TODAYonline

Rock stars on (a guided) tour?

SURPRISED and shocked. That’s what rock outfit Avenged Sevenfold were when they performed in Singapore last year as part of SINGfest 2007.

“Yes, it was a bit of a shock,” said bassist Johnny Christ over the phone from California. “A barricade was knocked over, and kids starting getting pushed close to the stage, but luckily no one got hurt.”

According to the 24-year-old musician, they didn’texpect anything like that to happen in a country half a world away. But they’re excited about returning to these fair shores.

“Just the idea of travelling the world with my best friends, you know... I love trying different things in different countries, although I hate leaving my house!” he laughed.

“I love being at home in Southern California, and leaving friends and family is probably the worst thing about touring,” he told Today.

Still, touring does have its moments. “There are lots of these strange moments, like when we were doing signings during the Warped Tour for fans, this girl came up to us, and then she started shaking a lot, like uncontrollably, and she passed out right in front of us! Luckily, she didn’t get hurt,” he said.

“When you’re out there touring, something (strange) is bound to happen.”

Right now though, Johnny said the band was taking things easy before heading to Asia. “Yes, we’re home right now,” he said.

“We had to cancel a tour due to some problems, but that’s okay. We’re resting to get back out there and see Singapore, Jakarta and Japan.”

And what does he expect this time round? “Actually, I’m excited to see other things in Singapore. I want to get around and see some of the country, because the last time, we were only there for a day,” he explained.

“I want to see more than just a bar and restaurant.Hopefully this time we go back, we’ll see something different!” christopher toh

Avenged Sevenfold performs on Oct 24, 8pm at the Max Pavilion at Singapore Expo. Tickets at $95 ($110 at the door) from Sistic.