Nick Menza, Ex-Megadeth Drummer, Dies On Stage At Age 51

Nick Menza, the former Megadeth drummer, died on Saturday after collapsing onstage during a concert.

Nick Menza Dies On Stage At Age 51

Menza was playing with his new band Ohm at the The Baked Potato in Los Angeles when he suddenly collapsed during the performance, reports say. Paramedics couldn’t revive him and a cause of death has not been released.

Menza played drums for Megadeth during the 1990s, contributing to albums such as: Rust in Peace, Countdown to Extinction and Youthanasia.

Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine took to Twitter to express his grief at the news.

“Tell me this isn’t true,” Mustaine tweeted. “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 recalled Menza as a “great and unique drummer,” a “hilarious bandmate” and “a trustworthy friend” in a Facebook post Sunday.

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

Ohm also took to Facebook to say goodbye to their drummer. “RIP Nick Menza. In the brief time I knew you, it was a pleasure. We will miss you “Machine,” the band posted.