In the ‘90s Megadeth achieved incredible success and most would say their peak, with landmark albums like Rust In Peace (1990), Countdown To Extinction (1992) and Youthanasia (1994). Last night (May 21st) we lost a vital piece of that puzzle with the death of drummer Nick Menza at the age of 51.

Menza was performing with the band OHM at the Baked Potato in Studio City, CA when he reportedly collapsed from a heart attack.

Megadeth leader Dave Mustaine, bassist David Ellefson and former guitarists Marty Friedman and Glen Drover have shared their thoughts on this tragedy below:

Mustaine wrote on Twitter: “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. I’m gutted.”

Ellefson writes on Facebook: “Condolences to the Nick Menza family and friends. We have lost a gentle giant... A true artist and friend to us all.”

Friedman added on Facebook: “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.”

Drover tells BraveWords: "I’m super shocked after reading the news about Nick last night. As some of you know, it was me, Nick, Dave, and Jimmy Macdonough in 2004, who became the first lineup of Megadeth after the original breakup in 2001. Although it was short lived (with my brother Shawn taking over for Nick) It was nice playing and getting to know him a little for that very brief period. He seemed like a good guy. Very quiet, and what I remember most is that when he played drums, he used ride cymbals for his crashes. For those who don’t know, its very very loud!!!!! But its ok, I still have some of my hearing in tact. Ha.”

J Marshall Craig, Director of Creative Development at DWP Live and Co-Owner at TreeHouse Studios, writes on Menza’s Facebook:

For friends and fans: Nick Menza was in musician heaven last month when I took him to Rose Lane Studio a few weeks back to meet Sjoerd Auke Koppert and Damion 'Damizza' Young and the team there. There were many plans in the works, for the release of Nick's book that we wrote, a comic book version of his time with Megadeth and many, many other wonderful things, including a trip to stay with me and my family here in Cape Cod tomorrow. He died last night on stage in L.A. doing what he loved.

I have been asked by his family to be their public representative though this tragic and difficult time, so will be fielding all press inquiries. His mother Rose and father Don ask for privacy and prayers for them, and Nick's two young boys. News of a service, remembrance and celebration of Nick's life and music will be announced in the days to come.

I can be reached at jmarshallcraig@gmail.com.

This wonderful photo of Nick at the mixing console was taken April 9, 2016.”