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). On May 21st we lost a vital piece of that puzzle with the death of drummer Nick Menza at the age of 51.

Jeff Young & Sherri, featuring former Megadeth guitarist Jeff Young, are currently putting together a line-up of musicians for a Nick Menza benefit show in Las Vegas on July 16th. All proceeds go to his two children. Details will be revealed soon. 

Megadeth leader Dave Mustaine, bassist David Ellefson and former guitarists Marty Friedman and Glen Drover shared their thoughts on Menza's passing:

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.”