- Music
- 23 May 16
Menza reportedly suffered a heart attack during a gig.
Ex Megadeth drummer Nick Menza has died aged 51. Menza was the drummer for the group from 1989 to 1998. He collapsed on stage during a concert in Los Angeles on Saturday night.
He played on albums such as Rust in Peace, Countdown to Extinction, and Youthenasia. He is best known for the tracks 'Holy Wars', 'High Speed Dirt' and 'The Conjuring". Current Megadeath frontman Dave Mustaine reacted to the news on Twitter.
TELL ME THIS ISN'T TRUE! I woke at 4 AM to hear Nick Menza passed away on 5/21 playing his drums w/Ohm at the Baked Potato. #nickmenzarip
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) May 22, 2016
Menza's management released a statement on the events after he collapsed on stage. In it they said,"earliest reports indicate [Menza] suffered a massive heart attack and was pronounced dead upon arrival at hospital". Former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman has also paid his respects to Menza. "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."
Fans of the group have been paying tribute online to the drummer using the hashtag #nickmenzarip.
Holy shit. #NickMenzaRIP You went out doing what you loved to do. You will be missed. So much talent gone. Rest well ?????‘??
— ShreddZ (@TheRealShreddZ) May 23, 2016
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You will be missed Nick. You were always one of my favorite drummers. #nickmenzarip
— Jesse Martin Doss (@Norrian1) May 23, 2016
#nickmenzarip #NickMenza Rust In Peace Nick Menza.... pic.twitter.com/iHFFeqoKut
— Arka Maiden (@arka_maiden) May 23, 2016
Check out Menza playing Megadeth's 'Holy Wars' at London's Hammersmith Apollo Theatre in September 1992.