Mike Portnoy confirms rumours that he has finished up his time with Avenged Sevenfold

Fri, 17 Dec 2010

In a statement on his website and Facebook page, yesterday, drummer Mike Portnoy confirmed that his "time with Avenged Sevenfold has come to an end".

The band played their last show of 2010 at Las Vegas's The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel last weekend finishing up a hard year for the band after the sad passing of their drummer, Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan late December 2009, Mike Portnoy, The Rev's favourite drummer, stepped in to support and help the band to finish the album, and then joined them for the Rockstar Uproar tour before it was announced he would remain with them for the remainder of 2010, joining them on their recent trip at Thanksgiving to play for the Troops in Iraq.  (see details and footage of this on one of the bands fansites here)

Currently no official statement has been released from the band as to who will be sitting behind the Death Bat adorned Drumkit for their upcoming US 'Nightmare After Christmas' Tour.

In his official statement which you can read in full here on his Facebook Page he explains, 

"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."

He also goes on to show is appreciation and adoration for the Avenged Sevenfold fans for welcoming and supporting him during his time with the band and is now looking to the 'endless musical possibilities that lie ahead'.

Meanwhile is former bandmates in Dream Theater have said they have found a drummer, but will not be revealing their identity just yet.  Dream Theater fans appear to be hoping that last night's news from Mike Portnoy will be a sign of his return to the band.

We wish Mike Portnoy the best of luck, whatever he works on next will no doubt be nothing less than amazing.

Check out Mike in action on the recent trip to Europe with his drumcam;