Former Megadeth drummer Nick Menza passed away last night (May 21) while performing in Los Angeles, California with the band OHM. Menza, who was 51 years old reportedly collapsed during the third song of OHM's set. Heart failure is the apparent cause of death.
Menza was a member of Megadeth from 1989 through 1998, and again in 2004, performing on what are arguably the two most popular Megadeth albums, Rust In Peace (1990) and Countdown To Extinction (1992).
UPDATE: Megadeth mastermind Dave Mustaine had the following to say via Twitter: "TELL ME THIS ISN'T TRUE! I woke at 4 AM to hear Nick Menza passed away on May 21 playing his drums w/ Ohm at the Baked Potato. I'm gutted."
Megadeth bassist David Ellefson wrote on Facebook: "Condolences to the Nick Menza family and friends. We have lost a gentle giant... A true artist and friend to us all."
Former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman had this to say: "We all know the great and unique drummer that Nick Menza was, but he was also a trustworthy friend, a hilarious bandmate, as well as a very loving dad. I`m beyond sad, did not see this coming at all. RIP Brother."
UPDATE #2: Dave Mustaine has now issued a formal statement regarding Menza's passing:
36 comments
Post Commentim sure dave mustaine will find some way to blame this on barack obama
Nick Menza says deal to rejoin Megadeth "unfair"
Wasn't he the one who introduced Dave to smack?
Such a brilliant force behind the drum kit. He will be missed.
Wait, nope it was Samuelson. I'm the goose fellas. R.I.P.
Dave probably anonomously fed exed him a big bundle of the finest heroin an hour before the set
Typical pubescent lambgoaters making a joke of someone's death. May you all get hit by your school bus tomorrow...
first he gets on stage to do a show, then he straight up dies like a little hoe
Matt Fox here. I nearly spit out my cereal while having a fcking gross breakfast with a fan! Truly and veritable a great loss and all of us misanthropes and miscreants of the Hulud collective send our most profound sympathies.
"first he gets on stage to do a show, then he straight up dies like a little hoe" ^That IP should be investigated.
cant "88" think of anything more original than "bummer... RIP" i agree other posters is childish and imature.
Of course he's thevex-drummer if he's dead
Dave Mustaine "The Megadeth family takes care of each other" Nick Mensa, fron last year: "To: Dave Mustaine in regards to my publishing royalties. I find it very unprofessional that you conduct business like a child, quit playing games! be a man and stop taking food from my kids mouths. It's my earned money, Not yours. quit ripping me off. WTF?"
I'm forwarding this story to a few screen writer friends... this is a Hollywood move waiting to happen.
lol @ the baked potato. why are people always surprised when someone dies from drugs?
this is sad. do u think he has an xtra kit? the demonstration is reuniting and yes i have a job but i don't have enough time to save up for a new kit so i need his or some money for one. thnx -pete jackson formerly of the demonstration and KWD
Ya bummer... ain't original, but yet never met the man. 88
i figured this was a hoax or parody but it turns out its even funnier
Disable the family. Think of the comments.