Many were curious as to who will be filling in for the late Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan during Avenged Sevenfold’s upcoming tour commitments. It seemed unlikely that Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy, who helped record drums on the band’s fifth studio album, would be able to help out. However, Portnoy himself has confirmed that he will be touring with Avenged Sevenfold through 2010.
“After being so kind and caring to help us in the studio, the rumors are in fact true and Mike Portnoy will indeed be helping us on the upcoming Uproar tour later this year… We are very grateful to Mike for dedicating his time and talent to help us get back on the road so we can be where we need to be the most which is with our fans. Much Love and Respect,” guitarist Zacky Vengeance said.
Portnoy added the following:
After having had such an amazing experience recording my drum tracks for the new Avenged Sevenfold album, we all knew it would be awesome if I’d be able to do some touring with the band after its release…
I am happy to say that the timing worked out perfectly that my touring cycle with Dream Theater (and Transatlantic) was coming to an end just as Avenged Sevenfold’s was scheduled begin! (Well, perfect for everyone except my poor family!) : )
Although I wish I could stay on board with Avenged Sevenfold in a more permanent capacity, the reality is that I am commited to Dream Theater as my main priority (that is my baby after all!), and I will need to resume work with Dream Theater to start a new album at some point in 2011. However, I will be able to join my brothers in Avenged Sevenfold for at least the duration of their touring throughout 2010…and hopefully this will give them the time to continue to heal and get comfortable back on the road.
You can look at me like the band’s ‘rebound drummer’ to buy them some time until they are comfortable and ready to make a commitment to somebody new for full-time relationship in their future! In the meantime, I am real excited to hit the road with the boys…to bring my drumming from their new album to life on stage and to honor [late Avenged Sevenfold drummer] The Rev with all of their older material….Hey, do I get to have a cool, bad-ass stage name now??? : )
Avenged Sevenfold’s touring commitments for 2010 include the recently announced Rockstar Uproar Tour, as well as a one off stop at Mayhem Fest’s Mansfield, MA stop on July 27. It is great that Avenged Sevenfold will be able to continue paying tribute to their fallen band mate and that Portnoy was able to help. And with this single announcement, Uproar Tour just became more appealing.
