glad this is being talked about. The Rev was a legendary musician who didn’t get the recognition he deserved before he passed. Whoever this other guy is, is paying a great amount of respect by being with avenged sevenfold.

[@adampiette60]

Hey man, no need to disrepect Portnoy that way in the thumbnail. Dude deserves all the credit in the world, saved the album when it seemed nobody would, learned songs from their catalogue minutes before going to play them live, and he did a fuckin amazing job. Was only ever meant to be temporary, I remember Shadows saying something like "we needed somebody to be in avenged sevenfold, we cant do avenged sevenfold featuring Dave Portnoy"

[@EvilSkeltos]

That' perfectly describes the reason Mike wasn't ideal to join the band.... . If Shadows called him Dave Portnoy,, they were best off introducing a new face...

[@ThomasistheTwin]

Eddie Van Halen was the same way when recording. One take no mistakes. In Amadeus it mentions Mozart’s sheet music had no corrections. Everything was already complete in his head it just becomes a matter of being able to play everything you hear. Accent here, ghost note there. Double time here, follow the lead there.

[@scribble9431]

Portnoy didn't fill the role? I dunno bout you, my respects to the rev, but Portnoy played the role perfectly, even more than that, by adding his own flare. Besides, Portnoy did this as a charity of sorts, because he was a close friend of theirs, he was just lending a hand...

[@morganc.m1830]

Omg, why does nobody understand that it's not his skill that was the problem? That's not why he couldn't cut it. They didn't want to commit to him and wanted a lesser known drummer with room to improve.

[@TheMetalheadGamer]

Fiction isn't a prediction..it was his goodbye.. to this day, i believe Jimmy knew his time was coming..

[@macaronisalad5]

Portnoy is on a whole different level than the rest of these drummers . Including the original drummer of this band

[@JLchevz]

well yeah... lol

[@BERSERKYD]

Good video, but forget to mention that Brooks was playing for Bad Religion before as well, made one of my favorite Album of all time Process of Belief, who was his first album for that band, he put the punk rock genre to another level with that release ! And now joining AX7 his parcours is beyound exceptionnal !

[@lukebarklam8852]

Don’t forget Joey jordison, r.i.p

[@XxJigglyNatxX]

I remember I cried for days when Jimmy Passed, I still miss him on the band, he was special, avenged sevenfold will be forever my favorite band

[@ridiculous1755]

Glad that he is getting the recognition he deserves.

[@B3n85_]

How did he get "Couldn't fill his shoes'? From Portnoy?

[@Zack-Rose]

Imagine the insane albums that A7X would’ve released if Jimmy was still here!

[@cfishernb]

If Jimmy were still here the band may have broken up years ago. Don't think that way. The past is the past. Just be thankful we had Jimmy as long as we did and be thankful the band continued on.

[@Zack-Rose]

@@cfishernb or… they would’ve made “A Little Piece of Heaven - Part II” 😈

[@JohnWiku]

​@@Zack-Rosethat's already done, they did 2 albums worth of that crap now 😂😂

[@morganc.m1830]

​@@JohnWikuwhat are you even talking about?

[@morganc.m1830]

​@@cfishernbwhy would they have broken up?

[@REALSimulatedDumplings]

Rev was an outstanding drummer, and the world is less awesome without him. Rock on in Heaven with the rest of the legends brother! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@DavidDantePhoenix]

This is a fitting tribute... The Rev is one of the greats, and there's nobody greater- NOBODY #RIPREV

[@DaMustaine]

Yes there is, brooks is far better

[@DavidDantePhoenix]

@@DaMustaine Let’s hear Brooks write a banger and shred lead vocals over it.

[@DaMustaine]

@@DavidDantePhoenix dude listen to how clean and how well his drum parts fit the songs. Syn has always been a better writer for a7x and m shadows has had better vocals than the rev since waking the fallen

[@banijay1989]

Dude sounds like a A7X mark . Portnoy is a legend only got brought in to fill the void temporarily not permanently

[@immortal1995100]

Please stop calling metalheads "rockers". It's disrespectful. Thanks.

[@CitizenFortress]

This was an EXCELLENTLY filmed and EXCELLENTLY edited video. I'm actually impressed.

[@felipemillani8468]

POrtnoy could do anything Rev did with ease, what a clickbait.

[@forrestperkins6237]

Agreed, and a7x is mainstream hot topic garbage.

[@morganc.m1830]

Omg, why does nobody understand that it's not his skill that was the problem? That's not why he couldn't cut it. They didn't want to commit to him and wanted a lesser known drummer with room to improve.

[@morganc.m1830]

​​@@forrestperkins6237um, no it's not. Why do people like you insist on just being *ssholes for no reason?

[@MFFalah96]

One and only. Drummer+keyboarder+vocal/sing+song writer.. If there someone like this man, i apreciated🙏

[@CofeeNOmelet]

One of my favorite drummers. Sadly passed too soon.

[@dalatina911]

Holy shit bro THANK YOU for this! I have been on a quest to find new music in this genre as I was never exposed to it before and didn’t know where to look. Thanks to this video I listened to “Nobody” and my world changed.

[@Grim-Unknown]

Drum stick to the eye killed me 😂😂😂

[@GP-Music.]

After hearing Nobody the day the single was released, I thought to myself the guys must have been tripping on dmt writing this new album. I said it jokingly to myself. This is the first I heard Matt actually say it. Brooks is very humble and zero ego, Brooks isn't going anywhere!

[@ZoSosc]

I wasnt a fun of a7x for the longegest time and When Mike came in for nightmare i startes listening to them more and the more and more I listen I get way more respect for the Rev. Miss him.

[@dwaynedmolohon6406]

I did a paper on Jimmy in a class for college. I was days late due to being out of town, I finished 3 days early when I came in. The teacher was floored, I explained, " there was supposed to be more written about him" Cedar Rapids, IA 2014

[@dylanzlawrence6469]

Happy to see others appreciating the rev and his musically inclined genius self. Learning all songs from city of evil to nightmare. Def wasn't easy but glad I took the time to learn them all. But his addiction to heroin. Yeah didn't help my own problem. The Rev was a big influence in my music career/hobby

[@TheAngryPotato]

BROOOOOOOOOOOOOOKS!! Chillest dude on the planet.

[@actuallynotsteve]

Been playing drums for 20 years and other stuff for longer. There's nobody like the Rev, he's my favorite. Brooks is great, but the Rev had a style that nobody else comes close to. It's tragic that we lost him so early.

[@bottlemissed_]

I think the rev is the best than they all, no one can replace him. He literally can be back vocal, piano, and drum.

[@imfknradio9978]

Portnoy did Nightmare because the band asked him to as he was a massive influence/idol to The Rev. Portnoy really only did it because 1. The drums were already written, all he had to do was convert it from electronic to an actual set. And 2. It was just Nightmare and the Tour that followed and 3. Respect for The Rev. he was never suppose to be the replacement. Brooks too is a great drummer. The Stage especially it feels like The Rev comes out in him. Im not the biggest fan of the latest album, personally I think its their worse but A7X has always had killer drums