Friday, December 17, 2010 11:10am ET by  
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Avenged Sevenfold part ways with drummer Mike Portnoy

Avenged Sevenfold have parted ways with drummer Mike Portnoy.

Portnoy, originally of Dream Theater, stepped up as the new percussionist following the tragic death of Avenged Sevenfold’s James ‘The Rev’ Sullivan.

Avenged’s front man, M Shadows, released an official statement that announced the band’s cancellation of their appearance at Australia’s Soundwave festival in February 2011:

"We're really sorry it's not possible for us to play this show, and apologize for any inconvenience it has caused,"

"The last thing we ever want to do is disappoint our fans, and we'll be back to make it up to the Australian fans soon."

Portnoy also issued a statement, explaining:

“The band has decided to carry on into 2011 without me...I had a great time with them throughout 2010, but it was their choice to end the relationship at the end of 2010 as was always the initial plan....”

The ‘Nightmare’ metallers recently confirmed as one of the headlining acts for Download 2011, and you can watch the video for their live performance of 'Afterlife' here: