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Johnny Christ
Background information
Birth name	Jonathan Lewis Seward
Also known as	Johnny Christ
Born	November 18, 1984 (1984-11-18) (age 25) Huntington Beach, California
Genres	Heavy metal, hard rock, metalcore
Occupations	Musician, Bassist
Instruments	Bass,
Years active	2002 - Present
Labels	Warner Bros. Records, Hopeless Records
Associated acts	Avenged Sevenfold, The Dear & Departed

Jonathan Lewis Seward, (born November 18, 1984), better known by his stage name Johnny Christ, is the bassist of the band Avenged Sevenfold. Johnny Christ was the fourth bassist to join Avenged Sevenfold in 2002, replacing former members Matt Wendt, Dameon Ash, and Justin Sane. He grew up in Huntington Beach, California.

Early years and Personal Life

Johnny Christ attended Marina High School in Huntington Beach, California. He proceeded through high school and eventually formally met M. Shadows, Zacky Vengeance, Synyster Gates, and The Rev (the latter of the two which he already knew from school). He is also friends with Zacky Vengeance's younger brother Matt Baker formerly from the band The Dear & Departed. In May 2009 he participated in the Gumball 3000 Rally, driving coast to coast with the Fuel Girls. Johnny can be seen with girlfriend Lacey Franklin.

Musical career

Johnny initially took a few weeks off from high school during his senior year to fill in for Avenged Sevenfold's previous bassist, Dameon Ash, during one of their tours. These few weeks would become permanent as Johnny dropped out of high school to become the band's current bassist.

When the band was practicing in M. Shadows's parent's garage, Johnny would walk down the street and tell them that their bassist was inadequate and that they should let him play with them instead.

His two biggest influences are Cliff Burton (now deceased bassist for Metallica) and Duff McKagan (the bassist from Velvet Revolver and formerly Guns N Roses). The person that inspired him the most to pick up a bass was Les Claypool, the bassist and vocalist from Primus.

His playing style varies by song. He primarily uses a pick.

Johnny first recorded on their second album Waking the Fallen. He used to write only Johnny on his autographs until Zacky came up with the name 'Johnny Christ', and in All Excess he said, "That sounds... really ballsy. Everyone's gonna hate that, so... I should definitely go with that!" He resides in Huntington Beach, Orange County.

Equipment

• Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray Custom Black W/ Steel Pickguard
• Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray W/ Custom "Mr.Death" Graphic
• Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray Custom Grey Burst W/ Matching Head Stock
• Ernie Ball Musicman Sterling (2H) Bass
• Ernie Ball Musicman 30th Anniversary Stingray
• Seymour Duncan Pickups
• Gallien Krueger 412 Neo cab
• Gallien Krueger 410RBH Cabs x2
• Gallien Krueger 2001 RB Head x2
• Ernie Ball 2831 Power Slinky Bass Strings

Also Seen In Recording

• Visual Sound H20 Chorus & Echo
• Boss GEB-7 Bass Equalizer
• Tech 21 SansAmp RBI Bass Driver DI
• Ampeg SVT CL Head
• Dunlop CryBaby Bass WAH
• Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray 5 Red w/ White Pick Guard
• Line6 Bass Pod
• Ibanez GSR 205 W/ Gold Inlays

Old Setup

• Ernie Ball Musicman Sterling Bass Black/Black
• Ampeg SVT 8x10 Cab
• Gallien Krueger 1001 RB Head
• Ernie Ball 2831 Power Slinky Bass Strings

References