James Owen Sullivan
- Born:
- February 9, 1981, Huntington Beach, California, USA
- Died:
- December 28, 2009, Huntington Beach, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Musician, Songwriter, Drummer
Early Life and Education
- Sullivan showed an early aptitude for music, starting to play the drums at age ten.
- He attended Huntington Beach High School, where he met future bandmates.
- He left high school before graduating to pursue a career in music.
Career and Major Achievements
- Sullivan was best known as the drummer and backing vocalist for the band Avenged Sevenfold.
- He joined Avenged Sevenfold in 1999.
- Known professionally as "The Rev", he was also a skilled songwriter, contributing significantly to the band's compositions.
- He also played drums and piano for the experimental metal band Pinkly Smooth with fellow Avenged Sevenfold member Synyster Gates.
- Avenged Sevenfold achieved significant commercial success during his tenure, becoming a leading act in the metal and hard rock genres.
Notable Works
Avenged Sevenfold Discography (Studio Albums)
| Title | Year |
|---|---|
| Sounding the Seventh Trumpet | 2001 |
| Waking the Fallen | 2003 |
| City of Evil | 2005 |
| Avenged Sevenfold | 2007 |
| Nightmare | 2010 (posthumously) |
Pinkly Smooth Discography
| Title | Type |
|---|---|
| Unfortunate Snort | EP |
Legacy and Impact
James "The Rev" Sullivan's drumming style was characterized by its technical proficiency, speed, and innovative use of double bass drumming. He left a lasting impact on the metal drumming community, influencing countless aspiring musicians. Examining any biography the rev avenged sevenfold quotes it is clear he also contributed extensively to the songwriting within the band itself. He is remembered as a talented and charismatic performer whose musical contributions helped shape the sound of Avenged Sevenfold.