# The Rev

> American musician (1981–2009)

**Wikidata**: [Q1057003](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1057003)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rev)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-rev

## Summary
The Rev, born Jimmy Sullivan, was an American musician best known as the drummer, pianist, and backing vocalist for the heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold. He played a defining role in shaping the band's early sound through his multi-instrumental talents and songwriting contributions.

## Biography
- Born: December 9, 1981
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Not specified
- Known for: Drumming, songwriting, and multi-instrumental contributions to Avenged Sevenfold and Pinkly Smooth
- Employer(s): Avenged Sevenfold, Pinkly Smooth
- Field(s): Music (heavy metal, progressive metal, metalcore, ska, punk rock)

## Contributions
The Rev co-founded the band Pinkly Smooth in 2001, contributing as a drummer and vocalist. He was also a core member of Avenged Sevenfold, joining in 1999, where he played drums on their early albums, including *Sounding the Seventh Trumpet* (2000) and *Waking the Fallen* (2003). He also played piano on *City of Evil* (2005) and was a key songwriter on tracks such as "Beast and the Harlot" and "Chapter Four." His drumming style helped define the band's early sound, blending technical precision with creative flair. He also contributed to side projects and was known for his versatility as a musician, playing piano, drums, and occasionally providing vocals.

## FAQs
**What is The Rev known for?**  
The Rev is best known as the drummer and multi-instrumentalist for Avenged Sevenfold, where he played a key role in shaping the band's early musical identity. He also contributed as a songwriter and vocalist on several tracks.

**Which bands was The Rev part of?**  
He was a founding member of Pinkly Smooth, formed in 2001, and joined Avenged Sevenfold in 1999, where he played drums and piano and contributed to songwriting.

**What instruments did The Rev play?**  
He was primarily a drummer but also played piano and occasionally provided vocals, showcasing versatility across multiple instruments.

**When did The Rev start his music career?**  
He began his professional music career in 1998, joining Avenged Sevenfold the following year.

**What genres did The Rev work in?**  
He worked primarily in heavy metal, progressive metal, metalcore, ska, and punk rock, with his contributions shaping the sound of Avenged Sevenfold and Pinkly Smooth.

**What are some aliases of The Rev?**  
His real name was Jimmy Sullivan, and he was also known by aliases such as James Owen Sullivan, Mr. Plague, and Rat Head.

## Why They Matter
The Rev's influence on the early sound of Avenged Sevenfold was profound. His drumming style, songwriting contributions, and ability to play multiple instruments helped define the band's identity during its formative years. His death in 2009 marked a turning point for the band, which had to redefine its sound without his contributions. His legacy continues to inspire musicians in the heavy metal and rock scenes, particularly those interested in blending genres and pushing creative boundaries.

## Notable For
- Co-founding the band Pinkly Smooth in 2001
- Serving as drummer and songwriter for Avenged Sevenfold from 1999
- Playing piano on *City of Evil* (2005)
- Writing and performing on iconic tracks such as "Beast and the Harlot"
- Being a multi-instrumentalist who contributed vocals, drums, and piano to multiple projects
- Influencing the early sound of progressive metal and metalcore through his work with Avenged Sevenfold

## Body
### Early Life and Identity
The Rev, born Jimmy Sullivan on December 9, 1981, was an American musician known for his contributions to the heavy metal scene. He was also referred to by aliases such as James Owen Sullivan, Mr. Plague, and Rat Head. His early interest in music led him to explore various instruments, including drums and piano, which would later define his career.

### Career Beginnings
The Rev began his professional music career in 1998. By 1999, he joined Avenged Sevenfold, a band that would become central to his musical identity. His drumming and songwriting contributions helped shape the band's early sound, particularly on albums like *Sounding the Seventh Trumpet* (2000) and *Waking the Fallen* (2003). His style was noted for its technicality and creativity, blending elements of heavy metal, progressive metal, and metalcore.

### Musical Projects
In 2001, he co-founded the side project Pinkly Smooth, where he also served as a drummer and vocalist. This project allowed him to explore a different musical direction while still contributing to Avenged Sevenfold. His versatility was evident in his ability to switch between instruments, including playing piano on *City of Evil* (2005), a pivotal Avenged Sevenfold album.

### Songwriting and Creative Influence
The Rev was not just a performer but also a key songwriter. He co-wrote tracks such as "Beast and the Harlot" and "Chapter Four," which became iconic in the metalcore genre. His contributions helped Avenged Sevenfold transition from underground favorites to mainstream success.

### Legacy and Influence
Following his death in 2009, the music world mourned the loss of a talented and innovative musician. His influence on Avenged Sevenfold and the broader heavy metal scene remains significant. His drumming and songwriting continue to inspire new generations of musicians, particularly those interested in blending genres and pushing creative boundaries.

### Musical Style and Genre
The Rev's work spanned multiple genres, including heavy metal, progressive metal, metalcore, ska, and punk rock. His ability to adapt his style to fit the evolving sound of Avenged Sevenfold showcased his deep understanding of rhythm and composition.

### Personal and Professional Life
Though his life was cut short, The Rev left behind a rich legacy of musical innovation. His work with Avenged Sevenfold and Pinkly Smooth continues to be celebrated, and his influence is felt in the ongoing evolution of the bands he helped shape.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/29/the-rev-dead-drummer-jimm_n_405879.html)
2. [Source](http://www.thehistorymakers.com/taxonomy/term/651944)
3. [Source](http://www.musicradar.com/news/drums/drummers-world-cup-the-11-best-metal-and-prog-metal-drummers-of-all-time-567657/10/)
4. [Source](http://www.thecirclepit.com/2013/09/avenged-sevenfold-hail-to-the-king-album-review.html)
5. [Source](http://www.sputnikmusic.com/bands/Avenged-Sevenfold/213/)
6. [Source](http://fandalism.com/raycookdrums)
7. [Source](http://www.losanjealous.com/2009/12/29/avenged-sevenfold-drummer-jimmy-the-rev-sullivan-dead-at-28/)
8. [Source](http://www.drummagazine.com/news/www.evansdrumheads.com/www.guitar.com/www.promark.com/P1155/)
9. MusicBrainz
10. Find a Grave
11. [Source](http://www.ocregister.com/news/sullivan-226142-beach-drummer.html)
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Google Knowledge Graph
14. [Internet Domains Wikibase](https://domains.wikibase.cloud/entity/Q129545)