Avenged Sevenfold frontman M. Shadows has sent a personal video message to two recently freed Israeli hostages, Evyatar David and Guy Gilboa-Dalal, who are longtime fans of the band and bonded over their music during two years of captivity. The emotional exchange highlights the profound and unexpected ways music can provide hope in the darkest of circumstances.
The two men were taken hostage by Hamas militants from a music festival in Israel in October 2023. After their release this week as part of a major peace deal, M. Shadows was moved to send them a personal message of support.
In the message, Shadows expressed his relief and admiration for the two men.
“Evyatar and Guy, I”m so excited to hear you guys are home today. We’ve been following the story closely. We knew you guys were devoted A7X fans and we appreciate it so much,” he said. “The things you guys have been through, it’s just unspeakable, terrible. Hopefully we see you guys soon. Be safe. Spend time with your family. Get some rest and hopefully we can see you guys soon. Welcome home. Glad you guys are okay.”
The powerful message was received with immense emotion by the two fans. In a video response shared by an Israeli Avenged Sevenfold fan account on X (formerly Twitter), Guy Gilboa-Dalal described the overwhelming feeling of finally being able to listen to their favorite band’s music again after two years of imagining it.
“Yesterday we listened to their songs. It was overwhelming. It was so much better than imagining it for two years. It felt like my soul had left my body. I’m not even joking,” he said, before adding in disbelief, “I can’t believe he made this video.”
The story of the two fans’ shared love for Avenged Sevenfold had reached the band while they were still being held hostage. Their release this week was part of a major prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas, a deal brokered by the United States that is seen as a significant step toward ending the two-year war in Gaza.
We’re so deeply grateful for you, @shadows_eth. Your incredible support over these past two years has meant the world to us. pic.twitter.com/coHz3c4hIc
— A7X Israel 🇮🇱 (@A7Xisrael) October 15, 2025
