Former Megadeth drummer Nick Menza passed away from reported heart failure while playing with his band Ohm in LA Saturday night. Menza is arguably the best known drummer in the group’s history, playing on four of the bands albums during their peak period. This includes the classic Rust In Peace. An official statement on the passing was released on Menza’s Facebook page via Allen Hall:
Several former bandmates have already commented on the passing. Dave Mustaine tweeted out his shock at Menza’s passing, while guitarist Marty Friedman shared a short and touching comment on his own page:
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 was reportedly once in talks to return to the band in 2014, but those plans fell apart after a disagreement over money. Regardless of the current status of the band, it’s hard to deny the impact some of their early albums had on their genre and the talent that was exhibited by the members of the group.
RIP – Nick Menza pic.twitter.com/imb3EC22qi
— Ross Halfin (@RossHalfin) May 22, 2016
Sad to hear that Nick Menza passed away… #RipNickMenza pic.twitter.com/2RYolym3cC
— 5 Star Grave (@5stargrave) May 22, 2016
The best tribute is usually with the music, so enjoy some of the band’s more memorable entries below. Menza joins a long list of musicians and artists to pass in the past months, including Lemmy, David Bowie, and Prince. If anything, he died doing what he did best.
