Synyster Gates, born Brian Elwin Haner Jr. on July 7, 1981, in Huntington Beach, California, was raised in a musically inclined family. His father, Brian Elwin Haner Sr., also known as “Papa Gates,” was a musician, comedian, and author who performed in the 1970s with a rock band and owned a music studio. Gates has a brother named Brent, a half-brother named Johnny from his mother's second marriage, and a half-sister named McKenna from his father's second marriage. His parents divorced during his school years.

From an early age, Gates showed exceptional musical talent. He learned to play “Stairway to Heaven” as his first song and demonstrated the ability to recognize chords by ear as early as the sixth grade. He studied at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, California, where he developed his skills in guitar performance. Music played a central role in his upbringing, and his first guitar was a gift from his grandparents. He also had a beloved dog named Pinkly.

Marriage and Family Life

Synyster Gates married Michelle DiBenedetto on May 7, 2010, in Mexico. The couple, who began dating in eighth grade, share a long-standing and supportive relationship. Michelle, a fashion designer, also creates clothing for Synyster and manages his clothing line. Despite occasional unfounded rumors about their relationship, numerous public interviews and posts have confirmed that the couple remains happily married and devoted to each other.

Michelle is the twin sister of Valary DiBenedetto, who is married to Avenged Sevenfold’s lead vocalist M. Shadows, making the bandmates brothers-in-law. Synyster and Michelle welcomed their first child, a son named Nicolangelo Saint James Haner—affectionately known as “Nicci”—on May 12, 2017.