Avenged Sevenfold is an American rock band that was formed in 1999 in Huntington Beach, California. The band’s current lineup consists of M. Shadows (vocals), Synyster Gates (lead guitar), Zacky Vengeance (rhythm guitar), Johnny Christ (bass), and Brooks Wackerman (drums).
Avenged Sevenfold gained popularity in the early 2000s with their blend of metalcore and hard rock. Their early albums, such as “Sounding the Seventh Trumpet” (2001) and “Waking the Fallen” (2003), showcased their aggressive sound and dark lyrical themes.
However, it was their third studio album, “City of Evil” (2005), that propelled them to mainstream success. The album showcased a shift in their musical style towards a more traditional heavy metal sound, with hard rock and progressive metal elements. It featured hits like “Bat Country” and “Beast and the Harlot” and earned the band a dedicated fanbase.
Avenged Sevenfold continued to evolve their sound with subsequent albums. “Avenged Sevenfold” (2007) incorporated more diverse influences, including elements of classic rock and blues. “Nightmare” (2010) became their first number-one album on the Billboard 200 chart and was released following the tragic death of their drummer, Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan.
The band’s later albums, “Hail to the King” (2013) and “The Stage” (2016), showcased a more melodic and progressive sound, with intricate guitar work and thought-provoking lyrics. They experimented with different musical styles while maintaining their signature heaviness.
Avenged Sevenfold’s live performances are known for their energy and showmanship. They have toured extensively around the world and have shared the stage with other notable rock and metal acts.
Heights and real names of the All Avenged Sevenfold’s Members till now
Here are the reported heights of the members of Avenged Sevenfold:
- M. Shadows (Matthew Charles Sanders) – Height: 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm).
- The Rev (James Owen Sullivan) – Height: 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) (died).
- Synyster Gates (Brian Elwin Haner Jr.) – Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm).
- Zacky Vengeance (Zachary James Baker) – Height: 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm).
- Johnny Christ (Jonathan Lewis Seward) – Height: 6 feet (183 cm).
- Arin Ilejay (Richard Arin Ilejay) – Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm).
- Brooks Wackerman (Brooks Wackerman).
- Mike Portnoy (Michael Stephen Portnoy) – Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm).
- Justin Meacham (Justin Sane).
- Matt Wendt (Matt Wendt).
- Dameon Ash (Frank Melcom).
How Old Are Avenged Sevenfold Members?
Avenged Sevenfold ages are M. Shadows, (41), Synyster Gates, (41), James Owen Sullivan (28) 1981-2009, Zacky Vengeance (41), Johnny Christ (38), Mike Portnoy (56), Brooks Wackerman (46), and Arin Ilejay (35)
A7X’s breakthrough
The groundbreaking album “Waking the Fallen,” by Avenged Sevenfold, was released in 2003. Their musical prowess was on full display on the album, with songs like “Unholy Confessions” and “Second Heartbeat” striking a chord with metalheads yearning for a new perspective. The band’s success with the album allowed them to tour extensively, which helped them develop a devoted following and earn a reputation as an exhilarating live act.
The release of Avenged Sevenfold’s subsequent studio album, “The City of Evil” (2005), was a turning point in their career. “Bat Country,” the lead song from the album, gained a lot of attention and helped the band become well-known. The song “City of Evil” demonstrated the group’s shift toward a more melodic sound by mixing hard rock elements and highlighting M. Shadows’ expanding vocal range. The album was well-received by critics and opened the door to more success.
Band Members in Detail
Avenged Sevenfold, often abbreviated as A7X, is an American heavy metal band known for their powerful music and energetic performances.
Over the years, the band has seen a few changes in its lineup, with both former and current band members contributing to their distinctive sound and success.
Core founding members of Avenged Sevenfold
The founding members of Avenged Sevenfold are M. Shadows (Matthew Charles Sanders), the band’s lead vocalist, and Zacky Vengeance (Zachary James Baker), the rhythm guitarist. These two have been the core of the band since its inception in 1999 and continue to be a driving force in the group’s creative direction.
Synyster Gates (Brian Elwin Haner Jr.) joined Avenged Sevenfold shortly after its formation as the lead guitarist. His technical prowess, melodic solos, and harmonized guitar parts have become an integral part of the band’s signature sound.
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Synyster Gates is renowned for his ability to blend various musical styles and genres, adding depth and complexity to Avenged Sevenfold’s music.
Johnny Christ (Jonathan Lewis Seward) became the band’s bassist in 2003, replacing the previous member, Justin Sane. His thunderous basslines and solid foundation provide a powerful backbone to the band’s songs. Johnny Christ’s stage presence and musical contributions have solidified his place as an essential member of Avenged Sevenfold.
Death of James Owen Sullivan
The band experienced a significant loss in 2009 when their drummer, James “The Rev” Sullivan (James Owen Sullivan), tragically passed away. Sullivan was known for his incredible drumming skills and distinctive style, which greatly influenced the band’s music. His untimely death deeply impacted Avenged Sevenfold and their fans, leaving a void that could never be filled.
To carry on their musical journey, Avenged Sevenfold enlisted the talents of Arin Ilejay as their new drummer in 2011. Although Ilejay contributed to the band’s fifth studio album, “Hail to the King,” and toured extensively with them, he eventually departed from the band in 2015.
Avenged Sevenfold’s current lineup features a new addition, Brooks Wackerman, who joined the band as their drummer in 2015. Before joining Avenged Sevenfold, Wackerman was known for his work with the punk rock band Bad Religion. His exceptional drumming skills and adaptability have made him an excellent fit for the band, and he continues to bring his unique style to Avenged Sevenfold’s music.
Meet Current Band Members Individually
M. Shadows
Matthew Charles Sanders, better known by his stage name M. Shadows, is an American singer and composer. He was born on July 31, 1981. Shadows is currently 41 years old.
He is the band’s founding member and lead vocalist for the heavy metal group Avenged Sevenfold. Shadows placed third on Ultimate Guitar’s list of the Top 25 Greatest Modern Frontmen 2017.
M. Shadows grew up in Huntington Beach after being born in Fountain Valley on July 31, 1981. He is of Italian and Irish ancestry. He was brought up as a Catholic. Amy Sanders, a former WNBA player, is his sister and two years his junior.
Shadows and Valary DiBenedetto got married on October 17, 2009. They have two children named River and Cash, born in 2012 and 2014. Shadows’ bandmate, Synyster Gates, is married to Valary’s twin sister, Michelle DiBenedetto. So, Shadows and Synyster Gates are brothers-in-law.
Synyster Gates
Avenged Sevenfold’s lead guitarist, Brian Elwin Haner Jr, born July 7, 1981, is an American guitarist better known by his stage name Synyster Gates or just Syn. He is listed as the ninth-best metal guitarist of all time by Guitar World. Gates was chosen by Total Guitar as the world’s best metal guitarist in both 2016 and 2017.
Brian Haner Sr., also known as Papa Gates was a musician, author, and comedian who, in the 1970s, played in Sam Sham’s band and has provided session work for Avenged Sevenfold. Synyster Gates is his son. As a participant in the Guitar Institute of Music program, Gates studied jazz and improvisation at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, California.
Gates married Michelle DiBenedetto in May 2010. The couple has two kids: a son born in 2017 and a daughter born in 2019. Valary, Michelle’s identical twin sister, got married to M. Shadows.
Brooks Wackerman
Musician Brooks Wackerman was born in the United States on February 15, 1977. He joined the heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold in 2015, where he is currently the drummer. The Stage (2016) was his debut album with Avenged Sevenfold. His most notable accomplishment was serving as Bad Religion’s longest-serving drummer from 2001 to 2015.
Chuck Wackerman, a drummer himself, began teaching Wackerman how to play the drums when he was just five years old. Chuck also served as Wackerman’s jazz band instructor at Los Alamitos High School and was awarded Most Outstanding Musician at the Reno Jazz Festival in 1993. In 1991, he joined a group named Bad4Good as a teenager and began his musical career.
Brooks was formerly married to Kelly Wackerman but the couple later got divorced. He has two sons.
Zacky Vengeance
Zachary James Baker, better known by his stage name Zacky Vengeance, is a musician and one of the original members of the American rock group Avenged Sevenfold. On December 11, 1981, he was born in Huntington Beach, California.
Avenged Sevenfold uses guitar and backing vocals by Zacky Vengeance. In 1999, he and his high school pals M. Shadows (Matthew Sanders), The Rev (James Sullivan), and Matt Wendt co-founded the band. Zacky began by playing rhythm guitar, but when the band’s roster changed, he eventually transitioned to lead guitar.
Zacky Vengeance has worked on numerous side projects and has cooperated with different musicians in addition to his work with Avenged Sevenfold. He is respected for his love of music and commitment to his art, making him a significant player in rock and metal music scenes.
Johnny Christ
American musician Johnny Christ, whose real name is Jonathan Lewis Seward, is best known for playing bass in the rock group Avenged Sevenfold. On November 18, 1984, he was born in Huntington Beach, California.
In 2003, Johnny Christ replaced Dameon Ash as the bassist for Avenged Sevenfold. He rapidly cemented his place in the group’s lineup and, with his unique playing style and vivacious stage persona, helped the group succeed.
Johnny Christ is well-known for having a commanding presence on stage and an endearing demeanor. His distinctive image within the band is further enhanced by the frequent sporting of his trademark handlebar mustache and tattoos.
He is a married man and has a son with whom he often shares several posts online. Furthremore, Christ has participated in several side projects and made guest appearances on tracks by other musicians in addition to his work with Avenged Sevenfold. He still performs and records with the group, helping to shape their changing musical style.
