Jonathan Lewis Seward (born November 18, 1984), better known professionally as 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 Life Johnny Christ[]
Seward 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. He is also friends with Zacky Vengeance's younger brother Matt Baker, formerly from the band The Dear & Departed.
Avenged Sevenfold[]
Seward 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 Seward dropped out of high school to join the band on a full-time basis. When the band was practicing in M. Shadows's parent's garage, Seward would walk down the street and tell them that their bassist was inadequate and that they should let him play with them instead. Seward's two biggest influences are Cliff Burton (now deceased bassist for Metallica) and Duff McKagan (the bassist from Velvet Revolver and formerly Guns N Roses). His playing style varies by song. He primarily uses a pick. Seward first recorded on their second album Waking the Fallen. He used to write only Seward 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[]
Basses[]
- 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
- Schecter Johnny Christ Signature Bass
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