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BORN
1964
DIED
2016
Nick Menza Obituary
Menza was playing a gig on Saturday night with his band OMH at the Baked Potato club in Los Angeles. He collapsed on stage while playing and died of an apparent heart attack.
Menza played with the thrash metal band Megadeth during what is called their “classic” period from 1989 until 1998. He played with the band on some of their most successful albums including Rust in Peace which was released in 1990.
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Dave Mustaine, co-founder of Megadeth, tweeted that he woke up at 4am to the sad news. “Tell me this isn’t true,” he said.
Marty Friendman, former guitarist for Megadeth , posted this tribute on Facebook, “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.”
Menza was the son of jazz drummer Don Menza. He had been playing with the band OHM since 2002.
96 Entries
LP
February 1, 2025
Miss you everyday...
Laura
April 20, 2023
Still leave me wishing here for one more day with you...
Laura
June 8, 2021
Miss you still so much everyday...
Laura
February 9, 2021
Another year without your bright light. I miss my confidant. We all miss you, every hour of each and every day.
How you can show support
margot ling
January 21, 2021
I am sorry for your loss. May Nick's life now be with the angels. He certainly was an angel for heavy metal
margot ling
January 13, 2021
R.I.P. Little Buddy King of the Drums
margot ling
January 12, 2021
Nick was a consummate professional. He was a great drummer. I will miss him sadly Margot
Laura Passaglia
November 30, 2020
The changing seasons always brings you to my mind. Miss you still, every hour of each passing day.
Alejandro Salinas
November 22, 2020
After having watched live footage of Megadeth and being floored by Nicks performances all I can say is that he'll be missed beyond measure. R.I.P. Brother!!
Laura
August 6, 2020
Happy Birthday
john shafton pilla'
August 4, 2020
glad we met ...shared some good times together wish you well wherever you maybe
LP
June 3, 2020
I just miss you...
May 22, 2020
one more day....
Michelle Coulter
May 20, 2019
3 years ago you left this world. My thoughts are with your family, you are still are massive loss & will always live on in my memories.
Laura, Bre and Ahryi Passaglia
March 13, 2019
We miss playing in the sandbox, pulling oranges, grapes and pomegranates in the yard, watching shooting stars in the living room, surfing the web for the most obscure things we could find (salad fingers) or the next big thing you always could predict, your cooking, the swing set, I could go on for months! Thank you Don and Rose for the greatest gift of Nick! Not a day goes by...
Sam D
June 3, 2018
Thank you Nick for your patience and time you took to give me a few drum lessons back in 97. I will always remember the conversations you had with me about BPM, song writing, and Industry standards. The humorous sarcastic jokes about always making sure you got a good fan on and pointed at you in the rehearsal room because that fan is the most loyal fan because that fan is always at rehearsal ha haha! Thinking about those awesome things that I never forget. Thank you sir, See you someday on the other side!
Amerika Hall
May 21, 2018
Nick,
There's not a day that goes by when I don't think of you and smile. Although it does make me sad that I'll never get to see you rock another kit, I'm grateful for the memories you left, your blessings, and your light. Thank you for gracing the earth, Great One. I hope to see you on the other side. ♥♥
Jun Junior
May 21, 2018
A special human being, Nick Menza.
A special man,
a special drummer,
a special artist,
a special son,
a special brother,
a special husband,
a special father...
Nick, thank you for all the special moments you have given to your family, admirers and fans.
Rest in Peace.
steve Gordon
May 21, 2018
To Nick and his family god bless you all
Richard Follmar
May 21, 2018
2 years ago I was finally able to meet and talk with you and made plans to do some cool things together but fate had other plans for you I miss you as a friend I honor you as a fan by still playing your amazing talent through my speakers rest easy my friend may we meet again someday
Marianna Kozakov
May 21, 2018
Miss you Nick! I think about you often! Rest In Peace my friend ❤
Fera Zarkan
May 21, 2018
Thank you for making music sound so perfect...rest in power Nick Menza...you are always in our hearts...❣
Shannon Seib Flores
May 20, 2018
This is never going to get any easier.It's been 2 years now.I still miss you the same.You're forever the "Great One."
Michelle Coulter
May 20, 2018
2 years ago you passed away. It simply was your time to leave this world...And you did it doing what you loved, playing up on that stage.
It's been a while now.."How ya doin' Great One?."
I know many people think of Nick, but I have a friend, Shannon Seib Flores, that reached out to me yesterday knowing how I'd be feeling, so Shannon be very Proud of who you are, you are keeping Nick's spirit alive & Thank you. Nick is with you, ya know - an energy like his never dies x
Your memory will Always live on, you are foreva missed x
Quote:
why do I play drums? well, i play drums because i love to play drums.Why do i wanna play in Megadeth? I wanna play in Megadeth because it is the most intense music I can think of that I wanna play. I don't wanna play anything heavier than that because I wanna live to be 60.
R.I.P Nick Menza
Michelle Coulter
May 20, 2018
2 years ago you passed away. It simply was your time to leave this world...And you did it doing what you loved, playing up on that stage.
It's been a while now.."How ya doin' Great One?."
I know many people think of Nick, but I have a friend, Shannon Seib Flores, that reached out to me yesterday knowing how I'd be feeling, so Shannon be very Proud of who you are, you are keeping Nick's spirit alive & Thank you. Nick is with you, ya know - an energy like his never dies x
Your memory will Always live on, you are foreva missed x
Quote:
why do I play drums? well, i play drums because i love to play drums.Why do i wanna play in Megadeth? I wanna play in Megadeth because it is the most intense music I can think of that I wanna play. I don't wanna play anything heavier than that because I wanna live to be 60.
R.I.P Nick Menza
It's the 21st of May where I am in the world, may show as the 20th.
Laura
February 11, 2018
Not a day goes by...
Nick's book
Olive Schuldiner
November 2, 2017
L O L Tonia L, who said " he was so good looking, may he rest in peace" you r soooo funny. my thoughts EXACTLY
This is a photo in took a few days ago in Hollywood . It was early morning & rained earlier.this is the hwood I love the most. Quiet & a few people.
Olive Schuldiner
November 2, 2017
Please all support OHM. That nite I know Nick WILL be there in spirit.
Olive Schuldiner
November 2, 2017
I'll keep a lookout for you for UFO's & the green blue & gray aliens
L
January 21, 2017
Pennies from heaven each and everyday! I love n miss you my confidant and shoulder!
Charles Andersen
December 26, 2016
Love you bro, been listin 20 plus years
Jason lee ward
August 1, 2016
One of the best awesomely talented metal drummer's in the world nick menza was and sadly gone way to soon ,another metal star up there in heaven forever shining in the sky to metalrules to you nick menza sadly missed \m/
Wendi Schaeffer
July 18, 2016
My dear friend,
I will miss you and that beautiful spirit you shared with so many of us. It's very hard to think of your early departure...but not without leaving so much inspiration. Your talent was immense, your presence was always a joy to be around as I always looked forward for us to work together.
I'll always have such great memories of you that will stay forever in my heart and soul.
So long my friend, until we meet again.
Kud
June 11, 2016
As a fellow Metalhead, I am beyond upset to hear about another metal god passing away. My condolences go out to the Menza family. May you rest in peace Nick.
Cristina Turri
June 10, 2016
Dear Nick, I hope you'll be watching us from up in Heaven. Rest in peace, God of metal.
çan
May 30, 2016
You have gone to the eternity to establish trio with lemmy killmister and jeff hannemann.
Desiree
May 30, 2016
My condolences to your family. As you endure this difficult time, I am hopeful that your memories will provide you comfort. In addition, may God bring you comfort and peace to face the future with hope and love. Act 24:15
Tony
May 29, 2016
This was a deep and profound loss. We were very close in age and both drummers of similar style and musical interests. It reminded me how short life is. The memories of his recordings and live performances left such an impact. It was an honor to be able to hear and *try* to cover his drum pieces. This man was brilliant in all ways. Thank you, Nick and my sincerest condolences to the Menza family. God bless.
Bobby Lucas
May 29, 2016
Nick menza, one of my favorite drummers He was the best! RIP...
Dave V
May 28, 2016
To the Menza family.I am sorry for your loss.The world has lost another talent.Nick was one of the reasons why I wanted to play the drums when I was younger.Rest in peace Nick,keep rocking in heaven.
Tonia Lenza
May 28, 2016
To The Menza Family I'm very sorry to hear about Nick. He was so good looking may he rest in peace
J S
May 28, 2016
To Nick's Family - I am so very sorry for your loss. God be with you and look after you.
Frank Benvenuto
May 28, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to your parents, Don & Rose Menza, and your children. RIP Nick.
Maria Hernandez
May 28, 2016
My condolences go out to nick menza family.
May 27, 2016
REST MY FRIEND. FOXY
Colleen Boswell
May 27, 2016
I am still in shock over Nick's passing but most of all my heart goes out to Nick's boys and family. Some people seem larger than life, Nick was one of those people. If there is one thing that I truly believe in is that he is not far. He will always be right next to you. Maybe you will feel a breeze or a memory will come along and you'll smile as you think of him. The greatest spirits are often the kindest of souls!
Rest in Peace !
Beth
May 26, 2016
Thank you for sharing your music and talent with us. RIP Nick. We will never forget you.
Megadeth Fan
May 26, 2016
Thank you for sharing your music with us, Nick.
michelle plakas-kaiser
May 26, 2016
rip
Karin
May 25, 2016
It is very sad when someone so young passes,my thoughts and prayers go out to the Menza family. Knowing he died doing what he loved to do, giving us the great drum solos, and inspiring others to play thru the years, that 's awesome! He is watching over his loved ones from above now, in our hearts and mind forever R.I.P. Nick and thanks for the music
Sebastian Borowczyk
May 25, 2016
...I always believed that Heroes never die.
I love this guy for his true heart to the music and his play.
It is another loss of a great musician. The world never be the same...
Seeing news I couldn't believe in it.
I'm glad to seen him on gig 1997.
Thank You for what you've done and what art you've left.
Goodbye Nick... My memories about you NEVER DIE!!! Rust In Peace brother!!! Seba. Poland.
Michelle Coulter
May 25, 2016
R.I.P. to a true musician, Nick Menza.
An inspiration to so many of his legion of fans. Nick's amazing skill whilst performing always had me awestruck & whilst I am devastated by his passing, I have comfort in the knowledge Nick's music will live on eternally.
My thoughts & prayers to Nick's family, gone too soon
Pam Thompson
May 24, 2016
The It is never easy to lose a loved one, I pray you find comfort in Gods promise found at John 6:40 which says that soon we will see all our loved ones again.
Janice Long
May 24, 2016
A word of comfort to the family and friends of Nick Mensa.He will actually swallow up death forever,and the true God(Psalms83:18)will certainly wipe the tears from all faces.Isàiah25:8.
Randy Vinson
May 24, 2016
Nick Menza = An Amazing Talent. He Defined a whole music/drum genre. To Nick Jr. and family, I'm so sorry for your loss.
It is obvious in reading your tribute to your dad, that he was more of an amazing person than many of us ever knew.
Know that his talent, his "signature" has brought and will continue to bring joy to so many.
Anyone can learn to play, but not everyone has a "signature" that can be recognized immediately, and not everyone has brought the depth to music he has.
Take Comfort in the fact that so many cherish Nick's impact on our lives!
Thank You Nick RIP
Wendy Howard
May 24, 2016
nick was awesome , my husband and I admired nick ,Megadeth fans everywhere loved to see him behind that drum kit at every show. Our prayers go out to the Menza family.
May 24, 2016
I am very sorry for your loss. May the family and friends find comfort in the memories of your loved one.
May 24, 2016
REST IN PEACE NICK..!!
Rodrigo Ramos
May 24, 2016
thank for your music and your talent always be a great teacher, thank you nick.
Michael Vasquez
May 24, 2016
sorry to hear that nick passed away ,someone that had great talent behind the drums , had to have been a great person as well , he was he best drummer I ever seen I will deeply miss him. My prayers go out to the Menza family.
friend
May 24, 2016
Miss u already always in our hearts
Lisa Burnett
May 24, 2016
Sorry for the family friends,band members. My thoughts and prayers are with all. I can't imagine, playing drums and passing on stage. But,they say folks pass by doing what they loved. A Blessed way of their happiness. In my thoughts,GOD Bless You All. R.I.P.,BROTHER,MR. DRUM PLAYER,
Billy Denham
May 24, 2016
I was 16 years old when my parents let me go see Megadeth . My ticket at that time was just $15 and you got to see 2 bands play. I remember Nick throwing a drum stick in my direction and it landed right in front of me and i just froze. I didn't get the drum stick ,but that is a memory i will never forget. Love you Nick and you will be missed!
Nick Menza
May 24, 2016
Dad, many things can be said, I could go on, but I'll keep this simple. You taught me many thing, you taught me how to view life with positivity, you had empathy for everyone around you , you made sure ends met, you did so much for me, Donte, mom , John and my sisters, aswell as the rest of the family. You had a positive impact on everyone around you, through music and your views of life. You were and are the best dude I ever known. One of the most important things you taught me was to smile , even though hard times. And every day that you struggle, there will be a day 10X better than that in the future , you just gotta keep ya head up. I love you so much, we won't ever forget you . Rip dad.
May 23, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss,
I send to all my sincere condolences,
God promises a wonderful soon to come when death and all suffering will be no more.
Ed Grigg
May 23, 2016
RIP To a true music legend.
Lee Eakins
May 23, 2016
Dear Menza Im not familiar with your guy's band. I don't know what goes on in your life but I am sorry for your life gone unexpected. I hope you plan to watch wait for your lovely ones and family. Pretty sure your a gental man. Hope all is tied in good terms with your fans and followers. May God be with your family and close company, through these trials to be.
L
May 23, 2016
My sincere condolences to Mr. Menza's loved ones. I hope your hearts are comforted in knowing that God cares about you personally.
Barbara
May 23, 2016
To the family and friends of Nick Menza, may God give you strength and comfort during this painful time. Psalms 29:11
Wright
May 23, 2016
Our heartfelt condolence to all.Thank you gor sharing him with us,may your gond memories help all through the difficult days ahead.May the God of comfort,comfort all.
May 23, 2016
Gone too soon! My condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Melissa
May 23, 2016
So talented. RIP
Arline Ogle
May 23, 2016
My condolences to your family. You will be greatly missed.
Brittney Velt
May 22, 2016
Rest in peace
May 23, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
May 23, 2016
rest in peace my friend
Polly Johnson
May 23, 2016
Rip
May 23, 2016
The music world has lost an excellent drummer, he will be missed...signed a beginning drummer
May 23, 2016
So sorry to hear this! We just saw you and an excellent show in Virginia Beach through MWR last week, this is really sad.
Harry Simpson
May 22, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Marilynn
May 22, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Nick Menza. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you.Romans 15;4. My heart goes out to the family, please know that Prayers are being said in your behalf.
Jan Thomas
May 22, 2016
RIP Nick.
Dee and Sam Adams
May 22, 2016
God Bless your family and may God keep you all in his loving arms.
May 22, 2016
May your family find peace and comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more.
John Joslyn
May 22, 2016
Thnx for the music and drumstick! Miss you,long live the drummers
Adrian Barnette
May 22, 2016
We'll miss you !
May 22, 2016
May you have peace today and in the days to come. Psalm 121:1-3
Betty
May 22, 2016
Offering condolences for your loss. May your fondest memories comfort you during times of distress.
Scott Chamberland
May 22, 2016
Rest in Peace
May 22, 2016
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Lorraine
May 22, 2016
My condolences to Nick's family. May the peace of God help you to cope with your loss.
Ed Wilson
May 22, 2016
Rust in peace was great Nicks timing.
May 22, 2016
Sorry for your loss. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times spent together with Nick. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you.
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