Former LAMB OF GOD / MEGADETH Drummer CHRIS ADLER To Be Featured In NICK MENZA Documentary
May 17, 2021, 3 years ago
This Was My Life Production has begun. Former Lamb Of God/Megadeth drummer, Chris Adler, is to be featured in upcoming official uncensored documentary film that will focus on late Megadeth drummer Nick Menza's life and musical career.
Chris Adler: "I first heard Nick on Rust In Peace. At that time I didn't own a drum kit - I was not a drummer. So for me knowing how much Nick influenced not only my playing but even the choice to go into playing drums and then finding myself on stage in his band, playing those songs - I felt like a little kid again. Learning those parts and trying to be respectful and accurate wasn't easy. Nick was and is one of a kind."
This Was My Life will be the first-ever film to memorialize Menza's legacy and celebrate his life exactly how it was. It is described in a press release as "an unflinching exploration into the life of one of the most successful thrash-metal drummers of all time, authorized by the Menza family. From his childhood all the way through to the end of his life including a true blow-by-blow account of the repeated failed attempts of the classic Rust In Peace lineup."
This Was My Life will feature rare and never-before-seen photos and video footage from Nick's archived VHS tape collection, personally filmed by Menza himself from 1988 through 1991. Included will be exclusive content showcasing Nick working at the studio, personal home movies, casual time and party time with his fellow bandmembers, as well as other well-known artists of the era that Nick toured with.
Menza's longtime personal manager Robert Bolger said: "I am very excited to be working with Screaming Butterfly Entertainment on Nick's official documentary. There's a lot of published misinformation out there about Nick that isn't true and I am very happy to bring the truth forth. Nick loved his fans and always said without the fans none this would be possible. I really think Nick's fans will enjoy this journey through his life."
Executive producer Holly Mollohan from Screaming Butterfly Entertainment added: "As both a filmmaker, and fellow metalhead who deeply values the metal community, I am honored and excited to go on this journey alongside all of you."
Menza's official autobiography, Megalife: The Autobiography Of Nick Menza, by J. Marshall Craig, was released in December 2018 via Post Hill Press.
Late in the evening on May 21, 2016, Nick collapsed after suffering a heart attack during a concert with Chris Poland and Robertino "Pag" Pagliari in their band OHM: at The Baked Potato in Studio City, California and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner said Menza died of hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Nick rightfully earned his place as one of heavy metal's fiercest drummers during Megadeth's 10-year commercial peak. The highlight of his career, Nick said, was playing Rock In Rio before more than 100,000 people. The lowest point was being fired by Megadeth mainman Dave Mustaine while he was still in a hospital bed after surgery to remove what doctors feared was a cancerous growth.