AVENGED SEVENFOLD haben kürzlich bekanntgegeben, dass sie ihren Auftritt beim Soundwave Festival in Australien im Februar leider canceln müssen, da sie sich von ihrem derzeitigen Drummer Mike Portnoy getrennt haben.
Frontmann M.Shadows hierzu:"We're really sorry it's not possible for us to play this show, and apologize for any inconvenience it has caused. The last thing we ever want to do is disappoint our fans, and we'll be back to make it up to the Australian fans soon."
Hier noch ein Statement von Mike Portnoy zu der Trennung von A7X: "Yes, the rumours are true, sadly my time with Avenged Sevenfold has come to an end. The band has decided to carry on into 2011 without me. I had a great time with them throughout 2010, but it was their choice to end the relationship at the end of 2010 as was always the initial plan. I had an awesome time on stage with the guys every night and have so many cool memories from the experience with them. I am proud to always be part of the A7X family and history. I also adore the A7X fans and totally appreciate the way they welcomed me aboard and were so loving and supportive during my time with the band. Thank you! As far as my future, I am excited by the endless musical possibilities that lie ahead of me. My love for music runs very deep and my taste is very broad and ecclectic which will give me the chance to explore many different things and collaborate with many great friends and artists I admire and respect."
Mike Portnoy spielte seit Februar bei AVENGED SEVENFOLD, um den verstorbenen ursprünglichen Drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan zu ersetzen. Im September gab Mike seinen Ausstieg bei DREAM THEATER bekannt.