Former Megadeth drummer Nick Menza has passed away at age 51 while performing with his band OHM during a set at the Baked Potato in Studio City, CA. According to an official statement, he collapsed during the third song of the band’s set and is thought to have suffered a massive heart attack.
Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine said of the news:
“I woke up this morning to a text message from my son, with the news of Nick Menza‘s passing. Shocked, devastated, and saddened don’t begin to describe my feelings.
Originally a tech for the band, Nick soon displayed such talent and personality, it didn’t take long for us to realize he belonged on stage with us, behind the kit. We asked Nick to join Megadeth as our drummer in 1989. At the time, the band already had its first platinum album, which only served to stoke the fire. We all wanted world domination- with so much of our lives and dreams ahead of us. As we navigated through the pitfalls of life and the music business, our first album with Nick, Rust in Peace, and subsequent albumsCountdown to Extinction and Youthanasia, kept up the momentum. We parted ways after Cryptic Writings. We, like all brothers, would disagree at times, but our bond was strong throughout.
As a player, Nick had a very powerful jazzy flair, unpredictable and always entertaining, and as great a drummer as he was, the time spent with him as a person, a bandmate, and a friend was even more fun. There were several times we discussed him coming back to the band, but for various reasons it never came together. We’ve been in touch all along, he had come out to our shows recently, and he had remained a great friend, a true professional and a larger than life personality.
The Megadeth family take care of each other, and expect to hear soon about an initiative to help Nick‘s children. All of us in this community are connected, take care of yourself and your loved ones.
My deepest condolences go out to Nick‘s family.
Dave Mustaine“
Former bandmate in Megadeth David Ellefson also commented:
“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 has commented:
“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.”
