While details are still scarce, multiple reports are claiming that former Megadeth drummer Nick Menza has died at the age of 51 after suffering a heart attack last night onstage while performing with his band Ohm at Los Angeles club The Baked Potato. Allegedly, he died in an ambulance while on his way to the hospital. He was 51.
Part of Megadeth at their commercial and creative peak, Menza joined in 1989, playing on Rust in Peace, Countdown to Extinction, Youthanasia and Cryptic Writings. He was replaced by Jimmy DeGrasso in 1998. He almost returned to the band twice. In 2004 he was invited to rejoin, but Shawn Drover was ultimately chosen. He also jammed in the studio with Dave last year before Dystopia was recorded, but claimed he was offered an unfair deal.
This is a developing story that we’ll continue to update as we hear more.
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
