Nick Menza’s recent passing came as a shock to the world. The former Megadeth drummer had been a part of the band’s lineup for years, being a part of the legendary album Rust in Peace and the band’s most commercially successful albums Countdown to Extinction and Youthanasia, (Can’t forget Cryptic Writings, either) thus recognizing him as part of the band’s most iconic time period.
Expectedly, Megadeth and Dave Mustaine announced his sorrows publicly the day of Menza’s passing. His Facebook post is as follows:
“I woke up this morning to a text message from my son, with the news of Nick Menza’s passing. Shocked, devastated, and saddened don’t begin to describe my feelings.
Originally a tech for the band, Nick soon displayed such talent and personality, it didn’t take long for us to realize he belonged on stage with us, behind the kit. We asked Nick to join Megadeth as our drummer in 1989. At the time, the band already had its first gold album, which only served to stoke the fire. We all wanted world domination- with so much of our lives and dreams ahead of us. As we navigated through the pitfalls of life and the music business, our first album with Nick, Rust in Peace, and subsequent albums Countdown to Extinction and Youthanasia, kept up the momentum. We parted ways after Cryptic Writings. We, like all brothers, would disagree at times, but our bond was strong throughout.
As a player, Nick had a very powerful jazzy flair, unpredictable and always entertaining. And as great a drummer as he was, the time spent with him as a person, a bandmate, and a friend was even more fun. There were several times we discussed him coming back to the band, but for various reasons it never came together. We’ve been in touch all along, he had come out to our shows recently, and he had remained a great friend, a true professional and a larger than life personality.
The Megadeth family take care of each other, and expect to hear soon about an initiative to help Nick’s children. All of us in this community are connected, take care of yourself and your loved ones.
My deepest condolences go out to Nick’s family.
Dave Mustaine”
While “expect to hear soon about an initiative to help Nick’s children” is very vague, the Nick Menza Facebook page shared this post:
“On behalf of Nick Menza’s family, thank you to everyone who has extended such warm and loving condolences. There will be an announcement soon on news of memorial plans and Dave Mustaine has very lovingly and graciously announced that he is planning a benefit show for Nick’s sons.”
It seems that very soon a Nick Menza benefit show will be announced. More information as it’s announced, and all the best to Menza’s family and the Megadeth team.
