This Day in Metal: May 21st 2016 Nick Menza former drummer with Megadeth passed away

Sadly, on This Day in Metal in 2016 Nick Menza passed away. Menza was performing with his band OHM at a small Los Angeles jazz club, the Baked Potato when during the band's third song he collapsed on stage after suffering a heart attack. He was only 51 years old.

At the time of his death Marty Friedman, 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.”

Megadeth mainman Dave Mustaine later described Menza as "a great friend, a true professional and a larger-than-life personality."

Menza recorded drums on four of Megadeth's albums: Rust in Peace (1990), Countdown to Extinction(1992), Youthanasia (1994), and Cryptic Writings (1997).

There's currently a documentary about his life called " This Was My Life: The Story of Nick Menza" that is scheduled to be released in late 2023.