Avenged Sevenfold Interview

The Gauntlet: How is Ozzfest?

Johnny Christ: It's been amazing. Great people and amazing crowds. I think we've won some people over who aren't so caught up in fancy haircuts and tight jeans. Ozzfest fans have taste in music and an imprecation for showmanship.


The Gauntlet: What is your favorite Ozzfest moment?

Johnny Christ: There have been a lot of great moments. Not sure I have a particularly favorite moments. I have a great appreciation for all the bands playing and enjoy watching each of them play every day.


The Gauntlet: How is it being the new blood at Ozzfest?

Johnny Christ: It's been fine. We're friends with nearly every band playing Ozzfest so it's been a very rewarding experience.


The Gauntlet: What was going through your mind when the power went out in San Bernardino during your set? Did you have any thoughts it might have been Sharon Osbourne pulling the plug like last year to Iron Maiden?

Johnny Christ: No, we didn't think Sharon pulled the plug. We're close with Sharon and know she'd never do that. We heard rumors that power was a big problem that day because of the heat but we certainly didn't think it would effect us the way it did. When it happened I figured I'd just grab a beer and wait it out. But once we heard the "A7X" chants and fires breaking out we thought it might be a good idea to head to the back. Security thought a riot might happen and told us to grab our shit and wait on the bus. We said "Fuck that!" we're going to wait this out like every audience member. So we kicked it in the back for a while and once the power came back on we torn that bitch down.


The Gauntlet: How does main stage Ozzfest compare to main stage at Warped?

Johnny Christ: Ozzfest is much more concert orientated rather than festival-like which I prefer. You get a chance to see every band at Ozzfest. At Warped we'd have to miss one band to see another which sucked.


The Gauntlet: Have you met Ozzy yet?

Johnny Christ: Yes I have. The prince of darkness is an amazing man who we respect greatly. He's been a very big supporter of our music and for that we are eternally grateful.


The Gauntlet: What are the plans after Ozzfest?

Johnny Christ: We're going to Japan and than Australia. I've heard rumors of a Canadian tour after that then maybe a US or UK tour. We'll see.


The Gauntlet: A7X has a very diverse fanbase from TRL kids to metalheads. Do you find it difficult at times trying to please everyone?

Johnny Christ: No I don't. Message board trolls and kids with backwards mullets always think we're sellouts. What's funny though is our fans whether they're 40 or 14 get along great. The rock star in me should say fuck 'em. But, that's what people don't seem to understand. We care greatly about our fans. They are amazing and diverse and we wouldn't tour 310 days out of the year if they weren't.


The Gauntlet: Has the band begun writing for the next album?

Johnny Christ: Oh, it's coming...


The Gauntlet: With success of course comes criticism. How do you respond to the fans and critics that accuse the band of "selling out" or "not being metal enough?"

Johnny Christ: If growling is metal then I guess we're not metal. If making the music you've always dreamed of is selling out then I guess we're sell outs. I've always believed in enjoying music and not analyzing it in magazines, webzines or message boards. True fans stick behind bands through thick and thin and we've been lucky enough to have some amazing fans.


The Gauntlet: What has the band been doing with their downtime between Ozzfest dates?
Johnny Christ: Strip clubs, partying, playing music and talking to as many fans as possible!


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Tags:  Avenged Sevenfold  , Johnny Christ - bass, interviews

Jason Fisher    July 20, 2006