We are saddened to hear about Marsha Zazula’s passing. The co-founder of Megaforce Records died yesterday (10th) at the age of 68. The news was confirmed by Marsha’s and her husband Jonny Z’s daughter, Rikki, who shared the news in the below Facebook message:
“RIP Mom April 21, 1952 -January 10, 2021 Your love, Your strength, Your memory and Your music has changed lives and will continue to FOREVER.”
Marsha co-founded Megaforce records in 1983 with her husband, Jonny Z, which kickstarted Metallica’s career releasing 1983’s Kill ‘Em All and 1984’s Ride The Lightning. Megaforce has worked with a number of artists including, Anthrax, Testament, Raven, Overkill, and Ace Frehley, to name a few.
Metallica, Anthrax, Overkill, Venom Inc, are among those who have responded to Marsha’s passing on social media:
The world of music owes a debt of gratitude to Marsha Zazula, who along with her husband Jon gave birth to some of the most musically significant artists. Marsha was one of a kind and taught the world to be fiercely independent. In our hearts,she’ll always be a guiding force. pic.twitter.com/uKdY8spBpj
— Megaforce Records (@megaforce) January 10, 2021
Just now hearing sad news that Marsha Zazula passed away. As many know I worked w/Marsha & Jon at Megaforce Records in late 80’s. Marsha was one of a kind & played a huge role in the company & was always very supportive. Condolences to Jon & the family. RIP
— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) January 10, 2021
Sad to hear of Marsha Zazula’s passing. As a cofounder of @megaforce she’s a metal legend for bringing us game changing bands like Anthrax, Metallica, S.O.D. and Testament, etc. Hails and RIP Marsha! Thoughts are with Jon and Megaforce family. pic.twitter.com/ocir9VHXfA
— Brian Posehn (@thebrianposehn) January 10, 2021
Very sad… Marsha Zazula who with her husband Jon was hugely instrumental and influential in our career… passed away at home with her family by her side after a long illness….she was a fighter.
Rest In Peace x pic.twitter.com/Wg5QcY8qVh— Raven (@official_raven) January 10, 2021
Rest in Peace, Marsha Zazula. You, @JonZazula , and @megaforce have been such icons to us over the years. All our best to the Zazula Family. #marshazazula #megaforcerecords pic.twitter.com/D4ZgAl7dDa
— Murder In The Front Row (@MurderFrontRow) January 10, 2021
MARSHA ZAZULA
APRIL 21, 1952 -JANUARY 10 2021
We will love you to eternity
REST IN PEACE WITH OUR LOVE pic.twitter.com/LONUEzO1Mm— Venom Inc (@venom_inc) January 10, 2021
The family is very saddened by the loss of . Our thoughts and prayers are with and his family. Rest in Peace, , metal wouldn’t have never become what it is without you…https://t.co/AaxqlMfK45
— Flotsam and Jetsam (@Flotztildeath) January 11, 2021
Marsha Zazula
Rest in peaceJon and Rikki I am so sorry for your loss https://t.co/DHARdGzHA8
— HarleyFlanagan (@HarleyFFlanagan) January 10, 2021
RIP Marsha Zazula
One half of the heavy metal iconic duo has departed to rock n roll heaven.https://t.co/tWbDJsnn8Q— Necrosexual (@TheNecrosexual) January 10, 2021
We in TOXIK offer our deepest condolences and thoughts to Jon Zazula on the passing of his wife Marsha, co-founder of Megaforce records. R.I.P.
— TOXIK (@toxikmetal) January 11, 2021
Our thoughts go out to Marsha’s family and friends during this difficult time.