Support for LAist comes from
Become a sponsor
We Explain L.A.
Donate
Stay Connected

LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:

KPCC Logo

Live Stream Schedule In Person

Keep up with LAist

Our top stories delivered weeknights
Donate

Share This
News

Ex-Megadeth Drummer Dies On Stage In L.A.

By  Jonny Coleman
Published May 21, 2016 11:00 PM
nick_menza.jpg
(Photo via Facebook)
Stories like these are only possible with your help!
You have the power to keep local news strong for the coming months. Your financial support today keeps our reporters ready to meet the needs of our city. Thank you for investing in your community.

Drummer Nick Menza, 51, died while performing Saturday night with his band OHM at the Baked Potato in Studio City. Menza, who is best known for his stint in L.A. thrash group Megadeth in the '90s, suffered heart failure while on stage and collapsed. He was pronounced dead by the time he arrived at the hospital.

Dave Mustaine, Megadeth frontman and Aurora shooting truther, expressed his condolences via Twitter:

Support for LAist comes from
Become a sponsor

However, Mustaine had twice fired Menza from the group - once after Menza had been hospitalized in the '90s and again in 2004 after a brief reunion. It appears Mustaine and Menza were not on good terms, as there were lingering disputes about unpaid royalties.

Menza was raised by Don Menza, a noted jazz saxophonist, and leaves behind two sons, Nicholas and Dante.

J. Marshall Craig, spokesperson for the late drummer, posted on Menza's Facebook page that "he died last night on stage in L.A. doing what he loved" and that "this wonderful photo of Nick at the mixing console was taken April 9, 2016."

5b29b65e0161a1000dd5cb33-original.jpg


(Photo via Facebook)
Here are some more memorials from Metal Twitter: