A7X One Shots

For years, I had found a passion in drumming. I had always wanted to play from a very young age. It was almost like a calling. I know a lot of musicians say that. So many of them say they felt compelled to play or to spread their music. I hate to be like a cliche, but it's true. I felt compelled to pick up the sticks and to drum.

Since then, I have found my life's passion in drumming. There have been a few bands I have played for, obviously loving every one of them. Bad Religion helped me the most. They allowed me to grow and find my love over and over. Tenacious D has been my favorite for a while, but I am hunting for a new job... and I have to say I'm actually pretty nervous about this one.

"Hi, welcome in," a woman I recognized as Valary Sanders said, "The guys are down in the studio waiting for you."

I nodded and followed the woman. Nerves were kicking in now. Avenged Sevenfold was one of the biggest metal bands in the world. They had had an amazing friend and drummer in the Rev and then gone through two more. I had big shoes to fill, but I was both excited and nervous to prove to them that I could do it.

When they had started looking for a new drummer, I had to wonder why. They had just picked up this Arin kid a few years ago. He seemed like a good fit, but I guess the guys thought otherwise. I could only hope that I was the right fit for them. I loved Avenged's music. And from what I knew of them, they had a thing for Bad Religion.

"Hey!" All four guys stood up and shook my hand. "Welcome in."

"I'm sure you know us, but we'll try to be as formal as possible," Zacky Vengeance said, "I'm Zach."

I shook his hand and then shook the hands of Johnny Christ, Synyster Gates, and M. Shadows. I think we were both a little starstruck with each other. It wasn't often that great legends met one another... not that I thought of myself as a legend.

"So, what do you guys want to know or for me to do?" I took off my jacket and pulled out sticks. I always had sticks with me. It helped with my nerves.

"Let's have a chat first and then move onto drums," Matt said. He crossed his arms. People always said he was the intimidating one, but he seemed like a real sweetheart actually.

"Sounds good to me." I sent them a smile.

"We have a vision for our next album. We want help with it, of course, but we need to know you want just jump on board. We're a band and friends. This means we collaborate." Gates rolled his neck. "Arin was a talented drummer, but he didn't see the band the same way as us."

I nodded. "I know you guys have a style, and I know it's always evolving. I have a way I like to drum, and I know what adds to a song. I also know that you guys are friends first. Whatever this is, I do want it."

They nodded. And the conversation continued. We talked about a whole array of different things. The topics ranged from music to drums to even the Rev. It was absolute insanity.

And then came the real part. This was the test of all tests. They were going to want me to play their hits and their hard songs. I was nervous, but I was also aware of my own skills. Was I like Jimmy? No, he was his own player. Could I play like him with my flare? Hell yes.

I sat at the drums and took a deep breath. This was my moment. It didn't matter what happened, but this was time for me to play like me. They could either take me or leave me. No matter what, as long as I played like I knew how to, nothing else mattered.
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"So, Mr. Wackerman, would you be interested in joining Avenged Sevenfold?" Johnny asked, a huge grin on his face.

"Are you kidding me? If you'll have me, I'm in."

Notes

Short and sweet, but I figured we needed a bit more Brooks in here... even if he is hard to write about ;)