Former Megadeth drummer Nick Menza collapses on stage, dies

He joined the band in 1989 and didn’t leave until nearly a decade later, and even in 2016 at the age of 51 he was still performing.

Menza was the longest-serving drummer for Megadeth from 1989 to 1998, a period when the band was considered at its height, Craig said. He left the band in 1998 and was later replaced by former Suicidal Tendencies drummer Jimmy DeGrasso.

Condolences for the late drummer quickly poured in on social media, including from Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine and the band’s former guitarist, Marty Friedman. I’m beyond sad. [I] did not see this coming at all.

He had been playing in OHM, which included fellow Megadeth alumnus Chris Poland, for more than one year after various solo stints, Craig said.

In 2004, he reunited briefly with Megadeth before moving on to Orphaned to Hatred in 2006; however, he almost lost an arm a year later in an accident with a power saw.

According to TMZ, paramedics at the scene were reporting the death as most likely being a heart attack. Menza’s friend Allen Hall wrote that not only was Menza a talented musician, but also a caring soul that liked to help others.

Rolling Stone reported that Menza was the son of Don Menza, the longtime jazz saxophonist for jazz drummer Buddy Rich. He was engaged to former girlfriend Bethan Manning, but the couple split up in 1996.

He added: “News of a service, remembrance and celebration of Nick’s life and music will be announced in the days to come”.