Nick Menza Is Dead

ORIGIN
Nick Menza was a musician, songwriter, and former Megadeth drummer. He played on popular songs like “Holy Wars”, “Symphony of Destruction”, and “Trust”. Menza was born on July 23, 1964, in Munich, West Germany. His father, Don, is an American jazz musician. Menza began playing drums at an early age. His first public performance was at the age of two. He was influenced by artists like Buddy Rich, Steve Gadd, and Jeff Porcaro.

CAREER
Menza began his professional career with the band Rhoads, releasing his first recording ‘Into the Future’ in 1985. He then played for Cold Fire, and served as a tech for Megadeth drummer, Chuck Behler. Menza joined Megadeth officially in 1989 and the album, Rust in Peace, was released the following year. The album was certified platinum in the United States and Canada. Menza was known for using the Greg Voelker Rack System. Other early recordings include Countdown to Extinction (1992), Youthanasia (1994), and Cryptic Writings (1997).

Menza performed with guitarist Marty Friedman and his band from 1992 to 1996. He played drums for the albums Scenes (1992), Introduction (1994), and True Obsessions (1996). Menza worked with several other bands over the years including Memorain, Orphaned to Hatred, and Deltanaut. He returned briefly to Megadeth’s lineup in 2004.

PERSONAL
Nick Menza died on May 21, 2016, at the age of 51. His reported cause of death was congestive heart failure. He collapsed and died suddenly during a stage performance in Los Angeles. Menza is survived by his parents, Don and Rose, and his two children, Dante and Nicholas.

Nick Menza Bio, Net Worth, Height