Rock 'n' Roll in Orange County

by Chris Epting

  Today, the families of the band know each other and it’s a very close-knit bunch in the Avenged organization. Crewmembers went to grade school with the band, the musicians are all high school buddies—and it all happened here in Huntington.

  The Sullivans are amazed with their son’s life and support every beat of it. “We love to hear how the music evolves when they’re working on it,” Joe says, smiling. “We love the shows, the feedback from fans and family members—it’s an incredible experience.”

  Barbara scrapbooks many of her son’s musical moments and also collects much of the band’s memorabilia, including lunch boxes, watches and coasters. She also remembers what it was like when all three kids were home.

  “While Jimmy played drums, his sister Kelly was playing classical music on French horn, and his other sister Katie would paint—there was always wonderful art being created around us.”

  Mom’s favorite show to date? “A long time ago, right as they started catching on, up at the Ford Theater in Los Angeles. Jimmy still says that they weren’t that good yet, but watching the kids in the crowd sing along to every song—you knew something special was happening.” She pulls out the MTV “spaceman” statue that the band won as Best New Artist at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards as proof of how right she was.

  And what does Joe feel when he watches the band play live today before thousands of adoring fans?

  “I look at him up there under the lights, and I think back to the little kid in the tub; that little boy hitting those toys together. It’s incredible to think about what he has done and where he’s been. But you know, it doesn’t just happen. He worked so hard—all these guys work so hard, and that’s that thing I think people should realize. They’re great because of the time they put in. How can you not be proud of that?”

  By that time, Avenged Sevenfold has firmly established itself as an intense and dynamic hard rock band. They first formed in 1999, lead vocalist M. Shadows, guitarists Zacky Vengeance and Synyster Gates, drummer Jimmy Sullivan and bassist Matt Wendt (later replaced by Justin Sane). The band cut two demos in 1999 and 2000 and after a series of personnel changes finally arrived with bass player Johnny Christ before releasing their second studio album entitled “Waking the Fallen” in 2003. Now on the Hopeless Records label, they hit the road on the Van’s Warped Tour among several other high profile tours. Signing with Warner Bros. Records, they next released “City of Evil” in 2005 and it sold 30,000 copies in its first week of release.

  M. Shadows was the lead singer for Huntington Beach–based Avenged Sevenfold. Author’s collection.

  They played Ozzfest in 2006 [and] also won the best new artist award at the MTV music video awards. The band’s dramatic themes and darkly personal lyrics [won] them fiercely dedicated and loyal fan base from very early on. Their next release, a 2007 self-titled effort won them even more fans as they moved further away from their death metal roots into a more mainstream form of metal that still managed to embrace all the emotion and heaviness of their earlier efforts.

  Then, on the heels of what would become a major breakthrough in the form of their first number one album, tragedy struck. On December 28, 2009, Jimmy Sullivan was found dead at his home in Huntington Beach. Original autopsy reveals results were inconclusive, but six months later the cause of death was revealed to have been intoxication [due] to combined effects of a variety of prescription drugs.

  Though the band originally considered disbanding due to the loss of their musical brother, in February 2010 they returned to the studio with the then-Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy filling in for Sullivan. Portnoy had been one of Sullivan’s idols and once he reached out to the band [to] offer his condolences following Solomon’s death, discussions took place that eventually resulted in Portnoy filling in for the fallen drummer. Once the album, entitled “Nightmare” was released in July 2010, Portnoy went on the road with the band to fill in on the Nightmare tour. By the end of the year, Portnoy left the band and they eventually settled on drummer Arin Illejay as Sullivan’s full-time replacement.

  In 2012, Avenged Sevenfold won the award for Best Live Band and Most Dedicated Fans at the Revolver Golden Gods awards. Touring around the world relentlessly, their fan base just became stronger and stronger. On August 27, 2013 their album “Hail to the King” revealed a more classic and mature metal sound for A7X, as they are known.

  As critically acclaimed as anything they’ve ever released, the album also hit number one on the charts establishing the band as one of the true worldwide powerhouse bands.

  While Orange County had produced a host of hard rock stars over the years from Dave Mustaine to Scott Weiland, Avenged Sevenfold was the first true metal band to emerge exclusively from Orange County to achieve the heights they had reached.

  For many fans though, both in Orange County and all over the world, the loss of Sullivan remains an integral part of the band’s identity and legacy. The funeral held for Sullivan several days after his death was attended by many musical artists [including] members of My Chemical Romance and Buckcherry. It was a rock ’n’ roll funeral unlike anything else that had never been witnessed in Orange County.

  Being friends with the Sullivan family [m]y family and I attended the funeral and I was given permission to write about it afterwards [for] my newspaper column. What follows here was the only published account of the poignant event.

  I’m sitting here trying to make sense and write this column about what I witnessed last week—the two services I attended for Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan, drummer (who wrote and sang) for the Huntington Beach–based band Avenged Sevenfold. If you saw the column I wrote a few months back about Joe and Barbara Sullivan, Jimmy’s parents, you’ll remember that this tight-knit family knew early that the little boy banging on toys in the tub was destined for something percussive—but as the member of a spectacularly popular band?

  The gravesite in Huntington Beach of Jimmy “the Rev” Sullivan, the original drummer for Avenged Sevenfold. Courtesy of Charles Epting.

  “The Rev” tragically passed away at 28 the week before last, and while nobody is quite sure what happened, it really doesn’t matter—what’s important is that a family here misses their son (and brother). Joe and Barbara Sullivan want to address the fans soon, and they will. For now, not as a columnist but as a friend, I asked their permission to convey the power of what I witnessed at the services, and they said it was OK. But as I sit here, it’s hard to know where to begin.

  This lovely family (including Jimmy’s sisters Kelly and Katie) was visible at the services not just gracefully tending to the assembled flock, but on the several scrapbook photo boards at the church featuring hundreds of family photos. Vacations, camping trips, birthdays, ball games, Jimmy playing one of his first sets of drums—they all grew up right before our eyes. So how do you begin to write of the vastness of this loss the family is feeling? I can tell you that as friends and family paid tribute to The Rev at the rosary service the night before the funeral, it was powerful, heartfelt and real—just like The Rev himself. The packed church was treated to stories from pals, relatives and his first drum teacher, who spoke of the young boy who understood and executed polyrhythmic theory in a matter of weeks. Grade-school buddies recalled the happy-go-lucky athlete who became a real-life rock star but never forget where he came from. The four remaining members of Avenged Sevenfold entered together and then rose together to address the crowd.

  Tearfuly these young men, wives and girlfriends by their side[s], shared their love of their band mate. Finally, The Rev’s dad, Joe Sullivan, spoke about his son, honoring him with an eloquent speech on how much he learned from his boy—and how it will affect his life going forward. There was pain in the room, but it was trumped by joy and love generated by The Rev, whom many felt comfortable, justifiably, in calling their best friend. The funeral the next day was an equally dramatic, beautiful event. In addition to the hundreds of family and friends gathered (including Jimmy’s fiancée, Leana), there
were several bands in attendance, including members of Buckcherry and My Chemical Romance. Flowers, cymbals and drumheads signed by legendary bands were delivered—representing the love and respect among the band’s brethren. Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Brian Haner, a.k.a. Synyster Gates, delivered a soaring eulogy with focus and class.

  You look at him and the other young men in the band, M. Shadows, Zacky Vengeance and Johnny Christ, and wonder what they must be feeling—but in their eyes, you see the pain of their loss. I will tell you here that besides their music, what I love about Avenged Sevenfold is that they choose to remain part of Huntington Beach. They could easily have left after hitting it big, but they didn’t. They bought homes here, they’re known around town, they hire their buddies as crew; they’re good guys. Rock stars? Whatever. They’re hard-working, successful young men who got where they are because they’re very good at what they do, and the city is better for having them here. Back to the Sullivan family. As they clung together at the church and at the cemetery, surrounded by hundreds of mourners, it reminded one that the son they gave the world affected many lives—young lives. As I struggled trying to write this column, an e-mail arrived. It was from a young woman in Omaha, Neb., Rachel Lee. She’s a 22-year-old librarian who loves Avenged Sevenfold. Her note read in part, “I specifically wanted to thank you for humanizing the drummer and his family, giving a sense of what those of us who have looked up at their stage and sung their lyrics, begged for their autographs, have only sensed at a distance—that at the end of the night their loved ones back in Huntington Beach are truly their family and their home.

  “While the fandom has suffered a great loss, we dearly wish to express that they are not alone in their grief and there are a lot of us out there who wish we could do something to ease the pain of Jimmy’s passing. Tonight, a candlelight vigil is being planned in a number of cities in his memory, fans gathering together to talk and laugh and remember The Rev.” She went on to tell me about a scrapbook project in honor of Jimmy being headed by a young woman in Florida, Victoria Deroy, who also wrote to express her sorrow over Jimmy’s loss, and her plan to help keep his memory alive. “Avenged Sevenfold saved my life, and from the moment I heard of Jimmy’s death, I felt as though my entire world had fallen apart,” she wrote. “I wanted to comfort the men that I had grown to know and love through their music, DVDs and live performances. I sent out over 20 messages to fan pages and tried to get several of my friends involved and the end result was over 190 messages from fans all over the world. We received prayers, notes and stories, even from people who had known Jimmy personally. I am currently in the process of hand-crafting the scrapbook and will send it out as soon as I am finished.”

  Losses like this will never be easy for me to process, make sense of and write about, but the words of these fans brought some clarity. Jimmy’s loss is being felt by millions all around the world—especially by a family and a band of brothers here in Huntington Beach. If you haven’t listened to Avenged Sevenfold, I recommend you do. It’s raw, passionate music played with skill, soul and unbridled fury. My 16-year-old son, Charlie, adores this band, so we have had the benefit of hearing them constantly—as I write this, their song “Critical Acclaim” plays loudly, and proudly, behind me. Listen to the music, listen to the magic, and by all means, listen to the backbeat thunder. There’s no way better way to honor the Sullivan family—after all, that’s their boy on the drums.”

  To date, the gravesite of Jimmy Sullivan is a regular stopping point for Avenged Sevenfold fans from all over the world. These were just a few of the hundreds of notes from fans in response to the articles that I wrote in Orange County. The effect of his loss was simply stunning.

  These remembrances document just how far the influence of a drummer from Huntington Beach spanned:

  My very own forlorn and somber nightmare was shockingly manifested on Dec. 28, a day considered by many to be unluckiest day of the year. To the Sullivans, Leana and the rest of the A7X family: Jimmy will never be forgotten by those that saw him for the talented, loving and carefree genius that he was—my heart aches for you each and every day.

  —Joelle, Bella Vista, Alaska

  I will never forget Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan. Although I never met him, he showed me how to truly live life to the fullest.

  —Hunter, Yorba Linda, California

  Jimmy Sullivan touched my life in such an amazing way, and I never even got to meet him. I didn’t have to.

  —Ashley, Albuquerque, New Mexico

  A musical genius, but more importantly a mover of souls. Thank you for allowing us a glimpse into your beautiful heart and foREVer changing our lives.

  —Sherri Miller, Heavener, Oklahoma

  I feel terribly sorry that you’ve lost Jimmy one year ago. We will pray for you today, from all over the world.

  —Lean, Holland

  From the opening riffs of “To End the Rapture” to the last notes of “Save Me” and everything in between, Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan has been a songwriting hero and inspiration to me.

  —Tom, Atlantic City, New Jersey

  Jimmy was a perfect chapter in our lives. Stay strong Sullivans.

  —Hanna Salmela, Finland

  Sullivans, I wish you could know just how much your son and his band mean to me. It was an honour and a dream come true to be there at Sonisphere 2009 to witness The Rev play his last show.

  —Hayley, Bexhill-On-Sea, England

  Every day without Jimmy is a challenge, but even now he helps us through the tough times. He’ll never be forgotten by those whose hearts he touched.

  —Renee, Sydney, Australia

  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for giving us one of the greatest drummers of this generation. He will be foREVer missed.

  —Paulina Castillo, Los Angeles, California

  Jimmy and his music still bring a smile to the faces of those who watch and hear him play. A true legend and funny bloke!

  —Lew, Wolverhampton, England

  A huge thanks to the Sullivan family who let Jimmy share his amazing gift with the world. His legacy will never be forgotten.

  —Charlhynn D., Spokane, Washington

  A year ago today, the world lost a special man, and from that day forward, Jimmy’s fans made a promise to keep his legacy alive foREVer. We’ve kept true to that promise, and we only hope that our efforts have shone bright enough to lead you, his family, through the toughest of times. We love you.

  —Arielle, Westminster, England

  The death doesn’t mean the end. How long we will remember about Jimmy, he will live forever. FoREVer in our hearts.

  —Natka, Poland

  Another Huntington Beach band started finding its way around the time that Avenged Sevenfold first formed. “One of the Best New Bands of 2010”—that’s what Rolling Stone said about the Dirty Heads.

  The band, which has actually been around in various forms since 1996, sums itself up in an official bio: “Rooted in the Orange County community of Huntington Beach, the Dirty Heads emerged onto the Southern California music scene with their unique signature blend of acoustic infused hip-hop and classic reggae, creating the perfect soundtrack to an upbeat, sun-soaked California.”

  Along with Avenged Sevenfold, the Dirty Heads also put focus on Huntington as a musical mecca in the early 2000s, and lead singer Jared Watson likes that his band is now often spoken about in the same sentence with his Surf City brethren.

  “We went to Marina High; they went to Huntington. But we knew each other well growing up,” Watson said. “They’re awesome guys. In fact, my best friend growing up was Jimmy Sullivan.”

  The Dirty Heads, though much different in sound from Avenged Sevenfold, have managed to carve out their own international success while still remaining firmly rooted in Orange County.

  “This is our home; this is where we will always be from,” said Watson. “We learned everything about music right here in this beach town, and we like to think other bands can look
at us and say, You know what, it’s not impossible. You can still make music and survive.”

  Also formed around 1999 in Orange County was Atreyu, a metal-core band named after a character from the fantasy book The Neverending Story. Led by vocalist Alex Varkatzas, guitarists Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel, bassist Marc McKnight and drummer-vocalist Brandon Saller, the band’s first full-length album, entitled Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses, was released in 2001 by Victory Records. Right away, the release captured a large audience, in part thanks to a video for the song “Lip Gloss and Black,” which achieved a lot of airplay on MTV’s Headbangers Ball 2003. The big breakthrough came in 2004 when the trio released The Curse. It sold almost half a million copies, and soon after, the band was featured on the soundtrack to the film Mr. & Mrs. Smith when it covered the Bon Jovi smash-hit “You Give Love a Bad Name.” Over the years, Atreyu continued to release powerful records, but in 2011, the band stopped working together. Instead, all the members began pursuing individual projects. Then in the summer of 2014, word got out that the band would soon be resuming its career together with a series of shows later in the year. It was huge news for this Orange County band and the more than one million Facebook fans it had amassed over the years.

  Brandon Saller (left) and Dan Jacobs from Atreyu. Courtesy of Charles Epting.

  Upon the announcement, Brandon Saller had this to say:

  Discussions probably began about eight months ago. We all had dinner one night in Huntington Beach and figured out that we had an urge to make more music. It was that simple. We talked about some options, and things grew really fast. Back then, we all decided it was kind of pointless to be in a band if we weren’t all going to be 110%. When you’re in a band, that’s just how it has to be. I hate to see a band up there that is starting to phone it in. I feel ripped off. We didn’t want to get to that point, but we knew that possibly we were heading down that road. We had no idea what the reaction would be, so we didn’t want to think about it too much. We just want to get together and start kicking around some music. But then it hit us like a tidal wave. The reaction has been insane. On the one hand, we never really knew what people thought of us, but then again we look at our Facebook page, which had about 500,000 likes right before the hiatus. We haven’t done anything in a few years, and yet now I think it’s over about a million and a half. I never really looked at that before, but when you think about it, I guess people do really care about this band.