Megadeth Commemorate Deceased Drummer Nick Menza

At the Rock 'N Derby Festival in Schaghticoke, N.Y., Fuse spoke to Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson, who co-founded the thrash act together in 1983. Menza was their drummer from 1989 to 1998, appearing on classic LPs like Rust in Peace and Youthanasia. They played together again briefly in late 2014.

[@SERCHSOS3722]

Dave, David, Nick, and Marty. That was THE LINEUP.

[@GuitarDoco]

Sergio Soriano and that was the best

[@ВикторЛыков-ц3у]

Sergio Soriano DeGrasso!!!

[@sinansipo]

Some things are common knowledge and don't even need to be spoken out loud. I mean- DUUUH!

[@HighBestkillerROBLOX]

Chris Poland, Gar Sammuelson and Kiko Loureiro are the best members.

[@Mikemike-gr6xt]

@@HighBestkillerROBLOX best members but not best megadeth line-up. Nick,dave,David and marty are the best line-up

[@Devlins10]

Ellefson has best radio voice ever. lol

[@bruth6138]

He sounds like a young Tom Brokaw

[@danielvazquez392]

Not anymore haha

[@dyingmemes4u413]

@@danielvazquez392 yeah...

[@misanthrope5865]

@@danielvazquez392 I still think he does

[@Dravenfury]

One of the best (if not the best) line ups for Megadeth was definitely the 90's era. Nick Menza and Marty Friedman did so much for the band. R.I.P. Nick Menza

[@MikeDrizz]

Do not forget the original lineup tho :)

[@Dravenfury]

True, I do love the original line up as well.

[@dshmk-hd1pf]

Yeah! Chris and Gar were insane too.

[@texasturner2313]

Draven Andresen Definitely, Nick's drumming will always be remembered, especially his work on arguably one of the best Metal guitar albums ever written. Rust In Peace.

[@crungushakooter]

Original lineup was gnarly and raw as hell, but Nick and Marty brought a technical crispness that really tightened up their sound.

[@oscarcoronado4117]

Nick's kids are still waiting for that benefit concert Dave :/

[@littleteethkeith]

Rust In Peace is a fucking masterpiece. It changed my life forever. RIP Nick

[@stanky9875]

Really??? Changed your life forever? How, loser?🤦‍♂️

[@TheWarDog11]

The Daves are ALWAYS classy and they ALWAYS speak well of everyone.

[@CHlEFFIN]

Indeed. Massive respect for both of them and the band.💪🏽🙏🏼✌🏽

[@warnpassion]

Hilarious nonsense. 😂

[@willknox7273]

That's true for one of them at least XD

[@MrDemoncrusher]

Maybe true for Junior, but I think you might want to watch a few more Mustaine vids before passing final judgement on that department.

[@XiyuYang]

Of course they would because this is PR. Dave had a fallout with pretty much every member of the band, Junior included. He’s pretty abrasive until recent years.

[@garysanders4310]

Unfortunately I didn't ever get the opportunity to meet Nick, however I always admired him as a musician. When Rust in Peace came out, I was still playing drums and yes he was my favorite for that time. So, thank you Nick for your influence! RIP Nick!

[@xuxushushu]

I’m in tears. Rest peacefully, legend.

[@JaxJordan35]

Death worked overtime this year :'(

[@bellmeisterful]

Its always working 24/7. He has the hardest job in the underworld.

[@oliverdahlberg838]

What about this year

[@patton303]

Just wait until 2020. 😬

[@emilymatthews2990]

Check out how 2020 was going my dude.

[@Mission2Transition641]

I still have my autographed Ticket stub from Rust in Peace Tour, /Clash of Titans from 1991, where Nick and Marty autographed it, after the show. Great drummer. RIP NICK

[@wilmerdeleon6415]

Again: We miss you Nick...Nick...NICK! Be with God!

[@codyroesch3888]

Nick....Nick....NICK! That is one of those things that will always stand out when I think about my time growing up listening to Megadeth. Such a raw moment on the album.

[@shelbyavant5081]

Fuck. Me. Running.

[@fishbone3333]

Such eloquent, raw, and poignant honesty from Dave and Dave.

[@RS-vk7op]

Great drummer and its nice to see Dave and Junior together chatting about getting the alumni together even though there are really only four left. Rust in Peace has the best drumming on a metal in my opinion though Gar was real good too, both jazz trained.

[@1gbayfisher]

Gar was actually the bomb..

[@jddominguez3088]

6 years later I’m still waiting for that benefit event...RIP NICK!

[@kennethchandler7250]

Rip mr menza thanks for all you done

[@dannyreese3316]

Nick was a great drummer.....RIP buddy

[@vicrattlehead6386]

I love how Dave haters just blaming Dave for that. Nick was given chance twice, 2004 and 2014. Dave son Justis even posted a video of Nick jammin in Dave house in 2014, so its really stupid to say Dave never give him a chance cause he did, multiple times. According to David, its more due to Nick's health as he's incapable of doing a long set. If you watch all Nick videos in more recent years, you'd notice he looks pale and tired. Nick has been drug addict for years and its no wonder he was absent from music scene since he was fired in 1998.

[@vicrattlehead6386]

@UK Orbit 3 Well, he died while playing drum, in case you didnt notice.

[@mlokmanm]

Heart attack

[@ronnielopez3267]

Facts

[@underworldguardian6694]

After I read Nick's book I changed my mind a little bit I mean Dave could be a real douchebag sometimes even tho I like him

[@johanjof5613]

This guy gave so much life to youthanasia anf countdown to extinction. It is incredible. For me Nick has always been the most insightfull drummer of Megadeth. This band apogee was there, at thes 2 albums, and then... Marty and Nick left the band... Notice Nick joined Marty on some of his solo albums after that. I can't imagine how feels Marty. The "positive" thing is that he died doing what he loved, music. I wish I die like this. RIP bro love ya

[@meanjab]

Nick was one of my favorite humans on this earth i have ever met. Rust in peace brother. Thank u for helping megadeth invent the truth of metal . i love you

[@BlockFamDex]

Miss you Nick everyday.. I will never look at another drummer the same again...the aggressive play style, the grooving vibes he gets playing music! You sir are my idol! Side note Jr. Was a freaking stud back in the day! Holy shit! You go David

[@davidsolinski2988]

This totally made my day to hear from you two. Class acts

[@switch625.]

I wish David was still in the band, also rest in peace nick menza

[@MrMegaFredZeppelin]

Dave Mustaine and David Ellefson are always so mellow and laid back :-) I was fortunate to correspond with Nick a few times :-) R.I.P. ROCK ON!!!!!!!

[@uncleruckus3149]

So sad... Menza deserved more, shouldnt have had to leave the band, he shoulda got back in, by far the best megadeth drummer, him and gar rip

[@CharlieAlbbBooks]

Forever missed, RIP Nick.

[@sixfoursoul2538]

Nick told me that him and dave were arguing about song credits or creativity , I aslo know nick was smoking "something " but then got cleaned up really well gained his wieght back and was doing well this is sad.

[@marcustully5758]

Megadeth was my favorite band when I was younger. I "discovered" music when I was 10 years old. by discover I mean that THAT was when I developed an actual appreciation for a genre and specific bands and started buying albums with my own money, as opposed to hearing whatever was playing on the older kids stereos or whatever my parents had on record. the first album I bought with my own money was the first Cinderella album, then quickly afterwards aquired Black Sabbath's "Paranoid," and Theater of Pain from Motley Crue. Within a year or two however I discovered "Thrash metal," specifically Megadeth and Anthrax, and got into heavier stuff. I remember for my 12th birthday, my father brought me and my best friend to see Anthrax in the Orpheum Theater in Boston. it was the Mtv "Headbanger's Ball" tour. I started playing the guitar at 12, and have been playing for the last 30 years. I did the whole band thing for years, did a bit of sessions work. As I got older and the reality of not making a living as a musician (although my dream was more to be a top sessions player than a Rock star), I had always done most of my own servicing, modifying and repairing of my guitars, as well as amps and pedals. I worked as a luthier for 15 years, though now work much more building custom amps/pedals/switching systems, etc. though my taste in music mellowed quite a bit over the years, and blues became more of the focus in my playing, I always remembered Megadeth fondly. 7-8 years ago, I was approached with filling in on guitar duty with a band I've known over the years from work I did with them, their guitar player had some health issues that he needed to get treated for, and they had a 8 week tour. They're a pure metal band, and I hadn't played that stuff beyond every once in a while, usually more to test out an amp or other piece of gear I was working on. I didn't know any of their songs, so Iasked to weekend to think about it. I downloaded "Rust in Peace," which I hadn't heard in probably 20 years, to see if I could still pull it off. Long story short,I could. more to the point though is listing to that album for the first time in decade INSTANTLY recalled to me why were my favorite band. That album is, IMHO, the quintessential high skill/ technically complicated Thrash album ever. I never liked Prog-rock/ metal (with the exception of Tool and Pink Floyd, which oddly are still two of my favorite bands), but RIP is THE best example of how to blend Prog with Metal and do it well.. Though I hadn't listened to that album on 20 years, since that first relisting 7-8 years ago, I can't remember the last time more than 2 weeks have passed without listening to at least part of that album, but often all the way through (which at this point is something I never really do).

[@yalcinsynth]

Even today, looking back... It is still one of the saddest moments in metal history that we have lost such a legend. But he lived doing what he loved and he will forever play drums in the Valhalla of Metal. RIP Menza.

[@davidcurtis4478]

Nick was the best drummer for Megadeth. You guys Rock! RIP Nick! You live on forever through your music and incredible drumming! 🤘🥁🤘DC

[@kotakidd2653]

That's crazy how he passed away during the time my brother passed, I think a week later this happened yo

[@llee8825]

Nick Menza was an incredible drummer to be spoken in the same breath with John Bonham of Led Zeppelin.

[@abark]

One of these Daves is not like the other, one of these Daves is not the same

[@samerhamod326]

abark Ellefson has always been a kickass dude, Mustaine is just a piece of shit. Still a legend though.

[@julienverveer748]

dave mustaine is an asshole but a good asshole and very honest. david ellefson is the most open and genuine guy. i love both daves!

[@1gbayfisher]

you"re the piece of shit, and you stink...............

[@vicrattlehead6386]

Ive big a big fan for decades and I'd say I agree that Dave is basically an asshole, a musically talented one though. If you read or watch his old interviews, so many thing he said now and back then (even only a year earlier) are totally contradicted. He said having Nick back is like putting a rotten teeth back. Well, he can unsaid that hah!

[@TheAgentAssassin]

I get Dave , I imagine he suffers from some form of PTSD. You have no idea (or maybe you do) how hard it is and how much it hurts when your best friends dump you to the side of the road. I'm guessing every time someone leaves the band Dave is in, he takes it personally and probably behaves irrationally . But you've got to understand this is coming from past experiences and extreme pain. Dave sounds like a loyal guy as long as your loyal to him. I'm guessing some members past /former of the band my lack the empathy or understanding to this situation. Sometimes people are just dicks they can't help it but we still love them. Getting dumped by your friends you grow up with is utterly devastating .

[@bastaudio]

Anyone in the lineup from now on is filling in for Menza. Verbeuren is definitely doing a good job.

[@martycarter3306]

This right here brings a tears to my eyes...David and Dave has been together through thick and thin...even though years back when the band broke up and things happen..but this right here...hell yeah!!..miss you nick....saw you back in 1990..damn good show....we did lose a true giant...

[@Goabnb94]

I always got the feeling that any feud was always on a professional level about the music, and not personally between friends. Another thing that people forget is that Dave and Lars were on good terms again as early as 1986, but fans wanted to continue presenting the "hatred" between them for years, even decades, after that.

[@mayilgodi6527]

Rest In Heaven brother.. Megadeth lover missing You 💐

[@jamiehammond7401]

Nice interview boys ,class. R.I.Paradise Mr drummer. 😑

[@dorisg.3]

Soooo sad...Nick was the best Drummer!!😢🙏🏽🕊

[@وصفاتالمغربوالعالم]

How much you wanted him back ? Really Dave ? That's why you didn't let him negotitate anything, you wanted him to work on the album for free, and you sent him the ridiculous proposal which pretty much said "You’re not going to get paid until the touring" Honor your friends while they are alive, don't come back later crying and playing a song or two in loving memory.

[@metaphoria3]

Love for a person runs deeper than just the music RiP Nick Menza thank you MegaDaves

[@chiefshep5885]

May 21 is my birthday, and I've always hated it. When asked "Why?", best I could say'd always been something like: "I don't know, there's someting about this day that's just off, you know". Now, as a Megadeth fan, I know exactly what's wrong with that fuckin day. R.I.P. Nick Menza, you will always be one of the best.

[@Lucrei.]

That's my father's birthday too

[@emilymatthews2990]

Same here but I just found out it was 5/21 at the beginning.

[@manumanubs]

Today is Nick Menza's birthday, he would turn 59 if he was still alive. Rest in peace Nick 🖤

[@Mr_Taternater]

Does anyone wonder what Marty’s thought on this were?

[@maxjudge020]

Yeah same, ive looked and hes said nothing about it

[@HotRocker]

@@maxjudge020 Yes he did. On his facebook page

[@maxjudge020]

@@HotRocker can you link please?

[@HotRocker]

Marty: "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."

[@maxjudge020]

@@HotRocker thanks for that, havent seen that before

[@leifhelles4127]

Strange hateful comments. Time for repentance.

[@captainrutabeggacrossout8482]

Nick will be missed

[@thundergod6173]

Best megadeth line up ever every song is just good every one.

[@bobshenix]

Lol Dave looks totally disinterested while Junior is talking

[@berkanathoresen]

He looks very dazed

[@DoctorBlankenstein]

my favorite line up

[@martinlombardo7971]

Descansa en paz Nick 🥺😢

[@mayilgodi6527]

Me & the world miss you Nick Menza..rip 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@simoncharpentier2405]

Best line up was the Rust in piece era.....

[@cosmokramer179]

Amen

[@renorailfanning5465]

I saw Nick at a drum clinic in the early 90's. He said something like " I'm going to peel your face off with double-bass flurries" ...He did do it :)

[@shannonmorehu4020]

I don’t know too much megadeath or nick but all I know is that he seemed like an amazing drummer

[@cliffordhritz5215]

Thou Shalt Not Lie, Dave. We know you guys weren't friends in the end.

[@vicrattlehead6386]

Yes, he said having Nick back is like putting a rotten teeth back. He cannot unsaid that I believe. I believe he dont have short term memory problem...

[@minotauruskt]

Vic Rattlehead but sadly that was true in a way.Nick still had his drug abuse problem,and Dave tried to stay clean.Plus both are quite problematic characters

[@extrememind100]

so where is the benefit concert

[@davidnissim589]

At least he died doing what he loved. Not many people get to do that.

[@H.E.M.]

Still can’t believe he’s gone. I remember hearing holy wars for the first time and being blown away by not only the guitars, and bass, but by the drums. Especially coming from Metallica it was a huge jump. I wonder what would’ve happen if he didn’t passed. Maybe he would’ve rejoin after Chris Adler left. Who knows...

[@sweetgyy]

What the heck nobody mentions gar samuelson. ! he was important also

[@Baraka_Obama_]

Fred Suero Gar is so underrated its ridiculous, just a pure talent who could been of been one of the best

[@warrengauthier4699]

Whatever you idiot...the clip was about a dead drummer.

[@kfc_pog]

@@warrengauthier4699 gar is also dead dipshit

[@briank8697]

And yet miley cyrus and justin bieber live? why?

[@danmetallica2973]

Brian K the drugs and alcohol will catch up with them when they reach nick menzas age

[@oliverdahlberg838]

Who the fuck are you to wish death upon someone just because you don't like their music?

[@katerinapatiniotis5598]

What the hell!!

[@davidcurtis4478]

Loved Nick in Megadeth, much respect for him. Check out my dedicated video playing Holy Wars in my Channel to honor Nick and Megadeth. David Curtis

[@pablomasi1]

I DIDNT KNOW!!!!!R.I.P. NICK ..SO SAD ...

[@weeklyleaksx1111]

Love Why Loving MEGADWTH EASY !

[@Pussinator.69]

Apparently David ellefson is the only person to carry on with Nick legacy despite getting off the band and having all the band members alive today. Show the man some love.

[@koryclarke1991]

Nick Menza...Mr. Fuck Me Running himself.

[@krismullen5255]

Rest in peace nick

[@Nautilus1972]

They didn't go to his funeral though ...

[@jocivtrance700]

Menza was the band's most passionate drummer

[@jocivtrance700]

@UK Orbit 3 Then who was Megadeth's drummer from 1989-1998?

[@thenotoriousakm]

I hate the discussion of “who’s better than who” I think if you look at each individual album, each member they had for those specific records fit those specific songs perfectly

[@shawnhollywood3707]

If you ever need someone to back you up vocally DAVE, look me up, I have killer Mustaine vocals.

[@Parka_Niel]

Show.me

[@digimeth1216]

They "reconnected", which means there was some animosity... they should've never kicked Nick out and let his wounds heal, not replace him permanently.

[@Yeayeayeayeayeayeayeayea]

No offense to Chris Poland and the late Gar Samuelson. But Marty and Nick are the lineup with Mustaine and Ellefson

[@Jacqueline-ru7bx]

RIP NICK...............

[@ElPerroMuchacho666]

They look nice together

[@JBBRAD9267]

I love heavy metal so much. The only thing I hate is almost all of the legendary bands and their massive egos. How many bands do this? They never can come together and agree on anything. It's quite pitiful

[@invasionofyourprivacyl.a5445]

Megadeth is always 2 daves. Mustaine and ellefson. Now is just 1 dave. Is not a band anymore. Ive always been interested in their updates no matter how many lead guitarist and drummer they change cuz theres still 2 daves there. But now its clearly just mustaines band.

[@joekohl2247]

Business decisions suck! RIP Nick Menza!

[@aprildickerson2065]

I think y'all are missing the point in the comments man...y'all don't see not understand the complexity behind the scenes that these guys have to endure and it's hard on a marriage to last much less being around people as much as they have to be,coupled with substance abuse and hair triggers man it's exausting I bet and my props to Dave Mustaine for getting back on the horse back in the day and allowing for alot of these musicians to have a shot and y'all can take your shots at Dave but he got class! R.I.P. Nick amazing memories brother and now you are the beat in the lightning my friend!

[@daleedwardsjr3031]

Sad day about nick , sad Dave is and was always about him , just look how he kicked out David over some fake BS !

[@Illcastashadow1]

I guess I gotta read Nick's book. I've always wondered why they fired him...I understand Dave is a shrewd buisness man along with being one of the music greats. But Nick was amazing (and on a hospital bed when fired) As a huge Megadeth fan I gotta know the ins and outs of why Dave went that harsh route.

[@brianforgie5515]

i think it may have been drug related his firing. Just guessing but could be the cause. Huge successful bands turn into corporations essentially. Its their lively hood so when a member jeopardizes the bottom line there are consequences. My fave metal band of all time and my fave lineup was Dave Jr Nick and Marty. Rest in peace Nick Menza you wont be forgotten

[@delalicanto7432]

Did they do that show for Menza family or not?

[@VegaMyster]

Del Alicanto I don't believe so, it sounded like Menza's family wasn't interested. www.blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-says-megadeth-benefit-concert-for-nick-menzas-family-may-not-happen/

[@lanterisalvatore6692]

I never was aware he passed I knew he was sick had some kind of tumor went into remission afterwards he got fired .how does that happen ?

[@AreEnTee]

I heard it was a heart attack. What makes this ironic was that David said that nick had told him that if he was to die, he wanted to go out while being on stage

[@davidwatson9804]

Dave it's your aurra you might be super elite some fall apart around you?

[@chrisb5443]

Is Dave high or exhausted?

[@NilkkiNikke]

Might just be devastated

[@mdnblues]

Doubt high, most likely got no sleep.

[@iii2187]

Nick and marty looked alike so maybe nick kept the beard 🤔

[@christianwhitmore4753]

Bass-cliff burton Guitar-dime bag Drums-menza Vocals-dio

[@Baraka_Obama_]

Christian Whitmore Drums-Samuelson

[@warrengauthier4699]

Substitute Jimi on guitar plus he could sing.

[@johnnyfountainS]

I see DEth people.

[@yudhaparoet6897]

WHAT ARE YOU SAYING DAVE.......????? LOL

[@maxililianadamalexdyhr9700]

Why u say he lied about being sick senior 🙄

[@robbolger]

direct is always the best !...

[@warrengauthier4699]

I am surprised Ellefson stays in the band considering the way Mustaine cannot keep band members PLUS he ripped off Ellefson on Megadeth merchandise.

[@pureenergy9608]

He must be soo patient..

[@owenfitzgerald8944]

Mustaine fired Menza.

[@catm4403]

He fired everyone out of the band. If he could have fired himself he would have done it!

[@ctnorainimohas9854]

that is mustaine biggest mistake that he ever done. stupid Dave Mistake

[@SuperBmpk]

Cat M lmao 😹

[@SpiralDream]

Megadeth fell flat on its face when that happened. Really shouldn't have fired him.

[@flashcloud666]

R Walker riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight

[@jorgepaul5049]

Nick forgot all the songs in 2004 for this acclaimed reunion.and nick screw it in the rehearsal.thats why Dave let him go again.

[@erkjan]

are you a idiot?!

[@rebeccafry3575]

Jorge Fox. where did you hear that?

[@msytmc]

When and what did he die from? Just learned from watching vids.

[@KPho150]

He died last year man, heart attack on stage, that's the most rock n' roll way a man could go out.

[@snoopersniper1]

MegaEgo

[@angelwhitewolf1116]

When you have to do those kinds of brain gymnastics to justify why treating someone bad, means that you love them... be ware.

[@ВикторЛыков-ц3у]

Дэйв нормально себя чувствует!

[@Nick-yt1hp]

I miss that line up. Miss u nick menza.

[@antondenisov9751]

Да... Ник Менза умер и остался на записях и фото молодым и красивым. А Мастейн старый и облезлый.

[@IIIElijah]

If you choose the Godly path you will live out your prescribed number of days...or be cut off in your prime for choosing sin. He is paying for Youthanasia. God never sleeps. Sleep is an Angel for rest.

[@aubreyjames8795]

Dave your speech is so rehearsed

[@FreeMTrider]

If you have listened or seen Dave at a concert, he can speak. It's natural for him.