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Nick Menza
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nick Menza (born 23 July 1968 in Munich, Germany) is a drummer best known for his work in Megadeth.
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As the son of jazz musician Don Menza (who is famous for playing the saxophone in "The Pink Panther Theme"), Nick began playing drums at the age of two, at which age he performed at his first public concert when during the intermission someone sat him down on Jack DeJohnette's drums and he proceeded to play. His influences stem from being nurtured around the tutelage of such notables as Buddy Rich, Steve Gadd, Nick Ceroli, Jeff Porcaro and Louie Bellson.
Beginning his professional musical career at the age of 18 drumming in the band Rhodes featuring singer Kelly Rhoads, brother of the late Randy, Nick released his first record with Rhoads called "Into The Future" in Europe. The band hit the road with Foghat for a short time.
Moving on to session playing including styles ranging from R&B to Gospel, Funk and Heavy Metal recording with the likes of John Fogerty, Nick caught the attention of then Megadeth drummer Chuck Behler and became his tech. When Megadeth needed a drummer, Nick Menza was asked by Dave Mustaine to join the band in 1989. Dave noted that Nick previously filled in on drums when Chuck was unable to. This prior experience and personal relationship led to the invitation to join Megadeth for the 1990 recording Rust in Peace (produced by Mike Clink simultaneously as Guns N' Roses' Use Your Illusion I & II albums). For the next ten years, Nick became associated with Megadeth's "classic" and most profitable era. With his Greg Voelker Rack System he was known as an impressive showman with trademark drumming. This included a double bass drumset with the Tom-Tom's mounted on a lower chrome rack and all cymbal crashes mounted on a higher rack, which was supported by two chrome bars behind the drummer. This was later adopted by Megadeth in 2004's "The System Has Failed," which a similar rack system was used.
By 1998, the band was still touring on the 1997 album "Cryptic Writings," Nick was having knee problems and sought medical advice. He was informed he had a tumor, which was later found to be benign, and had it removed. As a result, Megadeth hired a temporary replacement by former Suicidal Tendencies, Alice Cooper, and MD.45 drummer Jimmy DeGrasso rather than cancel any dates. When it became time to record a follow up album, Nick was not allowed back and Jimmy continued. Menza has said in several interviews that while in the hospital recovering from knee surgery he received a phone call from Mustaine that simply said "Your services are not needed anymore". Yet, in the subsequent years Dave had personal problems which led to two replacement guitarists and the sacking of Jimmy. During his departure he began work on Menza "Life After Deth" with guitarist Anthony Gallo (former Suicidal Tendencies), bassist Jason Levin, and guitarist Ty Longley (Samantha 7 and Great White). With a supposed 2002 release date and tour to follow, Ty hit the road with his other band Great White. Unfortunately, Ty was among the 100 people, but only band member killed in The Station nightclub fire in Rhode Island. The "Life After Deth" album was never released and a tour was never announced. Supposedly Nick Menza sent refunds to those who purchased the CD online and through money order, but many claim this was not the case.
Following the reissue of the entire Megadeth catalog, Nick was invited to reunite with Megadeth in Fall 2004 . Days after a reunion was announced Nick was fired after rehearsals and replaced with Megadeth's 4th new drummer who was the brother of Megadeth 5th guitarist. Rumor has it that Nick was out of shape and unfamiliar with the music.[1] It is possible Dave Mustaine had other issues with Menza.
In April 2006 Menza joined the Los Angeles-based metal band Orphaned To Hatred. [2] The group describe their sound as "a continuation of the heavy style of '90s Pantera".
- 1989 - Megadeth - "Shocker" (Movie Soundtrack)
- 1990 - Megadeth - Rust in Peace
- 1992 - Megadeth - Countdown to Extinction
- 1992 - Marty Friedman - Scenes
- 1994 - Megadeth - Youthanasia
- 1994 - Marty Friedman - Introduction
- 1994 - Nativity in Black - Tribute to Black Sabbath
- 1995 - Megadeth - Hidden Treasures
- 1996 - Marty Friedman - True Obsession
- 1997 - Megadeth - Cryptic Writings
- 1999 - Fireball Ministry - "Ou Est la Rock?"
- [No Date] Menza "Life After Deth" (Note: This CD was said to be released in 2002. While Menza's website listed it for sale and accepted money, the CD was never pressed and made available.)
- 2006 - Memorain - "Reduced To Ashes"
- Nick Menza's Official Website
- Memorain Official Website Current band
- Orphaned To Hatred Current band
- Former band Megadeth Official Website Former band
- Megadeth World Megadeth Brazilian Site
- Marty Friedman Official Website Former bandmate
- Shrapnel Records Former label for Friedman solo albums