Amerikkalaisyhtye Avenged Sevenfold etsii itselleen uuden rumpalin. Viime kesästä asti liverumpalina toiminut Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater) ei jatka porukan riveissä enää ensi vuonna.
Portnoy, joka olisi ilmiselvästi kelpuuttanut jatkoajankin Avenged Sevenfoldin riveissä, kirjoittaa seuraavaa:
"Yes, the rumors are true… Sadly my time with Avenged Sevenfold has come to an end… The band has decided to carry on into 2011 without me… I had a great time with them throughout 2010, but it was their choice to end the relationship at the end of 2010 as was always the initial plan.
I had an awesome time on stage with the guys every night and have so many cool memories from the experience with them… I am proud to always be part of the Avenged Sevenfold family and history. I also adore the Avenged Sevenfold fans and totally appreciate the way they welcomed me aboard and were so loving and supportive during my time with the band… Thank you!
As far as my future, I am excited by the endless musical possibilities that lie ahead of me. My love for music runs very deep and my taste is very broad and ecclectic which will give me the chance to explore many different things and collaborate with many great friends and artists I admire and respect."
Soundin muutaman viikon takaisessa haastattelussa laulaja M. Shadows ei vielä paljastanut, että Portnoyn Avenged-aikakausi jää lyhyeksi. Rivien välistä tämän saattoi silti lukea, sillä Shadows ei antanut mitään viitteitä siitä, että yhtye haluaisi jatkaa Dream Theaterin ex-miehen kanssa. Lue haastattelu uudesta Soundista!
Kerrottakoon myös, että Avenged Sevenfold on perunut osallistumisensa ensi helmikuussa tapahtuvalle Australiaa kiertävälle Soundwave-festivaalille. Yhtyeen mukaan peruuntuminen tapahtui, sillä "bändi ei halua pettää fanejaan tarjoamalla keikan, joka ei vastaa yhtyeen nykystandardeja".
Soundwaven promoottori kertoo asiasta toisen puolen. Häneen mukaansa yhtye perui osallistumisensa, kun heille selvisi se tosiseikka, että soittoaika olisi ollut jo iltapäivällä.
Promoottori AJ Maddah sanoo:
"Avenged have decided, despite having originally confirmed a mid-afternoon spot, that they are now unwilling to play unless it is night time. At the same time, they are refusing to play at the same time as Iron Maiden… In other words, they want Maiden to play in the afternoon!
While Avenged are a massive band, having sold around 8,000 copies of their new album nationally, I won’t be able to move Maiden’s time slot. I have now reached the point where I can no longer mess around 70 other bands and 180,000 ticket holders to appease this band’s nonsense. I have every expectation that they will go back on their agreement and cancel."