Ex-MEGADETH Guitarist CHRIS POLAND Is 'Devastated' by NICK MENZA's Passing

May 22, 2016

Former MEGADETH guitarist Chris Poland has commented on the passing of his OHM: bandmate Nick Menza. He said: "There are no words... just to describe what a great guy he was, let alone his creative ability and amazing talent. Not enough words to describe. Just devastated right now."

He continued: "My wife showed me a photo he just Photoshopped from when he was up north, where he looks like atlas holding up that ring. I mean, that's the kinda stuff he did just off the top of his head. I honestly think God ran out of ideas and had to have Nick, like, help him out. Because... why else?

"When I was recently in the hospital, he was on the phone with my wife the whole time, just begging her to make her dinner, asking, 'Can I go get you guys anything? Do you want me to go shopping?' Who does that? You know, there's not enough words to describe."

Added OHM: bassist Robby "Pag" Pagliari: "Stunned. Just stunned. Such a kind generous human being and great dad. Probably the happiest he's been in a long time. He got a chance to see his kids for a couple weeks.

"In a year, we've lost so many talented people — we just lost another one... Great guy, great player, most importantly great guy.

"We're devastated with what happened."

Menza officially joined OHM: last year following the passing of the band's previous drummer, David Eagle, who suffered a heart attack and had open-heart surgery in May 2015.

Below is a professionally shot video of the most recent OHM: lineup performing the song "System of A Clown" from OHM:'s "Circus Of Sound" CD, released in 2008 by Mike Varney's Tone Center Records.

Menza passed away Saturday night (May 21) while performing with OHM: at The Baked Potato in Studio City, California. He was 51 years old.

Nick collapsed during the third song of OHM:'s set. Early reports indicate he suffered a massive heart attack and was pronounced dead upon arrival at hospital. No other details are being released at this time.

Menza joined MEGADETH for the 1989 recording "Rust In Peace" and for the next nine years became associated with the band's "classic" and most profitable era.

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