Brian Haner Sr. is the father of American Guitarist, Sysnyster Gates of the band Avenged Sevenfold. He is a stand-in acoustic guitarist for each of the bands tours. Brian Haner Sr., is a musician and is often called Avenged Sevenfold's official acoustic guitar player for his appearances on their albums, such as the acoustic solo on City of Evil 's "Sidewinder" and "M.I.A.".