Arin Ilejay

Richard Arin Ilejay (born February 17, 1988) is an American musician. He is the current drummer of American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold, becoming an official member in 2013 after being a session and touring member for the band since 2011. He is also the former drummer of American metalcore band Confide.

Richard Arin Ilejay, was born in Ventura, California to Ric Ilejay, of American, Filipino and Mexican descent, and Charlotte Tuttle, of American, Dutch and German descent. Both of Arin's parents have musical backgrounds. Arin's father is a professional guitar player and his mother a gospel singer. Arin started playing drums at the age of nine. Arin learned funk, jazz, rock and Latin jazz at a very young age with his dad. Playing in Top 40 bands, jazz/rock bands and playing with his friend Aaron Hertzfeld in rock bands taught Arin versatility. Arin's only other formal training was with the Palmdale High School drumline.

In January 2011, Avenged Sevenfold released the following statement regarding Ilejay's relationship with the band:

"We recently asked several friends who knew Jimmy and his style, and also knew our music and each of our personalities to suggest drummers to tour with us starting this year. Our longtime studio drum tech Mike Fasano recommended Arin Ilejay. We've rehearsed with Arin and have been impressed with his technical skills, attitude and work ethic. We're very excited to tour with Arin and hope all of you will give him the warm welcome to the family we have."

Ilejay took over for former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy, who temporarily stepped in after the death of Avenged Sevenfold's original drummer James "The Rev" Sullivan on December 28, 2009. He was featured on two singles subsequently released by the band: "Not Ready to Die," which was featured in the Call of Duty: Black Ops zombie map "Call of the Dead", and "Carry On," which was featured in the sequel Call of Duty: Black Ops II. On August 9th, 2013, Ilejay played his first show as an official member of Avenged Sevenfold in Mashantuckt, CT at the Foxwoods casino, in advance of the release of his first album with the band, Hail to the King, which was released on August 27th, 2013.

lejay was married in August 2013, to Kimberley Andrade. Ilejay is a Christian.

With Confide

• Shout the Truth (2008)
• Shout the Truth (re-issue) (2009)

With Avenged Sevenfold

• "Not Ready to Die" (2011) Single (Call of Duty: Black Ops)
• "Carry On" (2012) Single (Call of Duty: Black Ops II)
• Hail to the King (2013)

Equipment

DW Collector's Series Drums

- 22x18 kick drums
- 10x8 toms
- 12x9 toms
- 13x10 toms
- 14x11 toms
- 16x16 floor toms
- 18x16 floor toms
- 14x6.5 Snare

Cymbals
- TRX 22″ ICON Heavy Ride - Paiste 24" RUDE Mega Power Ride - Zildjian 18" Custom Crash - Paiste 18" Signature Full Crash - Paiste 20" Traditionals Medium Light Swish - Paiste 18" Signature Heavy China - Paiste 18" Rock China 2002 - Paiste 14" Signature Heavy Hi-Hat - Paiste 6 "Bell Chime 2002 - Paiste 8 "Signature Splash - Paiste 6 "Signature Splash

Remo Drum Heads
-14' Coated Controlled Sound X (Snare) -10' Clear Controlled Sound X (Toms) -12' Clear Controlled Sound X (Toms) -13' Clear Controlled Sound X (Toms) -14' Clear Controlled Sound X (Toms) -16' Clear Controlled Sound X (Floor Toms) -18' Clear Controlled Sound X (Floor Toms) -22' Clear Powerstroke 3/Powerstroke 4 (Bass Drums)

Drumsticks
-ProMark Natural 5B Wood Tip