Brooks Wackerman has been the driving force behind the drum kit for Avenged Sevenfold for an impressive decade, yet he recently shared the pivotal reasons that led to his departure from another iconic band, Bad Religion. This exciting transition marked a significant chapter in his musical journey, one he explored during a guest appearance on the podcast hosted by former Sum 41 drummer Steveo 32. In this engaging conversation, Wackerman reflected on his decision to leave after dedicating 15 years to Bad Religion, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities that came with joining Avenged Sevenfold.

During the podcast, Wackerman revealed that it was his previous personal manager, Diony Sepulveda, who was also serving as Avenged Sevenfold‘s tour manager at the time, that initiated discussions about this exciting opportunity. Initially, Wackerman admitted to being taken aback by the prospect, but the idea of envisioning himself in a new and different musical environment was incredibly tempting. This transition was not just a career move; it was about reimagining his identity as a drummer and artist.

Discover the Key Factors That Enticed Brooks Wackerman to Join Avenged Sevenfold

Ultimately, the allure of a fresh challenge and the opportunity to further explore his drumming capabilities were the primary motivators that drew Wackerman to Avenged Sevenfold. He expressed a genuine curiosity about the prospect of performing at metal festivals, a realm he hadn’t delved into previously. Wackerman shared, “It was exciting. I thought, ‘Okay, I haven’t felt this way in a while.’ While I am grateful for my extensive work with Bad Religion, my tenure there lasted 15 years, and I yearned to expand my musical horizons. The fact that they wanted to collaborate with me on their upcoming record made it even more compelling. The idea of contributing creatively in a studio setting with five talented musicians is something truly special.”

Wackerman was quick to clarify that while there were certainly creative outlets available within Bad Religion, the possibilities for artistic expression were far greater with Avenged Sevenfold. He praised the songwriting talents of Brett and Greg, referring to them as the Lennon and McCartney of punk rock, underscoring their unique ability to craft compelling music. He acknowledged that while he was given some creative latitude in Bad Religion, he didn’t truly feel like he was able to express his full artistic self until he released his second album with them.

Reflecting on his transition to Avenged Sevenfold, Wackerman remarked, “When you receive the call from Avenged, it feels like a transformative moment. The Latin beat I practiced at 12 years old can now be integrated into an actual song. The rhythmic and creative possibilities are endless…”

Unveiling the Songs Brooks Wackerman Showcased During His Audition for Avenged Sevenfold

To secure his role in the band, Wackerman had to demonstrate his versatility and skill across a range of Avenged Sevenfold‘s diverse musical material. So, what tracks did he perform during his audition? He shared, “I played ‘Nightmare,’ ‘Little Piece of Heaven,’ ‘Bat Country,’ and I believe ‘Buried Alive.’ Yes, ‘Buried Alive’ was definitely part of it.”

READ MORE: We Address the Most Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Avenged Sevenfold

Exciting Plans for Avenged Sevenfold’s 2025 Tour

Looking ahead, Avenged Sevenfold is gearing up for an exciting summer tour that kicks off in June of this year. The band will embark on a European leg of their tour, starting June 4 in Turkey and concluding on June 29 in Sweden, with a series of electrifying performances scheduled throughout. Following their European tour, the band will return to the United States to play two shows alongside System of a Down in Chicago from August 31 to September 1, as well as making a noteworthy appearance at the Louder Than Life Festival before heading to South America for fall dates.

For fans eager to catch all the action, detailed information about their tour stops and ticketing options can be found on their official website.

Brooks Wackerman of Avenged Sevenfold Shares Insights with Steveo 32