Jon Zazula was the founder of Megaforce Records, Metallica’s first label.
- Died: February 1, 2022 (Who else died on February 1?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 69.
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Influential on the metal scene
Zazula began his influential career as the founder of Rockn’ Roll Heaven, a New Jersey record store that found its first home at an East Brunswick flea market, the Route 18 Indoor Market. Founded in 1981, the record store became a mecca for heavy metal lovers as Zazula imported rare metal records from overseas and traded underground tapes and demos. He came across Metallica’s 1982 demo tape, “No Life ‘Til Leather.” He loved what he heard, and he founded Megaforce Records along with his wife, the late Marsha Zazula, to give the band a record label home. Metallica released their legendary first two records with Megaforce before signing a major label deal. Zazula and Megaforce would go on to help launch Anthrax, releasing their early albums. Other artists who signed with Megaforce include Ministry, Skid Row, Meat Puppets, Living Colour, and Björk.
Zazula on Metallica’s debut album
“’Kill ‘Em All’ blew my mind. I felt it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. I just fell in love with it. I had this passion I couldn’t even control. It was bigger than me. It was an unstoppable force. It was that force that drove me to do what I did, to work hard, to break the band, Metallica, in America and the world.” —from a 2019 interview for Metal Insider
Tributes to Jon Zazula
Full obituary: Rolling Stone
