The former drummer with the US thrash metal band Megadeth, Nick Menza, is reported to have died after collapsing on stage at a gig in California.
Menza, who was 51, is said to have suffered a heart attack during one of his regular sessions with his band OHM at a small Los Angeles jazz club, the Baked Potato.
The club posted “RIP Nick Menza” on its Facebook page in the early hours of Sunday. Dave Mustaine, co-founder of Megadeth, said on Twitter that he awoke at 4am to the news. “Tell me this isn’t true,” he wrote.
Marty Friendman, the former Megadeth guitarist, wrote on Facebook: “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.”
Shocked fans posted tributes on Menza’s Facebook page and that of the venue.
Source: Former Megadeth drummer Nick Menza dies after collapsing on stage | Music | The Guardian
**Reports have surfaced on social media that his manager has confirmed his passing.
Reactions….
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
https://twitter.com/ChrisPolandOHM/status/734357227759403008
We all know the great and unique drummer that Nick Menza was, but he was also a trustworthy friend, a hilarious… https://t.co/Fyhj5aQ72o
— Marty Friedman (@marty_friedman) May 22, 2016
