Longtime Megadeth Drummer Nick Menza DIES On Stage At 51

Nick Menza, former drummer for iconic metal band Megadeth, has died while doing what he loved, playing drums. He was 51.

Menza passed away after collapsing on stage during a performance with his progressive jazz trio while visiting California.

J. Marshall Craig says Menza’s latest band OHM was three songs into a set at a Los Angeles-area club Saturday night when the drummer collapsed. Friends and audience members rendered aid while paramedics were called. Craig says the 51-year-old died at the club of a suspected heart attack. Menza was Megadeth’s longest-serving drummer, performing on five records over nine years, including 1990’s thrash metal landmark, “Rust In Peace.” After leaving Megadeth in 1998, Menza pursued an interest in jazz and became an accomplished woodworker. h/t ap

Menza is survived by his parents and two sons.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Menza’s family and friends at this difficult time.