Only Heavy Metal

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

Nick collapsed during the third song of OHM:'s set. Earliest 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.

Dave Mustaine says that Chris Adler "has nothing to do" with MEGADETH anymore and will apparently not be rejoining the band on the road again, despite the group's previous announcement to the contrary...

During a press conference in Tel Aviv, Israel on July 1 — the day before MEGADETH's performance in the city — Mustaine was asked by Ron Ben-Tovim of the Machine Music web site what considerations he takes into account when welcoming new musicians, like Adler and Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro, into the band. Mustaine responded: "Well, I think that if you're in the presence of greatness, it would be shameful not to allow that person to be great. But let me back up, though. Chris Adler is not with MEGADETH; he's in LAMB OF GOD. He was a session guy. It was what you could call 'work for hire.' And he has nothing to do with us anymore, and he is with his band, which… I'm very grateful for his contributions. I'm grateful for him introducing us to Dirk. We still haven't announced who our new drummer is gonna be. [But] it won't be Chris Adler, because he's in LAMB OF GOD."

MEGADETH are happy to announce the addition of Dirk Verbeuren as the band's new drummer. Verbeuren, formerly of Swedish metal band Soilwork, has been performing with the band for months, his first show was Rock on the Range festival in May, to a crowd of 40,000 concertgoers.

Most recently, Lamb Of God drummer Chris Adler had performed all the drums on the band's latest album, Dystopia, and had toured with MEGADETH when not otherwise busy with his band.

Said bandleader Dave Mustaine: "Chris Adler's contributions are sure to be felt for years to come. Megadeth has been revitalized by Chris' playing, as well as his excellent suggestion of Dirk Verbeuren to drum with us. Tremendous thanks to Chris, and a big welcome to Dirk."

New drummer Verbeuren had this to say: "Dave, David and Kiko, I'm thankful for your warm welcome and thrilled at the opportunity to perform and create badass music with you guys. Chris Adler, thank you for introducing me to Megadeth - and for your encouragement and support."

Said Adler: "It has been an honor and a pleasure to join my favorite band of all time, and to be a part of their return to the top. I had an amazing time with everyone involved, from the writing, arranging and recording, to the touring and friendships built along the way. There was no argument or drama, no hidden story. Megadeth needs and deserves a full time drummer, and as much as I'd like to be, I can't be in two places at once. For my part, I am very lucky to be a part of Lamb of God, and to also have gotten a chance to dance with my heroes at the ball. I still can't believe it sometimes when I think of myself as a kid, opening up my Megadeth albums...and now I'm an alumni! I'm very proud of that - and I will continue to be their biggest fan."

MEGADETH canceled its scheduled appearance earlier tonight (Friday, July 15) at the Rockmaraton festival in Dunaújváros, Hungary after the band's bassist, David Ellefson, fractured his foot.

MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine broke the news via Periscope, telling fans that Ellefson "was walking across the ground [backstage before the show] and fell."