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Former Megadeth Drummer Nick Menza Dead at 51 After Collapsing Onstage

Nick Menza
Nick Menza of Megadeth.

Rock on, old friend. Former Megadeth drummer Nick Menza died while performing at a gig with his band OHM in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 21. He was 51.

According to a statement released by Menza’s management team, the legendary musician died after suffering a heart attack.

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“Nick collapsed during the third song into a set with his band OHM,” the statement reads. “Earliest reports indicate he suffered a massive heart attack and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.”

Menza joined Megadeth in 1989 and played on four albums before leaving in 1998.

The band's cofounder Dave Mustaine took to Twitter to grieve his former bandmate in the early hours of Sunday morning.

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“TELL ME THIS ISN’T TRUE!” he wrote. “I woke at 4 AM to hear Nick Menza passed away on 5/21 playing his drums w/Ohm at the Baked Potato. #nickmenzarip.”

Former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman similarly took to social media to mourn Menza’s death.

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“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,” he wrote. “I’m beyond sad, did not see this coming at all. RIP Brother.”

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