Ex-Megadeth drummer collapses on stage, dies

LOS ANGELES -- Nick Menza, 51, former drummer for the influential metal band Megadeth, died after collapsing on stage during a performance of his progressive jazz trio in Southern California, a family spokesman said Sunday.

Menza's latest band, OHM, was three songs into a semi-regular set at a Los Angeles-area club Saturday night when the drummer collapsed, J. Marshall Craig said. Friends and audience members rendered aid while paramedics were called.

Menza died at the club of a suspected massive heart attack, Craig said.

Menza was Megadeth's longest-serving drummer, performing on five records over nine years, including 1990's thrash-metal landmark, "Rust In Peace."

Dave Mustaine, co-founder of Megadeth, said on Twitter he awoke at 4 a.m. to the news.

Marty Friedman, the band's guitarist from 1990 to 2000, wrote on Facebook that Menza was "a great and unique drummer" and "a trustworthy friend, a hilarious bandmate, as well as a very loving dad."

After leaving Megadeth in 1998, Menza pursued an interest in jazz and became an accomplished woodworker.