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Next week marks the one-year anniversary of the death of Jimmy Sullivan, drummer for the band Avenged Sevenfold, or A7X as the shorthand goes.
A7X is from here in Huntington Beach, Calif., where we live. The Sullivan family is friends with my family and so our hearts go out to them.
I know the worldwide family of A7X fans also extends their deep sympathies to the family, especially as 12/28 approaches.
Jimmy’s sister Katie was kind enough to share some images with me for inclusion in a project I’m working on – I thought I’d share this beautiful family shot with the A7X family as a simple shrine to her brother – someone who captivated many with his all-out, full-blown, unbridled approach to his life and his art.
To all of the amazing young people I’ve heard from this year, looking for light through the bleak shroud of pain and loss – may the image give you some solace. The Japanese poet Kenji Miyazawa once wrote, “We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey.”
So to all of you – burn that pain in the spirit of The Rev as your own journey continues. Use the fuel to live your life, chase your dreams and make a difference.
We’re counting on you.
*I’m* counting on you 
chris
posted December 19, 2010 at 10:31 pm
Beautiful words Chris! I am looking forward to your tribute to Jimmy, you always seem to find the right words to say. Its been a very interesting year. One I have found myself chasing those darn Stallion Ducks on more than one occassion.
^0^ Through us Jimmy will live on, and through us he will shine. ^0^
posted December 19, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Like Jimmy sings in “Fiction,” “Let it BUUUURRRRRRRNNNN!!!”
posted December 20, 2010 at 5:12 am
I don’t know if you are aware of this or not, but the things you have wrote about Jimmy over the past year have helped not only me, but a lot of people. You have a way with words and I feel that you get across what many of us want to say.
As Matt said at the concert I went to: “Look up to the sky to that crazy motherf*cker up there, who’s smiling down on us here and recognizes us celebrating his life and his music.” This is what I am doing. I am celebrating Jimmy’s life, his music, his talent and just his love for the world – to the fullest that I as an individual can. Through us he lives on and will never be forgotten.
I am looking forward to your tribute as I am sure it will be beautiful just like every other piece you have done on him.
Thanks (:
posted December 20, 2010 at 11:17 am
That picture is lovely
What Sami is saying is completely true. i don’t really know what to add after it.
Amanda x
posted December 20, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Thanks for everything you have done for the whole a7x family Chris! I cant wait to see what you have in store for us on December 28. Thanks again! Much love and Happy Holidays!
posted December 20, 2010 at 4:44 pm
beautiful words chris
posted December 21, 2010 at 5:35 am
I cant believe its nearly a year since he passed on. It seems only yesterday that I was being blown away by his talent live.
I really cant add anything to what Sami wrote
foREVer
posted December 28, 2010 at 4:41 am
I Can’t Believe Its Been A Year Since The Deathbat Family Lost Our Beloved Jimmy.
A7X Was & Still Is More Than Just A Band, Its A Family. A7X Saved My Life, & Loosing Jimmy Is Still Heartbreaking. He Will foREVer Be In Our Hearts. I Just Want To Say Thank You Sullivan Family For Bringing Into The World This Beautiful Human Being That Impacted Many Lives & Gave Us The Gift Of Music. He Will Be foREVer Missed & Loved By Family & The Fans.