Continuing 2016’s cosmic vendetta against music, former Megadeth drummer Nick Menza – who played with the band during the height of their success from 1989 – 1998 – died onstage aged 51 from a reported heart failure.
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
Nick collapsed during the third song into a set with his band OHM. Earliest reports indicate he suffered a massive heart attack and was pronounced dead upon arrival at hospital.
Damn. Two of the albums Menza performed on, 1990’s ‘Rust in Peace’ and 1992’s ‘Countdown to Destruction’, are pretty indisputable metal classics and his explosive drumming were key parts of the sound. Super sad – and the only option is to listen to ‘Hangar 18’ over and over in tribute.