Here's the message:
To all of our loyal fans, friends, followers and supporters.
Recently we heard about the tragic suicide of a 16 year old from the UK who was listening to music and watching videos of, among others, Avenged Sevenfold and an older project of some band members, Pinkly Smooth, in the hours prior to his death. We want you all to know that we are devastated and heartbroken for his family, friends and community. Their pain must be unimaginable and our condolences go out to them. Experts in the field of suicide have assured us that there are always many things that go into a tragedy like this, and while music can play a powerful role in someone’s life, it does not cause something like this to happen, especially not alone. Research shows that 90% of those who take their life have a brain illness, or a mental illness, going on at the time of their death. This is something most people don’t want to talk about and that keeps them from getting the good help and treatments that are out there.
The news of this young man’s death has shaken all of us in the band. Fan or not, no one should have to feel such hopelessness. It has also made us more committed than ever to do something about it so that it doesn’t happen again. If you’ve been among our faithful followers, you know that we are part of a huge event coming up on May 10th - the Rise Above Fest. We couldn’t be more honored and happy to be part of this event in support of Seether's efforts to help raise awareness about the realities of suicide. They have partnered with a great non-profit organization that is dedicated to suicide prevention - SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, is one of the leading organizations of its kind in the world. We have reached out to SAVE and will do our part to join their fight against the stigma of suicide and mental illnesses. We want to make a difference and you can too.
If you are in the Bangor, Maine part of the country on May 10th, come to the festival (www.riseabovefest.com). If you can’t be there, check out the online auction where you can find some autographed items that we have provided to help raise money for SAVE – your donation will go directly to helping prevent another tragedy leaving so many to question “why”.
If you want to learn more about suicide prevention, visit www.save.org.
On behalf of all of us in the band, our management, crew, and our families please know that you too can get through it. Don’t ever give up! Together, let’s make sure no one else dies this way.
- Avenged Sevenfold
It is wonderful that the genuinely care about their fans. You don't see that much anymore.
ReplyDeleteyou guys are amazing ang caring.alot of suicides are from mental illness.When I'm down I usually listen to my favorite bands.Makes me feel better.
ReplyDeleteaww :/ no one should ever have to go through that alone...thanks guys for showing you truly do care
ReplyDeleteI would kill myself too if I had to listen to Avenged Sevenfold's new music.
ReplyDeleteWay of being a dick, dick.
DeleteYou are an ass!
Deletewtf man... whats your problem!
DeleteWhy do you waste your time disliking band if you hate it? Go **** yourself asshole and start taking things seriously.
DeleteMan, you're ignorant as all fuck. I don't give a shit if their new album was country featuring that talentless lil wayne...you don't judge their honest words of sympathy in memory of a deceased young man by their latest album. Totally fucked up. You would have killed yourself listening to that album? Well, put on the "Hail to the King" album on repeat.
DeleteIf u hate the band so much why are u reading about them and spending time commenting. Get a life, at lest they care about their fans.
DeleteI agree with Abi! I can't possibly believe that you would tell someone to kill themselves on a post like this. You need to be respectful. Choose another forum! Imagine what that family would think if they or their friends come across this and find what you are posting. What an immature childish thing to say. This has nothing to do with "Hail to the King" and Everything to do with a young man who took his own life! I've been that close, it's not fun and it is an illness. Someone like you does not deserve access to this post, to write such mean and hateful things with such an uncaring attitude! Grow up! I hope someone is monitoring this post and will soon take down your comment! I truly hope that family can find some kind of peace during this very rough time. And thank you A7X for caring and taking part in Rise Above Fest! Rock On!
Deletewow....people like you probably made that kid kill himself.
Deletewow ^^^^^^^ mr anonymous...how selfless can u get!! you are soooo wrong for sayin that!!!
Deletemy dad committed suicide in 2010 so i know the feeling...all you want are the "why" questions answered. love what you are doing for the family A7X and thank you to Seether as well. dont let things or people get you down...like mr anonymous ^^^ over there...they dont know what hes saying, just wanting to hurt anyone that likes the stuff that he doesnt. Thank you for all the GOOD music. i cant thank you enough!
DeleteIf you can make a comment like this regarding the subject matter, then maybe you should consider it.
DeleteDont feed the troll, guys.
DeleteWHY DON'T YOU JUST GO TO HELL
DeleteTrue that bro a7x sucks now but lunatic luau was great and nightmare was a good album
DeleteThis bad is amazing, it saved my life more then one... respect them<3
Deletethen do it. kill yourself, hater. no one cares.
DeleteYour a piece of shit!
DeleteI wish bands would do this more often!!! Love you guys.. Good to see you taking part. Stay strong!!
ReplyDeleteOne of my best friends committed suicide last year in july. I was devastated when I got the news. I wrote a song about it, called "pretend" check it out sometime www.reverbnation.com/Rickylee4 thanks and im sorry this has happened.
ReplyDeleteI love how the band truly cares A7X forever
ReplyDeleteAt Carolina Rebellion this weekend a reporter ask my daughter (Madison) if she would like to ask Avenged Sevenfold anything and they would see it before the show.She said no but i would like to say to them that it was they're music and positive attitudes that save my life. My daughter is very smart and for the longest time i didn't realize she was fighting depression. I alsodidnt care for the music she was listening to. But after seeing the positive changes since she started listening tobands such as A7x I've started listening myself. It's not the music it's the persons frame of mind. It's extremely sad that this kid like there was no other options and i feel for the family. Don't blame the music. People have blamed music for all the bad things that happenfor way to long. Lets start looking closer and maybe we can find the true reasons this happens.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWow didn't realize you were coming to Maine lol. I live in Augusta, ME and if I had known I would of saved enough for two tickets. Bummer I am going to miss one of my favorite bands this Friday.. Have fun and hope you all raise a bunch of money for a great cause. God Bless you guys for a great letter.
ReplyDeleteI have gotta give you thumbs up for this and as some other comments are saying you really do not see this often enough among bands.
ReplyDeletePS I have your hail to the king album and yes I still have the beer mats o.o
Suicide is such a tragic thing. My sons best friend and my step brother both killed themselves.....so I feel that pain for the family of this boy!!! I am so impressed by Avenged Sevenfold for being such a caring band. I just saw them at Carolina Rebellion and they are by far the best band ever!!! They all are such good people! God bless!!
ReplyDeleteAvenged Sevenfold, you are our inspiration.
ReplyDeleteKeep working, we will always be behind you.
By: Indonesian Fans
This band gets more hate than any other newer metal band out there, and I never understood why. Here they are pouring their heart out to a fan who took his own life, and any other person who may feel hopeless. Much respect coming your way...Ozzy and Judas Priest went through the toughest court hearings about this and they've won...it's not necessarily the music that makes these youngsters do it...like it said above, it's an illness. I've been there. It's just such a terrible thing when someone who just writes music from the heart gets blamed for it.
ReplyDeleteSuicide is very sad. For many reasons, and many people other than the victim. I don't think it's the only way out, but in their eyes, it may seem like it is. I don't believe music so much pushes people into doing things to themselves, or suicide, but maybe be the only comfort, understanding, or related story line, at that very moment when they feel like there's absolutely nothing left. To me, that means something bigger than what some see. It's just sad that when the ones that are in that situation, can't/won't turn that feeling into a positive situation, and make music be the up bringing to make things better a little at a time. This is what I have done. I have been there and back. I'm proud to say I have been self harm-free for almost 4 years now. Music was the only thing there for me at one point, and yet I didn't let it be the last. :) I love you Avenged Sevenfold! Your music, along with others, have saved me from a very dark path! :) I hope to see you guys in concert eventually. You all are one of the few I still have been waiting to see. I hope to see you guys in Tennessee soon! Keep on rockin', you guys are untold heroes to many I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteand its because of bands like you that i dont really like alot of "popular" music today because of how few "popular artists" actually care about their fans and others
ReplyDeleteYou guys have always been a class act and I expect no less than heartfelt sympathy for this young man. Thank you for being an inspiration to those who otherwise might follow the same path. Love you guys and can't wait to see you in STL in July!
ReplyDeleteWhat a tragedy My heart goes out to his family. I lost a dear friend of mine to suicide in 2009. We need to educate young people on this serious issue, so we don't lose anymore young people to suicide. Your music is great and its heart warming to know that you guys care about your fans. I am a fan of your music.Thank you Avenged Sevenfold.
ReplyDeleteThank you for proving why you guys are my favorite band! I'm a die hard fan and, like others above, I saw you this past weekend at the Rebellion. Your music is awesome and your band members are genuine. My sister attempted suicide 2 years ago but luckily did not succeed. Seether's song Rise Above This has always had a special place in my heart as I have heard him tell the story of his brother. A7X has always been my favorite and I will continue to support you guys ! Thanks for being so awesome. You let us fans know that we are important to you
ReplyDeleteu guys are amazeing saw you in b more in oct 2013 hope what you guys are doing for the sick and mentally ill really hit home to the non believers that suicide is no joke
ReplyDeleteI'm one of your all's biggest fans!!!!!!! My heart goes out 2 Avenged Sevenfold and the news I heard of a kid in the UK. I will definitely see u guys at the Rock Star Energy Drink Mayhem Festival on August 3 in VA!!!!!!! This is going to be my first time seeing u guys live and my first time getting an autograph from u all!!!!!!! I will love u guys FOREVER A7X <3
ReplyDeleteA7X is awesome. They would never condone the actions of that young man or anyone else with suicidal tendencies. They are doing everything they can by partnering with SAVE.
ReplyDeleteWow, rest in peace little buddy. W o w.
ReplyDeleteI just want to say, I have SO MUCH respect for A7F. I am 40 years old and they are one of my favorite bands. My son took his own life on September 4, 2012. He was 15 years old. His favorite band was Avenged Sevenfold. His friends asked us to play "So Far Away" at his funeral and I am so glad we did. It was the absolute perfect song for my boy. I don't know if you guys read these comments or not, but just know he loved you guys and was a faithful follower of all things Avenged Sevenfold. It broke my heart to have to take down his A7F poster when we moved from the house he took his last breath in. Anyway, his name is Austin Hunter and he was an awesome kid. I miss him every second of every day.
ReplyDeletePeace,
Misty
wow i am sorry that happened to you...a7f is a great band...my son and i listen to them all the time too...i hope things go better for you
DeleteYou're the best band ever A7X :')... Greetings from Argentina :')
ReplyDeleteto the guy that said he would kill himself if he had to listen to 7folds new album....why don't u give us ur real name instead of hiding behind anonymous....u r what is wrong in the world today..people like u should not be allowed to post things on any site...u arrogant piece of shit
ReplyDeleteThis is very sad to hear about!! So glad you guys are doing this to help out,that shows alot of respect for the hole rock n roll world!!
ReplyDeleteIm a mother of an 18 year old. Your music has inspired him in his worst moments, adolecense divorce, etc SEIZE THE DAY hold us together. THANKS. OUR LOVE FROM MEXICO
ReplyDeleteYou guys are truly amazing for taking the time to address this issue! A7X 4eva!
ReplyDelete