Former Megadeth drummer Nick Menza dead at 51

Former MEGADETH drummer Nick Menza has died at the age of 51 years old.

The drummer was playing at a venue called The Baked Potato in LA with his band OHM when he died from heart failure during the band’s third song of their set.

MEGADETH frontman Dave Mustaine confirmed the news on his Twitter account saying he had received a phone call at 4am to hear he had passed away.

TELL ME THIS ISN'T TRUE! I woke at 4 AM to hear Nick Menza passed away on 5/21 playing his drums w/Ohm at the Baked Potato. #nickmenzarip

— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) May 22, 2016

Bassist David Ellefson also paid tribute to Menza, calling him “A true artist and friend to us all”.

Condolences to the Nick Menza family and friends. We have lost a gentle giant… A true artist and friend to us all. #ripnickmenza

— David Ellefson (@ellefsondavid) May 22, 2016

The Baked Potato has also posted a Facebook status saying ‘RIP Nick Menza………‘

Nick Menza recorded drums on four of MEGADETH‘s greatest albums, Rust in Peace (1990), Countdown to Extinction (1992), Youthanasia (1994) and Cryptic Writings (1997).

Distorted Sound will keep you updated as the story progresses and we find out more details regarding Nick Menza but from everyone here at the magazine, Rust in Peace Nick Menza, an icon to all of us in the metal world.