RIP Nick Menza: Ex-Megadeth drummer dies after collapsing on stage

Los Angeles: Nick Menza, former drummer for the influential metal band Megadeth, died after collapsing on stage during a performance of his progressive jazz trio in Southern California, a family spokesman said Sunday.

Menza’s latest band OHM was three songs into a semi-regular set at a Los Angeles-area club Saturday night when the drummer collapsed, J Marshall Craig told AP. Friends and audience members rendered aid while paramedics were called.

The 51-year-old died at the club of a suspected massive heart attack, Craig said.

Menza was Megadeth’s longest-serving drummer, performing on five records over nine years, including 1990’s thrash metal landmark, Rust In Peace.

Dave Mustaine, singer, guitarist and co-founder of Megadeth, said in a statement that he awoke to a text message from his son with the news.

“Shocked, devastated, and saddened don’t begin to describe my feelings,” Mustaine said.

Marty Friedman, the band’s guitarist from 1990 to 2000, wrote on Facebook:

After leaving Megadeth in 1998, Menza pursued an interest in jazz and became an accomplished woodworker.

Mustaine said he discussed Menza returning to the band several times, “but for various reasons it never came together.”

Menza’s autobiography, co-written by Craig, will detail the drummer’s life in and out of music and is set for a July release.

He is survived by his mother and father, the jazz saxophonist Don Menza, and two sons.

Tributes, expectedly, poured in from all quarters:

Shocked and deeply saddened to hear the passing of #NickMenza My condolences to his family. #RIPNickMenza @MenzaNick

— Dave Lombardo (@TheDaveLombardo) May 22, 2016

RIP Nick Menza- so sorry to hear about this...

— FrankBello (@TheFrankBello) May 22, 2016

So sad to hear about the passing of Nick Menza...we hung many times back in the day...taken way too soon. #RIPNickMenza

— Mike Portnoy 🤘 (@MikePortnoy) May 22, 2016

Nick has joined the great drum squad in the sky joining Bonzo, Keith, Cozy, Clive, Gar, AJ, The Rev, Eric, Randy and so many jazz greats

— Mike Portnoy 🤘 (@MikePortnoy) May 22, 2016

My heart is truly broken. This hurts for reals... #RIPNickMenza Without a doubt my absolute… https://t.co/RParaf6iIF

— Robert Ortiz (@RobOrtizETF) May 22, 2016

Very sad news to hear the passing of Nick Menza. Loved his work with Megadeth. #RIPNickMenza

— Jamie Mathias (@BFMVJAMIE) May 22, 2016

#RIPNickMenza sad to hear about Nick's passing. I love the @Megadeth records he played on.

— Gus G. (Official) (@gusgofficial) May 22, 2016

…and counting.