Former Megadeth Drummer Nick Menza Dies After Collapsing On Stage

LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess) — Nick Menza, who performed with Megadeth for more than a decade, died after collapsing on stage during a show. He was 51.

According to CNN, Menza was performing with his new group Ohm at the Baked Potato in Los Angeles when he collapsed amidst the third song of the band's set. Paramedics could not revive him and it is suspected that he suffered a heart attack.

"The group's bassist texted me last night after it happened," the group's manager Steve Bauer told CNN. "We are all still in shock."

Menza was on the kit with Megadeth for a decade from 1989 to 1998, performing on Rust in Peace (1990), Countdown to Extinction (1992), Youthanasia (1994) and Cryptic Writings (1997). He rejoined the band briefly in 2004, after the re-issue of the band's catalog, but was quickly replaced with Shawn Drover. At the time, frontman Dave Mustaine told Detroit's WRIF 101.1 FM that they didn't think Menza wasn't prepared for the tour.

Menza also suffered a major injury in 2007 accident with a power saw. According to Blabbermouth, he required reconstructive surgery and metal plates in his arm and a lengthy rehabilitation, but eventually recovered from his injury.

The son of jazz musician Don Menza, Nick started with the drums early, landing his first professional gig as the drummer of the band Rhoads featuring singer Kelle Rhoads, brother of the late Randy Rhoads.

Other bands he was involved with include Orphaned To Hatred, Deltanaut, Memorain, Menza and Fear Assembly.

Following the news of Menza's death, fellow bandmate and former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman tweeted: "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."