Mike Portnoy Leaving Avenged Sevenfold

Mike Portnoy will no longer beat the skins for Avenged Sevenfold. The band has issued an official statement, but has not named a replacement. A.S. say they've "been blessed with...

Mike Portnoy's talent and humanity. When Mike agreed to tour with us, it was only through the end of 2010. We always knew we'd need to find another solution for 2011 and beyond. And it's time for us to take that next step. We know we are not ready to add another permanent member of Avenged Sevenfold. We don't know if we will ever be. But if we do, it will only be with someone who is not only a brilliant drummer, but also someone we've gotten to know well on the road and off, and who you the fans have had a chance to get to know, and hopefully accept. In other words, in this family, we take these steps together, band and our extended fan family."

Full story from Classic Rock here.