Brooks Wackerman has been a key player for Avenged Sevenfold for ten years, but his journey to the band involved a significant decision to leave Bad Religion, a band he drummed for over 15 years. In a recent episode of Steveo 32’s podcast, the former Sum 41 drummer, Wackerman, opened up about this pivotal transition in his career.
Deciding to Leave Bad Religion
Wackerman credits his former personal manager, Diony Sepulveda, who was also the tour manager for Avenged Sevenfold at the time, for initiating conversations about the possibility of joining the band. At first, the drummer was surprised but also intrigued by the idea of stepping into a new role that would allow him to envision himself in a different musical light.
The Allure of New Challenges
The primary factor that drew Wackerman to Avenged Sevenfold was the opportunity for new challenges and the potential to push his drumming skills further. He expressed excitement about the idea of playing metal festivals, stating, “It was exciting. I’m, like, ‘Okay, I haven’t felt this way in a while.'” After spending a significant amount of time with Bad Religion, he felt the need to expand his musical horizons. “I wanted to spread the wings a little wider, too, musically,” he added.
Creative Opportunities in Avenged Sevenfold
While Wackerman acknowledged the creative space he had within Bad Religion, he found the opportunities to be even greater with Avenged Sevenfold. “The writers were Brett [Gurewitz] and Greg [Graffin], and as they should be, because they created the sound,” he said, comparing them to the iconic songwriting duo Lennon and McCartney. He appreciated the parameters set by Bad Religion but felt a stronger sense of self and creative expression with Avenged Sevenfold, particularly during his second album with the punk band.
Bringing His Skills to the Metal Scene
Reflecting on his transition to Avenged Sevenfold, Wackerman shared, “When you get the Avenged call, it’s, like, ‘Okay, so the Latin beat that I practiced when I was 12, I can now apply this in a song.'” He emphasized the endless rhythmic and creative possibilities that the metal genre offered, which excited him greatly.
Auditioning for Avenged Sevenfold
To secure his position in Avenged Sevenfold, Wackerman had to showcase his versatility across a range of the band’s material during his audition. He revealed that he played several tracks, including “Nightmare,” “Little Piece of Heaven,” “Bat Country,” and “Buried Alive.” These selections allowed him to demonstrate his proficiency and fit within the band’s dynamic.
Avenged Sevenfold’s Upcoming Tour in 2025
Looking ahead, Avenged Sevenfold is set to embark on a European tour starting June 4, 2025, with performances scheduled through June 29 in Sweden. Following this, the band will return to the U.S. for shows with System of a Down in Chicago and an appearance at the Louder Than Life Festival, along with additional fall dates in South America. Fans can find tour details and ticket information on the band’s official website.
Brooks Wackerman’s Journey: A New Chapter
The 25 Best Metal Songs of the Last 25 Years
With so much diversity in metal music, certain songs have risen above the rest, playing a pivotal role in shaping the genre over the past 25 years.
Gallery Credit: Loudwire Staff
Conclusion
Brooks Wackerman’s decision to leave Bad Religion for Avenged Sevenfold was driven by a desire for new challenges and creative freedom. His journey reflects the importance of growth and exploration in a musician’s career, proving that sometimes, stepping out of one’s comfort zone leads to the most rewarding experiences.
FAQs
Why did Brooks Wackerman leave Bad Religion?
Wackerman left Bad Religion to pursue new challenges and opportunities for creative expression with Avenged Sevenfold after spending 15 years in the punk band.
What songs did Brooks play during his audition for Avenged Sevenfold?
He played “Nightmare,” “Little Piece of Heaven,” “Bat Country,” and “Buried Alive” during his audition.
When is Avenged Sevenfold’s next tour?
Avenged Sevenfold’s European tour kicks off on June 4, 2025, with various dates scheduled throughout the month before returning to the U.S. for additional shows.
