# The Rev

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American musician (1981–2009)

For the style used when addressing clergy, see [the Reverend](/source/The_Reverend). For other uses, see [Rev (disambiguation)](/source/Rev_(disambiguation)).

Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan Background information Also known as The Rev Jimmy Rathead The Knife Master Born James Owen Sullivan (1981-02-09)February 9, 1981 Origin Huntington Beach, California, U.S. Died December 28, 2009(2009-12-28) (aged 28) Huntington Beach, California, U.S. Genres Heavy metal metalcore experimental metal ska punk alternative metal Occupations Musician songwriter Instruments Drums vocals piano Years active 1998–2009 Formerly of Avenged Sevenfold Pinkly Smooth Suburban Legends

Musical artist

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**James Owen Sullivan** (February 9, 1981 – December 28, 2009), also known by his [stage name](/source/Stage_name) **The Rev** (shortened from his prior stage name The Reverend Tholomew Plague), was an American musician and songwriter. He was the drummer, pianist, backing vocalist, and occasional co-lead vocalist of the [heavy metal](/source/Heavy_metal_music) band [Avenged Sevenfold](/source/Avenged_Sevenfold), which he co-founded in 1999. He was previously the lead vocalist and pianist of the [avant-garde metal](/source/Avant-garde_metal) band Pinkly Smooth and drummer for the [ska punk](/source/Ska_punk) band [Suburban Legends](/source/Suburban_Legends) from 1998 to 1999.

## Early life

James Owen Sullivan was born on February 9, 1981.[1] He was of Irish descent[2] and was raised Catholic in [Tustin, California](/source/Tustin%2C_California).[3] He received his first pair of drumsticks at the age of five and his own drum set at the age of twelve.[4] While in high school, he started playing in bands.

## Career

### Avenged Sevenfold

Before leaving to join [Avenged Sevenfold](/source/Avenged_Sevenfold) as one of the band's founding members, Sullivan was the drummer for the [third wave ska](/source/Third_wave_ska) band [Suburban Legends](/source/Suburban_Legends).[5] At the age of 19, he recorded his first album with Avenged Sevenfold, *[Sounding the Seventh Trumpet](/source/Sounding_the_Seventh_Trumpet)*. His early influences included [Frank Zappa](/source/Frank_Zappa) and [King Crimson](/source/King_Crimson). He stated in an interview with *[Modern Drummer](/source/Modern_Drummer)* that he "was raised on that stuff as much as rock and metal."[4]

Sullivan was influenced by drummers [Vinnie Paul](/source/Vinnie_Paul), [Mike Portnoy](/source/Mike_Portnoy) (who would later be his fill-in with Avenged Sevenfold), [Dave Lombardo](/source/Dave_Lombardo), [Lars Ulrich](/source/Lars_Ulrich), and [Terry Bozzio](/source/Terry_Bozzio),[6] stating "It's funny [...], of all my influences, [Tommy Lee](/source/Tommy_Lee) is a visual influence. I never thought I'd have one of those."[7] Sullivan had a signature [drum fill](/source/Drum_fill) which he called "the double-ride thing" or "the Double Octopus", stating that he did so "just for lack of a better definition".[8] It is a short fill consisting a full bar of sixteenth single notes played unison on [double bass drums](/source/Bass_drum#Double_bass_drum_pedal) and two [ride cymbals](/source/Ride_cymbal), and can be heard on tracks such as "[Almost Easy](/source/Almost_Easy)", "Critical Acclaim", "Crossroads", and "Dancing Dead".

Sullivan playing drums with [Avenged Sevenfold](/source/Avenged_Sevenfold) in 2008

Sullivan served as the drummer, composer, songwriter, vocalist, and pianist for the band. His vocals are featured in several Avenged Sevenfold songs, including "Strength of the World", "[Afterlife](/source/Afterlife_(Avenged_Sevenfold_song))", "[A Little Piece of Heaven](/source/A_Little_Piece_of_Heaven_(song))", "Almost Easy", "[Scream](/source/Scream_(Avenged_Sevenfold_song))", "Critical Acclaim", "Lost", "Brompton Cocktail", "Crossroads", "Flash of the Blade" (an [Iron Maiden](/source/Iron_Maiden) cover), "Art of Subconscious Illusion", "Save Me", and "Fiction". He also wrote and composed several songs for Avenged Sevenfold including "A Little Piece of Heaven", "Afterlife", "Almost Easy", "Unbound (The Wild Ride)", "Buried Alive", "Fiction", "Brompton Cocktail", "Welcome to the Family", "Save Me", among others. Avenged Sevenfold released a demo version of "Nightmare" featuring Sullivan on an electronic drumset and providing some vocals which were later used on the album *[Nightmare](/source/Nightmare_(Avenged_Sevenfold_album))*, released after his death.

At the second annual Revolver Golden God Awards, Sullivan won the award for "Best Drummer". His family members, and Avenged Sevenfold, received the posthumous honor on his behalf.[9]

In an *[Ultimate Guitar](/source/Ultimate_Guitar)* online readers' poll of the "Top Ten Greatest Drummers of All Time", Sullivan appeared at No. 8, placing higher than [Bill Ward](/source/Bill_Ward_(musician)) of [Black Sabbath](/source/Black_Sabbath) and lower than [Keith Moon](/source/Keith_Moon) of [the Who](/source/The_Who). In 2017, he once again appeared in Ultimate Guitar's list of Top 25 Greatest Singing Drummers, at No. 5.[10]

### Pinkly Smooth

Pinkly Smooth was an [avant-garde metal](/source/Avant-garde_metal) band formed in 2001 in [Huntington Beach, California](/source/Huntington_Beach%2C_California), as a side project of Sullivan. It originally featured him (under the name "Rathead") on vocals, along with fellow Avenged Sevenfold member [Synyster Gates](/source/Synyster_Gates) on guitar and former Ballistico band members Buck Silverspur (under the name "El Diablo") on bass, as well as Derek Eglit (under the name "Super Loop") on drums. They released only one album, *Unfortunate Snort*, which featured former Avenged Sevenfold bassist Justin Meacham (under his stage name "Justin Sane") as a keyboard player.

## Artistry

Initially influenced by [punk rock](/source/Punk_rock) during his youth, Sullivan was also influenced by artists such as [Frank Zappa](/source/Frank_Zappa), [Dave Weckl](/source/Dave_Weckl), [Terry Bozzio](/source/Terry_Bozzio), [Dream Theater](/source/Dream_Theater), [Pantera](/source/Pantera), [Rush](/source/Rush_(band)) and [Slayer](/source/Slayer).[11]

## Death

On December 28, 2009, Sullivan was found unresponsive at his home in [Huntington Beach, California](/source/Huntington_Beach%2C_California).[12] Upon arrival to the hospital, he was pronounced dead at the age of 28.[13] Police stated that his death was not suspicious and appeared to be from natural causes. An autopsy performed on December 30 was inconclusive, but toxicology results released six months later revealed the cause of death to be an overdose of alcohol, [diazepam](/source/Diazepam), [oxycodone](/source/Oxycodone), [oxymorphone](/source/Oxymorphone), and [nordiazepam](/source/Nordiazepam).[14] The coroner noted an [enlarged heart](/source/Cardiomegaly) as a "significant condition" that may have played a role in Sullivan's death.

On January 6, 2010, a private funeral was held for Sullivan. Avenged Sevenfold dedicated their fifth studio album *[Nightmare](/source/Nightmare_(Avenged_Sevenfold_album))* to him, as well as songs including "[So Far Away](/source/So_Far_Away_(Avenged_Sevenfold_song))", which had been written by his bandmate and childhood friend [Synyster Gates](/source/Synyster_Gates), and "Fiction", which Sullivan had written three days before his death.[15][16]

Sullivan's bandmate [M. Shadows](/source/M._Shadows) later said in an interview with Hard Drive Radio, "The eeriest thing about it is there is a song on the album called 'Fiction' [a nickname Sullivan gave himself] which started out with the title 'Death'. And it was the last song The Rev wrote for the album, and when he handed it in, he said, 'That's it, that's the last song for this record.' And then, three days later, he died."[15]

## Legacy

Sullivan's triple bass drum kit from the 2008 [Taste of Chaos](/source/Taste_of_Chaos) tour was donated for display at a [Hard Rock Cafe](/source/Hard_Rock_Cafe) in [Las Vegas](/source/Las_Vegas).[17] It has since been taken down after the Hard Rock Cafe closed due to [COVID-19](/source/COVID-19). Another drum kit he used is displayed in a Hard Rock Cafe in [Gatlinburg, Tennessee](/source/Gatlinburg%2C_Tennessee).[18][*[needs update](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_items)*] In 2024, Brandon Toews of [Drumeo](/source/Drumeo) wrote: "The original drummer and founding member of Avenged Sevenfold has become an iconic figure in rock and metal with his skills, creativity, and huge personality. Though he passed away far too soon at just 28 years old, his drumming continues to make a massive impact – and he’s quickly become a legend in his own right."[19]

## Discography

### with Suburban Legends

- *Origin Edition* (1999)

### with Pinkly Smooth

- *Unfortunate Snort* (2001)

### with Avenged Sevenfold

- *[Sounding the Seventh Trumpet](/source/Sounding_the_Seventh_Trumpet)* (2001)

- *[Waking the Fallen](/source/Waking_the_Fallen)* (2003)

- *[City of Evil](/source/City_of_Evil)* (2005)

- *[Avenged Sevenfold](/source/Avenged_Sevenfold_(album))* (2007)

- *[Live in the LBC & Diamonds in the Rough](/source/Live_in_the_LBC_%26_Diamonds_in_the_Rough)* (2008)

- *[Nightmare](/source/Nightmare_(Avenged_Sevenfold_album))* (2010) (posthumous; lyrics, composing and vocals featured; vocals and drums on demo tracks; co-lead vocals on "Fiction", growl on "Save Me", songwriting on all songs)

- *[Life Is But a Dream...](/source/Life_Is_But_a_Dream...)* (2023) (posthumous; bridge melody on "Mattel" and lyrics on "Beautiful Morning")

### with Brian Haner

- *Fistfight at the Wafflehouse* (2010) (posthumous; drums on "Bring My Baby Back")

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Jimmy The Reverend Sullivan"](https://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/James_The_Reverend_Sullivan.html). *DRUMMERWORLD*. Retrieved September 15, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["US metal band Avenged Sevenfold on their Belfast debut and Irish roots"](https://www.irishnews.com/arts/2018/06/01/news/us-metal-band-avenged-sevenfold-on-their-belfast-debut-and-irish-roots-1343000/). *The Irish News*. June 1, 2018. Retrieved September 15, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Avenged Sevenfold remember the Rev: "He never ceased to create music that touched my very soul""](https://www.loudersound.com/features/avenged-sevenfold-remember-the-rev-he-never-ceased-to-create-music-that-touched-my-very-soul). loudersound.com. February 17, 2010.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-MD_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-MD_4-1) ["*Modern Drummer Magazine Interview Oct. 2006*"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100804043845/http://www.moderndrummer.com/updatefull/200001828/Avenged%20Sevenfold%E2%80%99s%20James%20%E2%80%9CThe%20Rev%E2%80%9D%20Sullivan). Moderndrummer.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.moderndrummer.com/updatefull/200001828/Avenged%20Sevenfold%E2%80%99s%20James%20%E2%80%9CThe%20Rev%E2%80%9D%20Sullivan) on August 4, 2010. Retrieved October 28, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-bands_5-0)** ["Here are all the bands that every member of Avenged Sevenfold were in before Avenged Sevenfold"](https://www.loudersound.com/features/avenged-sevenfold-members-before-avenged-sevenfold-bands). *Loudersound*. April 24, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["January 5, 2010"](http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110609002712/http://allcurrenthotnews.com/?p=1797). Allcurrenthotnews.com. Archived from the original on June 9, 2011. Retrieved October 29, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["James "The Rev" Sullivan | Modern Drummer Magazine"](http://www.moderndrummer.com/2009/12/james-the-rev-sullivan/). *www.moderndrummer.com*. December 2009. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180429024258/https://www.moderndrummer.com/2009/12/james-the-rev-sullivan/) from the original on April 29, 2018. Retrieved December 23, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["DRUM! Magazine Interview Nov. 2007"](http://www.drummagazine.com/features/post/jimmy-sullivan-revenge-avenged-sevenfold/). Drummagazine.com. September 16, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120310193640/http://www.drummagazine.com/features/post/jimmy-sullivan-revenge-avenged-sevenfold/) from the original on March 10, 2012. Retrieved October 28, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Revolver Golden Gods Awards 2010: The Winners | Latest News"](http://www.metalinjection.net/latest-news/revolver-golden-gods-awards-2010-winners). *Metal Injection*. April 9, 2010. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20111205225642/http://www.metalinjection.net/latest-news/revolver-golden-gods-awards-2010-winners) from the original on December 5, 2011. Retrieved October 28, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Friday Top: 25 Greatest Singing Drummers"](https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/features/friday_top_25_greatest_singing_drummers.html). *Ultimate-guitar.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170617123718/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/features/friday_top_25_greatest_singing_drummers.html) from the original on June 17, 2017. Retrieved November 30, 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Jimmy Sullivan (The Rev) Was A Drumming Genius: Here's Why - Drumeo Beat"](https://www.drumeo.com/beat/the-rev-avenged-sevenfold-drum-genius/). *Free Online Drum Magazine | The Drumeo Beat*. March 25, 2024. Retrieved November 17, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-MTVN2_12-0)** ["MTV Newsroom"](https://web.archive.org/web/20111023190432/http://newsroom.mtv.com/2009/12/29/the-rev-dead). Newsroom.mtv.com. December 29, 2009. Archived from [the original](http://newsroom.mtv.com/2009/12/29/the-rev-dead/) on October 23, 2011. Retrieved October 28, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Lewis, Randy (December 30, 2009). ["James 'The Rev' Sullivan dies at 28; drummer for heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold"](http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-jim-the-rev-sullivan30-2009dec30-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160527160631/http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-jim-the-rev-sullivan30-2009dec30-story.html) from the original on May 27, 2016. Retrieved January 6, 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Avenged Sevenfold Drummer Died of Accidental Overdose"](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/avenged-sevenfold-drummer-died-of-accidental-overdose-20100609). *rollingstone.com*. June 9, 2010. Retrieved April 29, 2018.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Nightmare-Album2_15-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Nightmare-Album2_15-1) ["Has The New Avenged Sevenfold Album Been Given A Title?"](http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/has-the-new-avenged-sevenfold-album-been-given-a-title/). *[Metal Hammer](/source/Metal_Hammer)*. May 14, 2010. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100517031647/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/has-the-new-avenged-sevenfold-album-been-given-a-title/) from the original on May 17, 2010. Retrieved May 14, 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Avenged Sevenfold: The Rev's Passing Steered Album's Lyrical Direction | Interviews @"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100906081823/http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/interviews/avenged_sevenfold_the_revs_passing_steered_albums_lyrical_direction.html). Ultimate-guitar.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/interviews/avenged_sevenfold_the_revs_passing_steered_albums_lyrical_direction.html) on September 6, 2010. Retrieved September 20, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Memorabilia"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131020142316/http://www.hardrock.com/locations/cafes3/memorabilia.aspx?LocationID=54&MIBenumID=3). Hard Rock Cafe. Archived from [the original](http://www.hardrock.com/locations/cafes3/memorabilia.aspx?LocationID=54&MIBenumID=3) on October 20, 2013. Retrieved July 14, 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Hard Rock Cafe, Gatlinburg, Tennessee- Drum set belonging to Avenged Sevenfold drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan displayed at the Hard Rock Cafe in Gatlinburg"](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/554646510329559991/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Jimmy Sullivan (The Rev) Was A Drumming Genius: Here's Why - Drumeo Beat"](https://www.drumeo.com/beat/the-rev-avenged-sevenfold-drum-genius/). *Free Online Drum Magazine | The Drumeo Beat*. March 25, 2024. Retrieved November 17, 2025.

## External links

- Media related to [The Rev](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:The_Rev) at Wikimedia Commons

v t e Avenged Sevenfold M. Shadows Zacky Vengeance Synyster Gates Johnny Christ Brooks Wackerman Matt Wendt Justin Sane Dameon Ash The Rev Arin Ilejay Studio albums Sounding the Seventh Trumpet Waking the Fallen City of Evil Avenged Sevenfold Nightmare Hail to the King The Stage Life Is But a Dream... Extended plays Warmness on the Soul Black Reign Other albums Live in the LBC & Diamonds in the Rough The Best of 2005–2013 Live at the Grammy Museum Singles "Chapter Four" "Unholy Confessions" "Burn It Down" "Bat Country" "Beast and the Harlot" "Seize the Day" "Walk" "Almost Easy" "Afterlife" "Dear God" "Scream" "Nightmare" "Welcome to the Family" "So Far Away" "Not Ready to Die" "Buried Alive" "Carry On" "Hail to the King" "St. James" "Shepherd of Fire" "The Stage" "God Damn" "Mad Hatter" "Nobody" Other songs "Second Heartbeat" "I Won't See You Tonight" "A Little Piece of Heaven" "Fiction" "This Means War" "The River" Tours Avenged Sevenfold Tour Related articles Discography Pinkly Smooth Mike Portnoy Brian Haner Asphalt Legends Category

v t e Suburban Legends Aaron Bertram Brian Klemm Edward Larsen Chris Lucca Brad Polidori Brian Robertson Vincent Walker Chris Batstone Luis Beza Dallas Cook Brent Feige Mikey Hachey Phillip Inzerillo Fred Johnson Josh Lander Chris Maurer Tim Maurer Justin Meacham Derek Lee Rock Jimmy Sullivan Studio albums Rump Shaker Dance Like Nobody's Watching: Tokyo Nights EPs Dance Like Nobody's Watching Producers John Avila Dallas Kruse

Authority control databases: Artists MusicBrainz

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