The Rev and his wife, Leana SilverWell, this is a little unexpected. As we mentioned on the Livecast last night, DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy has agreed to drum on the new AVENGED SEVENFOLD record. As you recall, previous drummer, James "The Rev" Sullivan was found dead in his home at the end of last year. The band was set on recording a new album and decided to give a call to Rev's favorite drummer, Portnoy, who agreed. Here is the official statement from the band: "I want our fans to know that with Jimmy in our hearts, our journey to record has officially began. Jimmy helped leave this world an amazing gift and now it's our job to make sure to deliver that gift to our fans. We asked Jimmy's all time favorite drummer Mike Portnoy to record on behalf of him. Mike said it would be an honor and without question that's what Jim would have wanted. It's comforting to us that someone like Mike, who is undoubtedly revered as one of the best drummers in the world, held such respect and adoration for the Rev's abilities. Even though it will never be the same without our brother by our side, his essence lives in our hearts and through the music he helped create. He was a legend before any of the success or any of that bullshit and we are fucking excited to lay this down for our fans, and especially for Jimmy."
