I feel like a right knob doing this but i need to let you know somehow how much you meant to all of your fans in the world and the helium thing that was going on most likely wont be happening in this wearther so here it goes. If i was going to write in simplicity, the only things that i would need to say are thank you. However simplicity aint gonna happen in this.
  Like many of your fans, i never had the pleasure to see you perform, or the honour of meeting you, but you had one of those souls that seemed to touch everyone and made us all feel that we knew you like we know our mates. Truth is, your band helped me through sommin that none of my friends could. I went through a year of being all on my own, sommin was happening in the family and i felt like all my mates had abandoned me, but i could listen to Afterlife and escape from the world, your music brought a smile to my face, and that song means so much to me that no one else would understand. Only the greatest musicians can posess the power to do that, and you were one of the greatest to ever grace the planet we live on.
  Thank you for creating Avenged Sevenfold cos without that band i would not be who i am today. I learnt from the band to be yourself no matter what anyone else thinks and thats a lesson i carry with me now. Without Avenged Sevenfold i would not have my two best mates, cos your music brought us closer together and, like i had done for a few years, i did not feel like a “loner” so to speak, or an outkast. I felt that i belonged.
  When i saw the band live in November, we laughed and we cried and we smiled and we had the best time ever listening to the music that you helped to produce, and although you were not sat behind the drum kit, i am sure that you were there in presence to support your brothers.
  At the end you were more than just a drummer in a band, you were one of the people that helped me, even if you dint know it.
  My thoughts are with your friends and family today, as i can only imagaine what they are going through, i hope, just as i did, that they find some hope at this hard time.

  Thank you for everything, we will remember you foREVer R.I.P <3

(http://waking-the-fallen.tumblr.com/)

  In light that it has been 15 months since you passed away, it never ceases to amaze me what a wonderful and hilarious human being you were. You lived life by seizing the day and you taught your fans to follow that.
  Whenever I feel lonely or just down in the dumps I grab my iPod and listen to some avenged and I always remember you and it reminds me that I’m not alone. I’m part of family, the A7x family and you and the rest of the band brought us together
  I’m really glad I’m part of this family. I haven’t been a fan for a long time (3 years now) but I feel like I belong somewhere. There have been countless times when I just wanted to wither away but remembering your smiling face and well, the rest of the band, I always pick my ass up and face whatever is coming my way.
  Jimmy, you’re an angel and we miss you everyday. <3
  Love always,
  Jess

(http://dreamxflight.tumblr.com/) 

Synyster Gates:

  I first off want to say that I hope this book makes you smile on your birthday and Happy Birthday. I am so happy that you have so many fans to help put this together. I am also very happy to call myself a member of the Avenged Sevenfold family. I have been a fan since Waking the Fallen. I wanted to write this letter to say thank you. And that may sound weird coming from a fan that you have no idea who I am or where I am from but you have done a lot for me.  You have inspired me to play guitar and though I know it is going to take forever to be just like you I will try my best to live up to your amazing guitar playing. My dream is to one day be able to somewhat play the “Afterlife” solo because it is epic. You made me love music even more then I did before. It sounds a little crazy but I have a Schecter guitar because that’s what you and Zacky V. play.
  This is the thing that means the most for me. My Mom passed away in November of 2009. My sister and I were so devastated. She became angry but I turned to the music of Avenged Sevenfold. Your guitar along with the lyrics made me feel better. The song “Seize the Day”, which is tattooed on my back made me realize that she was gone but I needed to live my life because life is so short.  “Seize the day or die regretting the time you’ve lost” is a beautiful lyric and I live by it now. Then you guys came out with “Nightmare” and that album makes me cry because it makes me think of Jimmy and my Mom. You and your guitar work are amazing and inspiring and the lyrics that go with it are just amazing. Thank you for pulling through the hardest time in my life.
  Now I have a kind of funny story. Last August (2010) my best friend and I went to the rock star uproar tour specifically to see you guys. We went to the show that was in Saratoga NY at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. We were walking in from parking and you rode past us on a bike a we both heard you say hello. It took us about 15 seconds to realize that it was you on the bike. We both looked at each other and were like that was Syn. We went to turn around to get a picture with you because we both love you and you were gone. Our story to this day is we will defend each other to the end of time when people do not believe us. We are going to see you guys again for the Welcome to the Family tour in Albany NY and we both can’t wait. We also hope that at some point in our lives we have to pleasure of meeting you. If I ever did meet you guys I think I would have to fight myself to not pass out because of all that you have done for me. I hope to pass your amazing music down to my children when I get older. You guys are amazing and have helped me through one of the most difficult times in my life. And Syn you personally have inspired me to play the guitar.
Happy Birthday Synyster Gates and Thank You.
A7X foREVer !!!!
Viv Deleo
New York

Dear Jimmy,

  I cant believe it has been 15 months without you dude. i miss you alot. i am a fan you would never know exsisted but your music along with your band pulled me through my mom’s death which was in November of 2009. i hate to say it when i heard you died i was so angry. asking questions of why did you leave? how could you leave us all behind? why would you do that to your fans and family and band mates. i called my friend and she cried on the other end on the phone. We were all scared the band would end. 1st my mom then the band i didn’t know what to think of next. but then the guys released Nightmare and kept going on tour. My friend and i saw them in August but it wasn’t the same without you!!! Now you have sent us Arin and all though he cant take your place because you are just plain irreplaceable. we are happy you sent him to us and that you pushed your bandmates to keep making music. we love you and miss you. foREVer~
Viv

(http://idontbelieveinfairytales23.tumblr.com/)  

  Good morning, Jimmy. It’s currently 4:27am, on the 26th of March, 2011. Two days away from being one whole year and three months since you left. I never got to sit myself down and really write you a letter… so it seemed appropriate that I do it now.
  I don’t think anyone, outside of people I know who are part of the Family as I am, understands how much our death has effected me. I’m not the same person as I was before, and somehow I feel like you would kick my ass if you could see me, now. I hate talking about death, almost like I’m afraid of it. I start crying anytime my friends bring it up, or talk about dying even if they’re not blatantly talking about suicide. I shy away from any mention of it, and I know that’s not how you were in the slightest. You never feared death. You never feared what would happen afterward, and one could almost say you were fascinated by it, but never in a morbid way like you wanted to die. You just knew it would happen, and accepted it early on. Then you went along your merry way and took the world by storm, while capturing all the hearts of your devoted fans, along the way. I wish I was as courageous and carefree as you are on the outside.
  I feel weak these days, Jimmy. Not sickly, but like I’m some kind of wimpy-ass. It’s like I’m afraid of death, now, just because you left so soon, and I hate it. I hate feeling that way about myself, I used to be so brave… but it hurt. It hurt as soon as I read the fucking article in the O.C. news paper, online. At first I didn’t believe it - my friend sent me the link, and told me you were gone… no, I said aloud. No, this can’t be right. It’s just a rumor, it has to be a rumor. You’re you. This has to be a mistake, this has to be a stupid rumor like all the countless stupid rumors that that Gena was pregnant, or that Val was pregnant, or that you were addicted to cocaine…

This couldn’t be happening. 

  Those thoughts evolved into screaming, and crying, and suddenly I wished I hadn’t clicked that link, that the article explaining your death didn’t exist. And cursing everything in the known universe. That your genius, your friendship, your music, and your love would never be shared with the world anymore. We would only get to see your precious, beaming smile in old pictures or videos; but physically, you’d never be around again. My heart was broken for the rest of the band, because I thought about what an immense amount of pain they all must have been in; what they had to be feeling was probably close to what Hell would be like. I never knew you on such a personal level as the guys… far from it. Just like the rest of the Family. But we’ve all gotten to know you, Jimmy, and love you unconditionally. Personally, I could never see Avenged Sevenfold without Jimmy… the Rev. The heart of the band, in the most literal sense. 
  I met you, once, and you were so, so nice… you were so quiet, then, but I supposed not much needed to be said as you walked down the line, and eventually got to me; where you graciously chuckled at my silly comment - head tilted all the way back to see up into your face, I said in awe, “You‘re impossibly tall… and it‘s awesome.” - then agreed to my simple request; a hug, and a picture. I asked how you were… you said you were great. And we spent about ten wonderful minutes together, among other fans, everyone taking each other in and just enjoying the moment. 
  The thing I noticed most about you, was that you hugged people like you meant it. Like you felt the love from all of these strangers and gave it right back to us in that moment as I was crushed against your side, happy to be so. I knew you were nice just from pictures and videos, but I had no idea how much heart you put into every little thing that you did for the people in your life - even the ones that were fleeting, like me and the other thirty-some-odd fans that stood waiting in the cold to meet you. You loved us. You really, truly loved us, without knowing anything about us, and I cannot imagine that there’s anyone in the world with a courage like that. You loved with everything you had. You still do, I know it, even in the afterlife. 
  I wish you hadn’t gone, Jimmy. I wish we could bring you back. Out of all the guys in the band, I always had silly little daydreams about what life would be like had you been my big brother. Out of all of you, I always figured that you in particular I would get along most with as a sibling. So I always saw you that way, and called you my ‘brother.’ I will never stop seeing you that way. I tell people that “my friend passed away,” whenever they ask about the rather large tattoo on my back, dedicated to you. I tell them how important you were to me, and I tell them how much I still love you. I tell them what you did and who you were, most of them don’t question it because most of the people who ask what the tattoo represents have no idea who Avenged Sevenfold even is. You’d be proud of me, though, I bet - I managed to change the mind of an older woman who had a rather negative opinion on tattoos; she asked me “why do people get them?“ and I told her how much getting that piece done helped ease the pain of your passing. She took my hand, smiled and said “My dear, that is the best answer I’ve ever gotten. Thank you.” So, I bet you’d at least give me a pat on the back and a “well done.”
  There are days, though, where I wish you were still around. But then I remember that you probably still are - we just can’t see you. I know you’re out there somewhere, watching the guys go about their daily lives, wishing you were here just as bad, if not more than we do. There are little things that happen every day that make me think you’re still around, just waiting to see everyone you love once again. In the meantime, I’m sure you’re giving the other angels absolute fucking hell.
  The thing I remember most about you is how much heart you put into everything you did, but at the same time you made it all look effortless; namely, loving the people in your life. It was like it was an automatic setting that had no off-switch, for you, and it was my favorite quality of yours. So much so that I wanted to make it one of mine, too. I’d watched All Excess so many times, the day it came out, and the parts where you talked about how much you loved your friends and family just… stuck.

“My friends truly are my heart and soul.” 

  That really stuck with me. I haven’t been able to get it out of my head since it got there, and I don’t intend to forget it anytime soon because you and the rest of the band have taught me so much. You’ve shown me how to appreciate the people in my life on such a greater level, and I cannot thank you enough for this gift. It’s something I will never “un-learn,” and my immense love and loyalty to the friends I’ve gathered over the years - because of you five men - has only grown.
  Did I mention that, by the way? I wouldn’t know most of my best friends, were it not for Avenged Sevenfold. If you hadn’t brought this band together with Matt, all those years ago, I wouldn’t know what real friendship feels like, but because I began following you, thanks to my best friend of nine years, Saarni [www.sociallyawkwardsaarni.tumblr.com]. Thank you for bringing my friends and I together like this. I don’t know where I’d be without them, and I don’t know what I would do if Avenged Sevenfold did not exist. Most of the friendships I have are your doing and I can never be thankful enough.
  I don’t really know what else to say… I would sit here and banter with you if you were sitting right there with me. I would try now, but I doubt very much I’d get an answer.
  So, I’ll leave you with this: Thank you, I love you so, so much, and I really hope you’re doing okay. Come visit us sometime, brother. The Family misses you more than words could ever describe… but we’ll all see you again someday. We’ll all gather in the afterlife and have a huge party - we might get kicked out, but that’s alright… whatever we all do together, it’ll be worth it. Because we do whatever the hell we want.

Good luck, love; I’ll see you. <3
With love, 
Atrum

*I wrote this back in 2009 when he passed… thought I’d share*

To: Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan

Dear Jimmy:

  Seems you took off a lot earlier than what we expected. I say to you ‘bon voyage’. These extended vacations were all you needed. Now you may rest as much as you want, and wreck havoc up in the heavens. I’m sure you’ll get a lot of complaints from your new neighbors when you bang on your drum set. But, do not be discouraged. Don’t silence your talent. Grace the heavens with your beats, your lyrics and your voice… and anything else you can find! Rest assured we will not forget you. You will always be present in our hearts and thoughts. Thank you for brightening my dark days with your crazy beats and your amazing voice. The music you made was the little light that brought me to the better end of the tunnel. Although I would’ve liked for you to stay a bit longer, I guess you had other plans. And this is not a goodbye, more of a “see you later”.

Hugs and kisses,

Athena

(http://xpsychodelicx.tumblr.com/) 

  I listened to ”A Bad Dream” by Keane a lot after you passed… it was some kind of weird comfort, hearing the undeniable truth in this song; every word relatable, every verse understandable and even it’s morose sound was soothing. I felt comfortable, for the first time since I had found out you were gone. I don’t remember much, from the beginning, but what I do remember wasn’t pleasant… so it was nice, to have this song to fill the gaping void you left behind.
  I’ve always questioned life - my life, in particular. I’ve always wondered why I’m here, wondered what purpose could a person like me possibly serve. I’m insugnificant. In comparison to those around me, my life is meaningless; so many others show so much more potential in every way imaginable. I’ve always just felt like I’m here, with no greater rhyme or reason. I was just put here, to wander this world alone. It may seem silly, because I do have people in my life… but I’ve always felt distant from them, and lately it’s been growing. I’m watching as they’re going out into the world and making names for themselves, watching as they get degrees or get dream jobs. Everyone is going their seperate ways, but I’m still stuck in the same spot I’ve been rooted to since this depression first seeded itself inside of me, like some disgusting fungus.

  I just don’t see a point, I suppose.

  You gave me one, for a while. It was nice, because for seven years I finally felt like I belonged. I had found my home. With you. With them. I didn’t feel like such an outcast; like the outcast I’ve always been. Hell, in third grade, no one would talk to me. That’s where it started, really. I can’t imagine why, I don’t recall ever doing anything wrong. I was just quiet; shy, but no one ever spoke to me. I can’t recall ever having a single friend throughout my time in school. No, it wasn’t until I was twelve, and I discovered you, that I finally felt noticed for the first time in my life. You were part of something great; a magnificent force that spoke to me in a sing-song voice about turmoils I was going through in my own, young life.
  I grew incredibly close to you, incredibly quick. I hung on your every word, and on your every movement. Because you were just like me. Here I was, twelve years old and ashamed of who I was as a person to the point where I wanted to kill myself; I hated my personality. I was so weird, so crazy, that I frightened away every friend I ever tried to make with my bizarre ways. But there you were, this wonderful man who was just as insane and crazy as I was, and yet you weren’t ashamed; in fact, you almost seemed proud of it, in ways. I felt like I could learn by your example. And I did.
  I took on your mannerisims of “don’t give a fuck” when it came to people finding me much too strange for this life. Suddenly, it didn’t bother me anymore that every single person I knew in my life ignored me, hated me, didn’t want me around. When the girls at school, or the girls at church blatantly ignored my “hello”s or “good morning”s, or whispered behind my back “she’s such a freak” just loud enough for me to hear - it stung - but it didn’t bother me anymore. Because, in my mind, you were there beside me; laughing and waving them off. Saying to me, “fuck ‘em! They’re the freaks! Look how normal they are… now that’s freaky! But you an’ I… we’re just fuckin’ fine.”
  You got me through a lot of moments like that, and a lot of moments that were even worse. When I tried to kill myself at thirteen, I heard your voice in my head and once again it felt like you were beside me. The look on your face was heart breaking. “Why would you kill yourself? Over people like them? So fuckin’ what if they don’t like you! So fuckin’ what if you’re not accepted! I’m not accepted either, but I’m not about t’fuckin’ ram a knife through my gut! You’ll miss so much! You’ll miss me… an’ I’ll miss you.” it was enough of a wake-up call; fabrication or not.
  When I started cutting, you never judged me. You didn’t approve, but you didn’t judge. When I tried to kill myself again at fifteen, you were right there; just like before, to give me another wake-up call that was as harsh as a slap in the face. Maybe that’s what you did, in a way. Slapped the shit out of me, in an attempt to put some sense in my head. Either way, it worked. I vowed, right then, to never commit suicide; if only for your sake. Sure, if I had, you would have been completely oblivious and your life would have carried on without a hitch. It was enough for me, though. That’s also when it became my life’s goal to meet you. I had wanted to meet you since the day you first gave me hope, at twelve years old, but now it was a true goal; I had to tell you everything you had done for me. Everything you meant to me.
  So I suppose God had a reason for taking you away from everyone; from me. Or, at least that’s what I’d like to think. Because I don’t think I could believe in someone who was so senselessly cruel. No, there has to be a bigger purpose.

  I have cried myself to sleep every night for as long as I can remember, and up until a year ago, you were there for me every night. For seven years you were my hero, my inspiration for everything I have aspired for in life; but most of all, you were my best friend. When no one else was there for me; not the two friends that I actually did have, and not even my own mother… you were there for me. When no one else understood, you sure as hell did. I could go on about all the ways that I’m just like you. About all the ways about how I so painfully fucking miss you.
  Sometimes it’s hard, just to exist, without my best friend here. Sometimes it’s a chore, to drag myself through an entire twenty-four hours. I don’t think anybody understands… or ever will. I don’t think anyone wants to.
  Since you’ve gone, I feel just as invisible; just as unwanted. On the endlessness of the internet, I feel like this person who everyone hates to see log on; to speak. In reality, I feel like everyone grimaces when I enter the room; their guts lighting on fire in contempt. I just want you back, because now every time I’m ignored - now every time someone whispers cruel words just loud enough for me to hear - you’re not there beside me anymore; you’re not there to tell me not to let it get to me. It’s just empty air, where you would have been.
  I don’t know why I’m here… because the only person that was just like me, is gone. Atrum is still with me, yes, but she and I are different in so many ways. They’re subtle, but they’re the subtlties that have caused me to question my existance for so long now. She’s content with existing; she doesn’t care that she doesn’t fit in, but the reality of it is, is that she always will fit in. With all the misfits, she will always belong. But I feel like I don’t belong anywhere, like I’m the outcast of every person on this earth. She doesn’t think like you and I… we have our facination with death, we have our bizarre way of thinking, we tend to question things that wouldn’t normally be questioned.
  You and I both know that death will come for me when it’s time; you taught that to me… but is it so wrong for me to wish that it would come as soon as possible? I’m hollow inside… and I miss you. I’m right back to where I was when I was twelve; questioning my existance. You took my mind off of that… but now…?
  No one will read this. I may even lose a lot of followers. No one cares. There are bigger issues in the world. But it made me feel as comforted as I can be, because in my mind… you read it. In my mind, you still care. I just wish I was with you again.

(http://sociallyawkwardsaarni.tumblr.com/) 

(this is a slightly revised version of the my December 28th letter. I took out the parts relevant to only that date)

  I’ll never forget figuring out who you were. I confess my love of A7X didn’t get started on the right foot, so to speak. I saw a Good Charlotte video, for The River, and wondered who the hell M. Shadows and Synyster Gates were. Then, since I was heading to bed at the time, I kind of scoffed and thought ‘who has such dumb names?’. The next day, I got into Napster and went for the Good Charlotte record. In the process, I researched those ‘stupid names’ and realized I kind of liked you guys. I even had three of your songs!
  After that, I realized what an amazing band A7X was. I fell in love with your drumming and then finally got to see pictures of you: you were a very handsome man! I loved the music, the drumming, you name it. I fell hard for A7X and my friends put up with my new obsession.
  In January of 2008, I was into my second semester of a second college degree. But I barely passed because I got distracted: I was writing a novel. You were the inspiration for that novel and even the main character. Somewhere after that, I joined Mibba and got writing. I hadn’t written a damn thing (except some HORRIBLE poetry) in around two years. I had lost my inspiration, though I don’t know why. I don’t even know what brought it back, but I credit you, because I thought of the story with you in mind and it took off. To this day, I write about you but you’ve inspired some original fiction which also hasn’t happened in years. I now some people look down on fanfiction, but I’m not ashamed of it. It’s helped me get my writing muscles back in shape and I will always be grateful for that.
  I want to thank you for getting me to write again. I want to thank you for being my muse and helping me through those rough spots in my writing. I want to thank you for listening to me when I’m not comfortable talking to anyone else. I don’t know if you really hear me, but I feel better venting to you either way. I know you’re around…I’ve had some moments that can only be explained by your presence.
  I confess, Jimmy, that some days, I envy you. You are in a better place, you have no more worries, no more problems. I’m going through hell right now and I know that I can talk to friends or my SO, but sometimes, I feel alone. I feel like I’ve talked to them so much they don’t want to hear it. I know that’s not true, but it happens sometimes. I’m at my wits end, Jimmy, but I’m going to stick it out. When it gets really hard to move forward, I have to move forward. I don’t know when this hell will end, or if it will end, but I’ll be a stronger person at the end.

 P.S. I have an interview next Wednesday. I don’t believe in God and praying and all that, but your good luck wishes would be welcome. It’s an ironic place for an atheist/agnostic to work, a church, but I need a job and a steady income.  Unemployment checks just aren’t cutting it anymore =(. 

  Well you guys are just the best fucking band ever. I really wish I’d have discovered you earlier, but hell, I was 5 when Sounding the Seventh Trumpet came out, not exactly the typa stuff my parents wanted me singing to I’m guessing.
  If you were really going to read this letter the first thing I would want to say is thank you. Thank you for being the sweet escape that has kept me going. You guys have got me through anything I’ve had to tackle, you’ve made me happy when I’ve been low, you’ve saddened me, and you’ve made me want to get fucking drunk! Seriously though, you’ve been the key to my life being good, to my achievements, I owe it to you guys. So thanks, thanks so fucking much.
  Now about your music. Shit, where do I start? Talented is such a huge understatement for you guys, the music you create is so insanely perfect and incredible it’s unreal. Where the hell do you get those ideas from?! How do you do it?! There’s never been a band other than you guys where I’ve liked every single song and can guarantee I’ll like any future songs you write too, I can’t explain it, I just fall instantly in love with them.
  Jimmy’s death was such a terrible, terrible shock. He was a genuine, funny, crazy, talented, truly inspirational man who didn’t deserve to be snatched away by death. I’ve cried so much to myself about a man I never actually met. But that was the thing with him wasn’t it, he let everyone know him in a way, because what you saw was what you got. He was never fake and was totally himself, and I love how he was so fucking appreciative of everyone. It really upsets me to think of what happened to him, but I take comfort listening to his voice and truly believe he’s watching over everyone, especially you guys.
  That’s another thing, I really, really admire the way you have all coped over the past months. I know I would have fallen to pieces had it been me, but the way you stuck together, the way you spoke so truthfully about Jimmy so soon after his death, the way you’re still touring because you know that’s what he’d want you to do…all of it is just so fantastic. I bet your behaviour and the way you coped has helped your fans in similar situations, you’re all such inspirations.
  I’d want to thank Jimmy and you guys for all the lives of your fans that you’ve saved. I’ve heard stories where people have been on the edge, so close to fucking killing themselves and you have been the only thing that’s stopped them. For a band, for five people who they have never met, only listened to and watched your videos, to be able to do that simply from sound and vision, well that’s saying something, isn’t it? You’re so unbelievably brilliant.
  Also, when I saw you back in last November, I can honestly say it was the best night of my life. It was so upsetting that Jimmy couldn’t be there, but I fucking know that he was watching down from wherever he is now, with a bottle in hand, cheering you guys on, just as he will have been in every gig you’ve done.
  So thank you. Thank you from me and from every other fan you’ve got in the world, because for a hell of a lot of us, you’re what gets us through each day and makes us want to stick around. You are what inspires us and what drives us forward. Without your music our lives simply would not be the same. You’re all perfect.
  Thank you. <3 
  Love Abi

(jimmyism.tumblr.com)