EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: M. Shadows And Zacky Vengeance Of Avenged Sevenfold
My boys M. Shadows and Zacky Vengeance from Avenged Sevenfold came in to KROQ to host the Furious Five at Nine, then we sat down to talk shop and I watched them devour pink cupcakes.
Let me start off by saying that these boys are the most humble, down-to-earth group of guys I have ever had the pleasure of hanging out with. They now have the #1 album in the country with Nightmare and yet they remain completely unaffected by all the success.
We talked about The Rev, the rock-n-roll life, Metallica, Pink Floyd, old albums, the road ahead, and the brotherhood that is Avenged Sevenfold. I thought I loved them before, but now, I have more love and respect for this band than I could have ever imagined. I have always been and will always remain a die-hard A7X fan.
Click more to watch the video.
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Avenged Sevenfold Photo Gallery
Clay
August 4, 2010 7:49 pm
Coolest dudes..one of the greatest bands ever..well done with #1 Nightmare!! Jimmy would be proud.
amanda
August 4, 2010 8:52 pm
i loved that interview
Lauren
August 4, 2010 9:36 pm
Would so move to Avenged Sevenfold country lmao
julie
August 6, 2010 10:38 am
Me Toooo
Zacky Smith (real name)
August 7, 2010 5:42 pm
You mean, Bat Country
jesus
October 15, 2010 11:01 am
dude its Bat Country =)
diana
August 4, 2010 10:05 pm
just have one thing to say…awesome freakin band
Nicole
August 4, 2010 10:27 pm
You guys and gals : ) I had such a good time during this interview. It felt like family. To know that this band, with the #1 album IN THE COUNTRY, is still so grounded and cooooooool as all hell, well that should set the standard for other bands. They were great. I am proud to know and love them.
Ken
August 4, 2010 11:29 pm
Class act all the way! It’s been a long time since we’ve had a true Rock Band on top of the charts. Can’t say enough great things about the band and their music. Way to go guys – You deserve it!
Thaís
August 5, 2010 12:29 am
Do you guys really think that Shadows will run naked through Burbank? ‘Cause if so… OMG!
Brittany
August 5, 2010 10:56 pm
I HOPE HE DOES!lmao love you guys, the best band in the enitre world. Jimmy foREVer
Carlos
August 5, 2010 1:36 am
Great interview Nicole.
Kendra
August 5, 2010 4:12 am
I would live in A7X country in a heartbeat, xD.
That was an awesome interview ;].
-A7X foREVer-
hanyvengeance
August 5, 2010 5:05 am
yeah……. zacky is very handsome and cool……. love you zack..
mahalia2010
August 5, 2010 6:10 am
hahah Great Interview
Alex
August 5, 2010 10:23 am
Avenged sevenfold was my first concert ever at HOB Anaheim many many years ago. It was also my first broken nose. (Sigh).. memory’s.
Monicameow
August 5, 2010 12:39 pm
Most Favorite thing in the worl!
Chad Kneubuhl
August 5, 2010 2:25 pm
AX7 boys are amazing & humble, I have actually want up to members multiple times while having drinks In HB and thanked them for their music and how it has affected my life and they were very appreciative and not just in an obligated way. Very great interview, RIP Jimmy one of a kind extremely talented musician love you’re drumming on sounding the seventh trumpet especially. Nicole you looked cute… party on party people.
Alexx
August 5, 2010 2:31 pm
This was one of the most amazing interviews I have ever watched. She is amazing at her job and Avenged…they are just amazing in them selves.
Nicole
August 5, 2010 6:10 pm
Favorite song of the new album everybody?
Zach
August 6, 2010 12:01 pm
My favorite has to be fiction. It made me literally tear up. By the way, GREAT interview.
Karl
August 6, 2010 3:29 pm
I would definately have to say Victim is my fave
just a all round great song. really enjoyed that interview thanks
Areykah
August 6, 2010 7:22 pm
Hard to choose…depends on what emotions/memories I want to evoke. Although I’ve just been listening to the album from beginning to end over and over since the day it hit stores.
Great interview – It’s nice when someone genuinely interested in the subject is doing the interviewing. SO jealous, though!
Christine
August 6, 2010 8:26 pm
Nightmare.. It was the first release and still has been headbanging!!
ED
August 7, 2010 8:53 am
DANGER LINE…great vocals and a great “god bless america” type solo
Brittany
August 16, 2010 12:26 pm
I’d have to say ‘Welcome to the Family’. It just connected with me ya know? Great interview btw.
jasmine bowers
August 5, 2010 6:55 pm
just back to california, spent last 12 months in iraq, avenged sevenfold is my favorite band, to meet the band and recieving autographswould make my return home a blessing. Jasmine
Anna
August 5, 2010 7:07 pm
the album is INCREDIBLE! thank you guys SO much for putting it out.
a7x4evrrr
August 6, 2010 1:06 am
They are doing a signing at the Best Buy in Orange tomorrow!!!! I’m so excited to finally meet them!!
Marissa
August 6, 2010 2:25 am
Thank you, Nicole, for knowing how to conduct an interview! Can you go over to Noisecreep and give the “Creepshow” woman a little lesson? You managed to interview them and work in stories without taking over and talking over them. Awesome job!
MissV
August 6, 2010 6:07 am
AHHH awesome <3
well done guys… #1
Tori
August 6, 2010 10:13 am
Nicole! You gotta get Shadows to follow through with his end of the bet! They’re #1!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!
Blah!
August 6, 2010 10:18 am
She makes it out as if she loves them… at the very start she calls them avenged sevenfolds…classic
Lightning | Writer, Video, On-Air
August 6, 2010 10:30 am
She does love them. A lot. I know, work here. It was a nervous slip-up.
Nicole Vengeance
August 6, 2010 10:24 am
Congrats you guys, You deserved it, r.i.p. I love you brother, we know you are smiling down at your brothers and you are proud
Austyn
August 6, 2010 10:30 am
Very awesome interview. It actually felt like a fan interviewing, rather than just someone was just hired to interview them. 5 stars.
Lena
August 6, 2010 10:37 am
I know exactly what you mean! I’m such a fan, not the groopy way but the they complete me way too! Their music made my life bearable, especially through high school. I wish I had the opportunity to meet the guys. One day I will.
nick
August 6, 2010 10:46 am
the band has given me great inspiration and helped me get through school and their songs have been great and helped me cope with the saddest times in my life. these guys will live on forever
Kelly
August 6, 2010 10:53 am
great interview. when they were describing the journey and feelings that are being represented in the songs, it was like someone was reading my mind and emotions, because it was exactly what I feel when listening. I would imagine that i’m not the typical listener, I’m pushing 40 with 2 kids, but I haven’t felt a closeness to a band like this since I was about 14… I feel like they really incorporate and invite their fans into their lives and I thank them for that. foREVer a fan… congrats on #1
jeff
August 16, 2010 6:06 pm
great interview i’m 56 yrs old and the last time i was so stoked about a band was led zep i discovered a7x last yr They have made my life musical again!!!!! bless u all foREVer
Tina
August 6, 2010 10:55 am
They should get their own country so I can move to it
Kevin
August 6, 2010 10:56 am
They definitely deserved that number 1 spot!!!! Now the haters cant say sh*t!
Nicole Alvarez was craving her some Sevenfold.lol
ricky
August 6, 2010 11:01 am
that interview was sick Nightmare #1 album and i would so move to Avenged sevenfold country!!!!!! The best band in the world
Mike
August 6, 2010 11:29 am
Maybe I should get an interview with them so I could get a pink cupcake with my name on it!
Manny
August 6, 2010 11:37 am
yeah… Great Interview Nicole! Welcome To The Family! ha, yeah how about some more Avenged Sevenfold on the RADIO!!!
Victor
August 6, 2010 11:52 am
haha I feel the same when I hear “Buried Alive”… pure adrenaline at the second half of the song
emily
August 6, 2010 12:07 pm
prolly one of my faveorite a7x interviews
Victoria
August 6, 2010 12:17 pm
I looooved that interview. A7X is the greatest band alive, and I would definately move to Avenged Sevenfold country.
Arran Williams
August 6, 2010 12:17 pm
why would you not ask about so far away that is the best song on the album!!!!
ariesta
August 6, 2010 12:20 pm
I like it
carli
August 6, 2010 12:30 pm
I love the fact that they had an interviewer who actually loves the band. I HATE when they get these “hot” interviewers who are oblivious to who they are, this is a REAL interview. This is how it should be. Respect bands enough to get someone who has at least heard the music and can actually talk about their music. I love this interview & the interviewer. <333 a7x for life. foREVer!
Ryle
August 6, 2010 12:50 pm
This band is like the modern day Led Zeppelin, topping all the charts with absolutely amazing music, nailing every single riff and every single note, doing what they love and showing a humble and emotional side to what they have created. R.I.P. Jimmy, i hope that avenged sevenfold carries on your legacy.
manuelanorga
August 6, 2010 1:04 pm
This guys is revolutionizing the metal music…
Please, let me know something about Latin America tour..
Regards from Peru!
Robb
August 6, 2010 1:15 pm
A7X is definitely my most favorite band!! Nightmare is the #1 album in the world!! it would be da shit to chill with these guys
Robb
August 6, 2010 1:16 pm
amen Ryle
Sam
August 6, 2010 1:20 pm
So has Matt gone streakin in Burbank yet? If so I want that video.
Sam
August 6, 2010 1:21 pm
So Matt gone streakin yet?!
Steven Fahey
August 6, 2010 1:41 pm
Up front in Syracuse, NY K-Rock athon….30,000 Krazies digging the A7X, unbelievable!!!! Love the Mike Portnoy taking the riens on the tour from Jimmy. RIP…What a great rock show~ Mike is God on the Tubs!
NoelleSynn
August 6, 2010 2:02 pm
aaaamazing <333333333
Erika
August 6, 2010 2:07 pm
Wow, I hope M.Shadows does run naked in Burbank xD
Keith
August 6, 2010 2:41 pm
Was in the pit in Wallingford Ct. w/ my 2 sons (14, 13 ) can’t say enough about the great time we had. You guys are f**kin’
incredible. PLEASE ! don’t ever stop making music or touring and don’t forget us in Ct. I’m 45 now and have been going to show’s since I was 10. I have to admit I was a little beat up and soar the next day, but would do it everyday if it meant I got to watch you play LIVE. Thanx again, keep bringin’ it. R.I.P. Rev. we know ur at the shows w/ us.
chris quirk
August 6, 2010 3:14 pm
album is #1 and the band is by far the GREATEST band of all time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alan
August 6, 2010 4:07 pm
I am pretty sure Slash had a British father and an African American mother, no cuban influences. Great Interview tho.
Nicole
August 6, 2010 10:19 pm
@Alan, I meant that Slash is Cuban in spirit cause of Perla : )
chastidy roman
August 6, 2010 5:21 pm
Omfg!!! I love them!!! Avenged Sevenfold is the bestestestestestestest band ever!!!!! Zacky is the most beautifulestestestestestest sexiest smashingest bangin’est man ive ever seen in my live and hes MY future husband no one elses!!!!! =P <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
falentino
August 6, 2010 5:57 pm
I’m from indonesia I ngevens same when you bend to the Indonesian concert
pratish adhikari
August 6, 2010 6:21 pm
Awesome interview….and they did get the #1 album
melinda
August 6, 2010 7:49 pm
ahhhh…she is sooooo lucky!!!!and sooo right …it just doesnt get any better than a7x!!!! Sept 5th ill finally get to see their amazing selves!!! can NOT wait! meeting them would be a life goal accomplishment!
melinda
August 6, 2010 7:51 pm
oh yeah….by the way..their album is #1…so when do we get to see m. Shadows run naked????!!! someone please get a video
I cant see that from florida!
Francisco
August 6, 2010 8:19 pm
that chick was such a cool interviewer i’ve never seen matt that chill while being interviewed
Christine
August 6, 2010 8:24 pm
This album is freakin’ epic!!
I love these guys sooooo much..
It’s hard without the Rev..
But I’m so glad they are continuing his legacy…letting the world hear his last work! This album is AMAZING!! Finally real music is back… What a RECOVERY.. (no pun intended!)
Thank you Matt, Zacky, Johnny and Syn!!!
Emma
August 6, 2010 9:43 pm
Met them today! They were so down to earth for sure!
irais
August 6, 2010 9:50 pm
i love avenged sevenfold……. i love how she tells them that there gift is the cupcakes and zacky goes Finally =D
1# nightmare im so happy
VENGEANCEcries
August 6, 2010 10:22 pm
i want a pink cup cake,,,??
Roland
August 6, 2010 10:57 pm
Best metal band ever……you guys ROCK……you so deserve #1
A7x 4LIFE
August 7, 2010 12:34 am
Cool interview! But she cuts the band off a few times and talks a little TOO much…
diellA7X.
August 7, 2010 1:04 am
oh..finally
ZV
Vince
August 7, 2010 4:42 am
pinched his balls ha ha that was good…i cant wait to see you guys august 21 in chi-town..amazing interview best yet..
A7X
foREVer
fuck
August 7, 2010 6:29 am
f**k you all 3:)
MacKenzie
August 8, 2010 9:39 pm
Hahaha…true dat mah friend.True dat…
arek
August 7, 2010 8:01 am
when a concert in Indonesia
from surabaya…?
shadow48
August 7, 2010 8:53 am
cool interview,awesome band my favorite of all times,i was worried things would get uncomfortable when she started talking about the rev but it went great,i miss him so much
Nicole
August 7, 2010 5:42 pm
@A7x 4LIFE Thanks for the constructive crticism. I was VERY excited which makes me ramble a bit, but over all I think I did a pretty darn good job. I love and respect them so much and I wanted to keep it casual.
Ardi
August 7, 2010 5:43 pm
Wow… awsome it’s realy like I told You so!
Kate
August 7, 2010 5:43 pm
I would live in Avenged Sevenfold Country.
I mean, come on! A bunch of Avenged Fans going crazy? Hell yeah!
forREVer
August 7, 2010 10:17 pm
WAIT A SECOND! the rev id dead???? !!!!
no, no you are wrong
he is just teaching god how to play the drums!!!!
Emily
August 7, 2010 10:56 pm
this interview was awesome
the girl who was interviewing them reminded me of me! and how much i love avenged sevenfold and their music, i literally have listened to their album at LEAST twice everyday since i have gotten their new album. she also captured my feelings of the album and particular songs almost perfectly :O these 5 guys make the greatest band in the entire world, AVENGED SEVENFOLD foREVer and pack up your bags, we are moving to A7X country x)
charzee
August 7, 2010 10:56 pm
sure a7x will be the best if jimmy still here
Josh
August 7, 2010 11:29 pm
Congrats fellas! Jimmy was and will always be the GREATEST drummer in the world! Can’t understand why he had to go but I gotta think that he is jamming with some other great drummers and DIME! May God continue to bless you and your lives! Stay Metal, Stay A7X!!!
Misfitdrummer
August 8, 2010 5:08 am
Nice interview, but no mention of Mike Portnoy??!! He did an unbelievable job of replacing The Rev. I don’t think people fully understand the importance of drumming ………obviously she was more concerned and “starstruck” with the typical singers and guitar players…..go figure. At least there was mention of Jimmy and his importance in the songwriting process……Yes drummers actually do alot more than just play drums!!
Dennis
August 8, 2010 11:48 am
Good and funny interview!
And she is right, the album is your best album, like top of the line!
And congratz to the #1 Band in America!
salina wilson
August 8, 2010 6:53 pm
i love this interview especially the up close parts of m. shadows and his dimples!!! i am so proud to say a7x is my favorite band!!!
MacKenzie
August 8, 2010 9:41 pm
Just wanna say…best band in the world is definately A7X.
foREVer.
R.I.P. Reverend Tholomew Plague.I’ll definately miss you.
I love you Zacky Vengeance.Loved your new album!I cried a few times!
Ajix
August 9, 2010 10:24 am
A7X kwi uwapek tenan!
It’s the best one!
I like it!
Nichole
August 9, 2010 1:56 pm
I love it. I love them. i love the fact that their number one i just freakin love everything A7X
MsHarlot
August 9, 2010 6:25 pm
Epic interview:D I love the very end.
Girl: There’s 2 cupcakes over there with your names on it
Shadows: Oh sweet thank you
Zacky: Yeah finally
Lmao I love A7X best band ever:D
Brandon
August 9, 2010 7:38 pm
I knew that Jimmy did some of the album with them…If you read reviews on iTunes they say things like, “Jimmy didn’t write this record so it doesn’t sound like them.”……those guys need to get their facts straight because A7X is my favorite band.
erika
August 9, 2010 8:05 pm
i have been really touched with avengeds music before they got popular but im in love with them they are everything to me and more congradulations i know jimmys happy. keep it goin guys
esai
August 11, 2010 10:03 pm
I want to know how it felt to be one of the greatest drummers alive . Jimmy will always be my most favorite drummer in the entire history of mankind. When i first heard that the rev had died i felt that my world is over ,but knowing that this album is number 1 on the charts i feel hope inside my heart
Gavin
August 12, 2010 7:03 pm
NO HOMO. But when are you going to go streaking? That will be funny as f**kkk
sasty vengeance
August 13, 2010 2:56 am
you are my inspiration , Zacky ! I have so much to say but you’re SO FAR AWAY !! hahaha
Carly
August 13, 2010 9:03 pm
we now know the truth behind victim’s opening vocals. hahahaha
Azryn
August 15, 2010 2:00 am
i love this interview so much! seriously.
callum
August 16, 2010 6:05 pm
Wow great interview, Jimmy im sure of it would be very proud that Nightmare made number 1 and would be tottaly greatful to have such great friends to have rocked with.
When he passed i was wrecked and i got wrecked it was a nightmare litteraly… cant wait to see you guys in london i garuntee ill be at the front row even if i have to line up for 4 hours i’ll be upfront!
keep rocking guys.. your so strong
Sarah
August 16, 2010 8:24 pm
Loved this interview these guys are the best!!!!
jennifer
August 17, 2010 2:09 pm
aavenged sevenfold country for life i love you guys so much ur music gives my ears eargasams i listen to it all day everyday jimmy we love you & miss youu dearly there are so many fans that love all you guys that if we wrote comments it would be 1,0000 xs bigger then the f**kin bible amenn:)
jv15a7x
August 17, 2010 6:50 pm
cool interview a7x for life R.I.P THE REV
BuriedfoREVer
August 18, 2010 11:00 am
A7x FTW! foREVer
Kelci
August 18, 2010 1:09 pm
Love them! everything they do is just amazing! and this album is just so…I can’t even describe it, it’s perfect in every since of the word! Can’t wait to see them next friday! I know it will be amazing!
Derek
August 18, 2010 5:29 pm
I friggin love A7X, my favorite band. Great interview by the way, but I dont think Zacky talked enough..
anon
August 20, 2010 11:02 pm
No band tops A7X right now or in the last 10 years. Their talent is undeniable and cannot be matched.
foREVer
Dee
August 24, 2010 1:36 pm
I love them SO much!
Fantastic, amazingly talented people!
Julia H.
August 31, 2010 7:58 pm
I left the show less than an hour ago and I can easily say that it was the happiest moment of my life. Go music, go avenged Sevenfold, go The Rev, Syn Gates, M. Shadows, Johnny Christ, Zacky Vengeance. You’ve inspired me so much. Its great watching the interviews and realizing how they are.
Mariana
September 2, 2010 2:57 pm
Rev fikria muuito orgulhoso de ver o quanto o a7x está fazendo sucesso com o Nightmare… Amuu essa banda e posso dizer q apesar da perda eu sei q eles fazem valer apena kda gota de suor do Jimmy!!!!!
Amuu a7x!!!!!
Lucija
September 3, 2010 12:42 am
My best bend! My number one music is Nightmare!!
ruby
September 3, 2010 9:07 am
totally lov them!
awesome interview
♥a7x♥
caroline
September 6, 2010 8:36 am
SO WHEN ARE MATT AND ZACKY GOING TO STREAK?!!?!?!?!?!
zvlover
September 8, 2010 4:50 pm
ikr lol
allison
September 25, 2010 10:06 pm
though men got on of the bands going i’ve ever heard. it terrible that the rev had to die that young and one my b-day i really wich i could of met him. jimmy i will always remember you man.
Momo:)
March 9, 2011 10:22 pm
Someday ohhh someday M. Shadows is gonna leave Valary fer me, just someday