You are not alone.

Avenged Sevenfold has left a Deathbat shaped imprint in the hearts of the many lives they have touched. No matter how small, deep down it will always be with them. Keeping them smiling during times of sadness, keeping them company when they feel loneliness, showing them strength when they feel weak.

Today the world awoke a little bit emptier and colder, and it had nothing to do with the weather. Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan was torn away from us before his time, and well before the world was ready to let go.  As fans, we are in shock, tears and heartbroken. What’s left of my heart goes out to his friends and family at this time, who need privacy and deserve respect.

Avenged Sevenfold have some of the craziest, fun loving, loyal, friendly and passionate fans that I’ve had the chance to meet.  As Bec mentioned earlier today we’ve been able to meet some amazing fans, real fans that saw past everything to take the time to realise what a great man Jimmy was. Our hearts are also with these fans today.

Already fans have started working on a dedication for Jimmy demonstrating how powerful and caring a community their fan base truly are.

I was given the opportunity to meet Jimmy last December in Florida. I was blown away during that single encounter; he was one of the sweetest, friendliest and warmest human beings I’ve met. That day will forever be etched in my heart and I will cherish those memories.

I’m not writing any of this for sympathy, only my own sanity and in hopes of helping others cope. I know those affected have found themselves in situations where friends and family have been unsupportive, making them believe they are not allowed to feel the way they do. I want to reassure you that it’s ok to hurt; you are not alone!

When someone comes into your life they make an impact, good or bad, even if it’s just for a moment.  There is no rule which states you have to physically meet someone in order to miss them, feel sadness or feel their loss. Someone can reach your soul from across the world and they can take a little piece of it when it’s their time to go. Leaving you feeling empty.

Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan, was gifted with talent and love. The size of his heart is measured by the heart breaking sadness that echoes throughout his world by his family, his friends, and his fans.  He went through so much and never gave up on his dreams. He didn’t care what others thought of him. He was a great role model.

Jimmy, you will be missed. Your loss leaves behind a void which cannot be filled. “It’s empty and cold without you here.”

I only hope that from where you are now you’ll watch over us all. Our Guardian Deathbat.

-Cheryl

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The Tributes that have come in for Jimmy have been overwhelming.  Our friends at DeathBatNews have compiled a list of all the touching tributes and are urging for fans to share theirs also. If you have something to say let it be said.

RIP Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan

Just over a year ago Cheryl and I first ventured across the pond to Florida (via Las Vegas…obviously the perfect via route) to see couple of shows on the Avenged Sevenfold US tour. For one of the shows we had arranged to have photo passes but to our utter delight and surprise were given blank passes, meaning we could go anywhere we pretty much wanted to!

Obviously being nice, respectable fan girls from England we didn’t sneak into the dressing rooms to try and catch Synyster Gates naked, mostly because we only realised when a member of security told us we could “go anywhere we damn well please” when asking if we could interview some fans waiting to meet Avenged Sevenfold, by which time Mr Gates already had his clothes on and was watching Atreyu.

In the line we met some really amazing people, most were girls all gushing over who they wanted to meet and although most had never met before it’s always lovely to see the instant bond formed between the fans as they talk about past experiences and nerves over meeting their idols. One girl had wrestled in a pool full of gravy for her chance to meet the band and was praised for her dedication and craziness.

Amidst the talk of who was who’s favourite band member I met two very excited girls, whom on a previous tour had baked the band cup cakes and left them on the tour bus for them to find after the show – apparently they were eaten and loved…Avenged Sevenfold are very trusting of their fans! Whilst the other girls in line competed over who was hotter: M Shadows, Synyster Gates or Zacky Vengeance, these two girls very calmly declared The Rev their favourite ‘he’s amazing!’ one girl said ‘not only is he a great drummer, but he’s just been through so much and is just amazing!’

And today it’s these girls I’m thinking of. Not the hyped up fangirls competing for attention but the girls that actually took time to notice what a great man Jimmy Sullivan was. Those that appreciated him for writing some of Avenged Sevenfold’s craziest, yet actually quite beautiful, music and lyrics. Today the world lost a great drummer, vocalist and one of the loveliest men I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.

Time for  another birthday celebration for us at DevilBearRock, this one is pretty special as it was this time  last year we started our little traditions woohoo!

Avenged Sevenfold’s Zacky Vengeance celebrates his 28th Birthday today and in true DBR style we shall be doing our birthday weekender although one of us is going to a works Christmas party, we shall separately take the time to raise a Jack Daniels (or 10) to ZV Friday night and then reconvene at the usual HQ.

So have a great weekend

Yep it’s another birthday celebration for us at DevilBearRock.

Linkin Park’s Brad Delson celebrates his 32nd Birthday today and in true DBR style we shall be doing our birthday pub crawl in his honour, along with a nice big juicy steak!

Now I know what you’re thinking… but we’re not using Brad’s birthday as an excuse to go to the pub… honest, besides this month is Zacky Vengeance month – which basically means drinking Jack Daniels – ALOT! But again… you could argue we do that anyway!