“So Far Away” – A Song That Hurts Because It’s Real
In the music world, we’re flooded with great tracks—well-produced, catchy choruses, a solid beat and… well, lyrics about absolutely nothing. And don’t get me wrong—I totally respect that. A tune like that can boost your mood, give you energy, and save your Friday after work.
But then there are songs from another dimension. Songs with soul. Songs that weren’t written because “we needed something new,” but because the artist had to get something out. Sometimes it’s pain, sometimes grief, sometimes a memory that won’t stop haunting.
And sadly, those kinds of songs usually come from dark places. Accidents. Illness. Death. That’s exactly what “So Far Away” by Avenged Sevenfold is. It’s not just a rock ballad. It’s a letter to a friend who passed away. A song that’s impossible to hear without feeling something deep.
But to truly understand its power, we need to rewind. Go back to the beginning. To a moment when a group of teenage boys in Huntington Beach decided to form a band. Because this story doesn’t start with tragedy—it starts with friendship.
Avenged Sevenfold – A Story of Friendship That Became a Legend
Who hasn’t dreamed as a kid of forming a lifelong crew with their best friends? A gang to grow up with, goof off with, cry and laugh with. Sure, we have our families, but real friends are the brothers we choose. And if that crew ends up creating something big—something that touches millions—well, that’s the dream. And while it doesn’t happen for many, they pulled it off.
Avenged Sevenfold, or simply A7X, is a band born from friendship, rebellion, and a deep love of music. Their story begins in 1999 in Huntington Beach, sunny California—a place that was more than just a backdrop. It was their playground, their neighborhood, their stage.
The founding members were Matt Sanders (M. Shadows) – the charismatic frontman, Zachary Baker (Zacky Vengeance) – the rhythm guitarist and eternal rebel, James “The Rev” Sullivan – drummer, artist, madman, genius, and Matt Wendt – the band’s original bassist.
The guys met in high school. They bonded over music, skateboarding, pranks, and a complete disinterest in boring routines. They shared tapes, riffs, and pizza. Often broke, but always full of energy and ideas. Each had their quirks, but their mission was clear—play music. It didn’t matter how, where, or for how many people. What mattered was doing it together.
Not long after, Brian Haner Jr.—aka Synyster Gates—joined the band. A total game changer. With a background in jazz and a wild, elegant style, he shook things up. His chemistry with The Rev was instant and electric—literally, their compositions together were pure magic. They were like two poles of the same battery.
It’s worth noting that The Rev and M. Shadows had known each other since they were kids. They grew up together, caused trouble together, and—true to their brotherly bond—had each other’s backs no matter what.
And the band? Well, they started like many others: in a garage. Playing whatever came to mind—from punk to metalcore—trying to find their sound. No money, no connections, but they had each other. And that was enough. They were only 17–18 when they recorded their first EP. And then came “Waking the Fallen,” “City of Evil”—and suddenly, it got serious. MTV, interviews, huge tours, fans around the globe. But deep down, they were still those same kids from Huntington Beach.
Their bond was real. Not for PR, not for the cameras. They were family. And that’s why, when The Rev died suddenly in December 2009, their world stopped. They didn’t just lose their drummer. They lost a brother.
But more on that in a bit. Because to truly understand how that loss changed the band—and how “So Far Away” was born—we first need to talk about who The Rev really was.
The Rev – The Heart, Soul, and Madman of Avenged Sevenfold
A Life Full of Fire
The Rev was the kind of guy who could write a song about death one day and dance on a table cracking dumb jokes the next. A bit like a rock ‘n’ roll Joker with a heart of gold. He was the soul of the band. He loved people, laughed at the smallest things, often stirred the pot and broke the rules—but he was always loyal. He couldn’t stand boredom and hated playing by the rules—both in life and in music.
His bond with Synyster Gates was something special. Together, they created musical structures that danced on the edge between madness and brilliance. Their collaboration felt like two kids discovering a time machine and deciding to build their own universe.
The Rev – The Heart, Soul, and Wild Spirit of Avenged Sevenfold
Some people are simply unforgettable. They enter your life like a tornado—wrecking the ordinary, but leaving behind a world that’s more vibrant, unpredictable, and impossible to imitate. James “The Rev” Sullivan was one of those people. To many, he was a brilliant drummer. But to the band, he was so much more—a brother, a driving force, a good soul, and a wild spark with a glint in his eye.
More Than Just a Drummer
The Rev wasn’t just a drummer—though calling him that would still be a massive understatement. His drumming style was unique, aggressive, yet full of subtle details. He drew inspiration from jazz, punk, metal, even classical music—and poured it all into his playing with the ease of someone born with drumsticks in hand.
But that’s not all—he sang, composed, and wrote lyrics. He was the mastermind behind songs like “A Little Piece of Heaven”—a bizarre, dark, theatrical piece that still divides fans but refuses to be ignored. His mind worked in ways that would give the average person a heart attack. For him, it was just another day of artistic explosion.
Sudden Silence
On December 28, 2009, the world of Avenged Sevenfold came to a standstill. James “The Rev” Sullivan was found dead in his home. He was only 28 years old. The autopsy revealed an accidental overdose of medication. The whole band was in shock – they didn’t just lose a friend, but the person who had been the foundation of everything.
Vocalist M. Shadows later said in an interview that no concert would ever be the same again. That there was a void. That this wasn’t just the death of a band member – it was a personal tragedy. They had to learn how to live and play all over again.
And that’s when “So Far Away” was born. A song that’s not just a rock ballad. It’s a letter, a prayer, a cry of longing.
„So Far Away” – list do brata, którego już nie ma
Kiedy The Rev odszedł nagle pod koniec 2009 roku, świat Avenged Sevenfold wywrócił się do góry nogami. Byli w trakcie pracy nad nowym albumem. Zostali bez swojego przyjaciela, brata, perkusisty, współkompozytora. I z ogromną dziurą w sercach, której nie dało się niczym zasypać.
“So Far Away” – A Letter to a Brother Who’s Gone
When The Rev suddenly passed away at the end of 2009, the world of Avenged Sevenfold turned upside down. They were in the middle of working on a new album. Left without their friend, their brother, their drummer, their co-writer – and with a gaping hole in their hearts that nothing could fill.
Simple Music, Big Emotions
Musically, So Far Away is a calm, rock ballad. No unnecessary drama, no flashy effects. The guitar gently leads the way — a bit melancholic, but also filled with hope. M. Shadows’ vocals are soft and intimate, like he’s speaking to someone sitting right beside him — someone you just can’t see.
It’s one of the simplest songs in the band’s history, yet one of the most genuine. It doesn’t need complex solos — the emotion does all the heavy lifting.
A Music Video That Hits You Right in the Heart
If you haven’t seen the video for So Far Away yet — grab some tissues. Seriously. This isn’t just a clip you watch. It’s a journey through the band’s memories. Archival footage, shared moments, backstage laughs, kids with guitars and pizza. Jokes, concerts, tears. Everything that builds true friendship — and everything that remains when one of the most important people is gone.
Interestingly, the role of young James was played by his real-life brother, Matt Wendt. Symbolic, raw, and incredibly moving. As if The Rev came back for a moment, just to walk that road one more time with his crew.
The emotional peak of the So Far Away video is Synyster Gates’s second solo — full of feeling, melody, and a raw, almost tangible sorrow. Every note hits straight to the heart, as if Brian isn’t playing for the audience, but directly for The Rev. And right after that comes the final verse, sung by M. Shadows. A lyric that sounds like a letter, a prayer, a farewell — and a glimmer of hope all at once:
“I love you, you were ready
The pain is strong and urges rise
But I’ll see you, when He lets me
Your pain is gone, your hands untied…”
This isn’t just music.
It’s a memory that lives on — in the song, in the video, in the hearts of fans.
A Song That Stays With You — Even If You’re Not an A7X Fan
Some songs make it onto your playlist. Others stay in your soul. So Far Away is the latter. It’s not just about loss — it’s a tribute to a friendship stronger than death. To shared moments that won’t return. And to a guy who left too soon, but is still here — in every note, every drum hit, every tear from fans.
And why does this story hit so hard? Because it’s a human story. Not about fame, money, or success. It’s about a group of friends who grew up together, laughed together, played together — and had to say goodbye to one of their own. And even though their world fell apart, they turned that grief into something beautiful.
For us, the listeners, So Far Away is a reminder that life is fragile. That the people around us matter. That sometimes the best thing we can do is simply be there — for a friend, for family, for ourselves.
A New Beginning
Avenged Sevenfold didn’t fall apart after The Rev’s death. Quite the opposite — they stuck together, walked through hell, and came out even more united. But nothing was ever the same again. And they know it. We know it too. You can hear it in their music. Feel it during their shows. See it in M. Shadows’ eyes when he sings:
“How do I live without the ones I love?”
And Finally…
If you’ve ever lost someone close — really listen to this song. Close your eyes. Let it take you. It won’t make the pain disappear, but it will bring a bit of comfort. Even just for a moment.
And if you have a friend you share life with — your passions, your dumb jokes, and your big dreams — text them. Or better yet, go to a concert together. Life is short. Music is forever.
