Drummer Biography

"The Reverend"

The Rev (born James “Jimmy” Owen Sullivan on February 9 1981- December 28 2009), short for The Reverend Tholomew Plague was the drummer of Avenged Sevenfold, a heavy metal band.

At the age of 3 The Rev got his own drum set. The Rev attended a Catholic school with A7X lead singer M. Shadows, but was expelled in the 3rd grade. The Rev spent a lot of time as a teen living in a laundromat and was in and out of homes. His first record was released at the age of 18. He maintains a presence in the side project Pinkly Smooth with fellow Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Synyster Gates, as well as parts of surf-punk band Ballistico. He has also played piano for the band on “Warmness On The Soul”.

He was also formerly the drummer for third-wave ska band Suburban Legends, along with former Avenged Sevenfold bassist Justin Meacham (not associated with Anti-Flag).

On the new A7X DVD while discussing how each member got their stage names, it was stated that Sullivan attained his name via a shortened version of The Reverend Tholomew Plague. The decision was seemingly random, as there were no specific reasons stated as to the inspiration for the name. He had a tendency to wear eccentric outfits such as outrageously colored kimonos.

Some of his favorite bands are Rancid, The Transplants and Slayer. Sullivan cites his influences as being Vinnie Paul of Pantera, Dave Lombardo and Paul Bostaph of Slayer, and Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater.

Sullivan uses and is sponsored by DW Drums, although he appears in advertisements for DW’s budget company, PDP. He is also sponsored by Sabian cymbals, Pro-Mark sticks and Evans drum heads.

Recognized for vocals in side project Pinkly Smooth, Sullivan is utilized as a back-up vocalist in Avenged Sevenfold, primarily for live screams in songs such as Eternal Rest. The upcoming single from the band’s upcoming eponymous album, Critical Acclaim features Sullivan at lead vocals during the chorus of the song, both singing and screaming. He also use his vocals in another songs from the Avenged Sevenfold eponymous, mainly screaming.

The Rev is also featured in the song “A Little Piece of Heaven” (which was written by him) singing, laughing and screaming a little bit.

The Rev was found dead at his home in Huntington Beach, California Monday December 28, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Orange County Coroners office are investigating Jimmy Sullivan’s passing.