Mike Portnoy To Drum For Avenged Sevenfold Throughout 2010

The Dream Theater man is set to tour with A7X for the duration of 2010. Get full details inside!

Avenged Sevenfold have confirmed that Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy will hit the road with A7X for the duration of 2010. Portnoy has also played on the as-yet untitled forthcoming album from the band, following the tragic passing of Jimmy ‘The Rev’ Sullivan. Though not yet officially confirmed, Death Bat News report that the new Avenged album will drop on July 27th in the US and the first single from it will be titled ‘Nightmare’.

A full statement from Portnoy reads:

“After having had such an amazing experience recording my drum tracks for the new Avenged Sevenfold album, we all knew it would be awesome if I’d be able to do some touring with the band after its release…

“I am happy to say that the timing worked out perfectly that my touring cycle with Dream Theater (and Transatlantic) was coming to an end just as A7X’s was scheduled begin!

“(well, perfect for everyone except my poor family!) : )

“Although I wish I could stay on board with A7X in a more permanent capacity, the reality is that I am committed to Dream Theater as my main priority (that is my baby after all!), and I will need to resume work with DT to start a new album at some point in 2011….

“However, I will be able to join my brothers in Avenged Sevenfold for at least the duration of their touring throughout 2010…and hopefully this will give them the time to continue to heal and get comfortable back on the road….

“You can look at me like the band’s “rebound drummer” to buy them some time until they are comfortable and ready to make a commitment to somebody new for full-time relationship in their future!

“In the meantime, I am real excited to hit the road with the boys…to bring my drumming from their new album to life on stage and to honor The Rev with all of their older material….

“(Hey, do I get to have a cool, bad-ass stage name now???) : )

“C-ya out there”

Zacky Vengeance has also commented on Portnoy’s 2010 addition:

“After being so kind and caring to help us in the studio, the rumors are in fact true and Mike Portnoy will indeed be helping us on the upcoming UPROAR tour later this year. We hope to see you all out on the road. We are very grateful to Mike for dedicating his time and talent to help us get back on the road so we can be where we need to be the most which is with our fans.”

Avenged Sevenfold are one of the headline acts on this summer’s Rockstar Uproar tour.