AVENGED SEVENFOLD Frontman: 'We Need To Put Out This Record In Honor Of JIMMY'

AVENGED SEVENFOLD frontman M. Shadows has issued the following statement regarding the passing of the band's drummer, James "The Rev" Sullivan:

"I don't know how to start this or know where to begin.

"First, I would like to thank all the fans for their support through the passing of Jimmy. It has been comforting to see his fans, our fans, and everyone in general, give their support.

"Jimmy was my best friend, as he was best friends with many other people, including the members of AVENGED SEVENFOLD. He was hands down the greatest person I have ever known. I told him I loved him every day. He demanded your love and was never afraid to give it back.

"I have walked side by side with Jimmy, every day, for the last 18 years of my life. I have no memories before Jimmy, and it's going to be damn hard to move forward without him here. It still doesn't seem real. He was my best friend, songwriting partner, band mate, confidant, and most importantly, he was my brother.

"The crazy thing about Jimmy was that every day was a crazy story.

"We have told our favorite Jimmy stories for the last two weeks and never have we repeated ourselves. This guy was magical. The outpour of art from his soul was unlike the world has ever seen.

"Unless you spent a day with Jimmy, or 18 years, it's impossible to explain, so I'm not going to try.

"He inspired people in different ways. He wasn't just a drummer; he honestly didn't care so much for the technical side of drums, 'cause he could play anything he wanted. He was all about creating beautiful songs, original fills and hopefully touching people with his art and mind.

"He told all of us for years, including his parents, that he knew two things in life. He wanted to be a rock star, and that he wasn't going to live past 30 years old. He was right on both counts, but I know Jimmy, and if he knew how much pain this would cause for the ones he left behind, he would have done anything he could to stick around a little longer.

"Jimmy gave so much and in the end it was his time to go. All my reasons for wanting him to stay are selfish and I know he is in a better place than this, so in a way I'm joyful that my best friend is now at peace. He made it to the other side first and I can't wait to hang with him again.

"I have so much to say but can't find the words, so I will wait until time can allow me to find a way to express myself. As for the rest of us, it has become clear what we need to do. We had just finished writing a record with Jimmy.

"I can't promise what the future holds because right now it's too painful to think about, but we know we need to record and put out this record in honor of Jimmy, for Jimmy.

"He would call me every night to talk about songs and tell me 'this shit is gonna change the world.' I agreed with him. Unfortunately, I didn't know it would be on these terms.

"Please be patient with us for we cannot imagine how hard this is gonna be to get through; we just know we have to do it for his legacy. After that, who knows? But I know Jimmy will help us make that decision when the time comes.

"I love you, Jimmy, and I feel like the luckiest man in the world to have known you and spent 18 years of my life with you.

"Rest in peace, my friend."

Sullivan was found dead at his Huntington Beach home on December 28.

The Orange County coroner's office ordered "toxicology, microscopic and laboratory tests" to help determine why Sullivan died.

M. Shadows (center) and The Rev (right) in photo below.