Nick Menza

Nicholas Menza (July 23, 1964 – May 21, 2016) was an American musician best known as the former drummer of Megadeth from 1989–1998 and again in 2004.

He was born in Munich, as his father, jazz musician Don Menza, was stationed with the United States Army in Germany at the time. Nick started playing drums at the age of two.

Menza caught the attention of then Megadeth drummer Chuck Behler and became his tech. When Megadeth needed a drummer in 1989, Menza was asked by Dave Mustaine to join the band.

Menza recorded drums on Megadeth’s Rust in Peace, Countdown to Extinction, Youthanasia and Cryptic Writings.

On May 21, 2016, he passed away at the age of 51, from a heart failure while performing onstage with his band OHM at The Baked Potato in Los Angeles.