Megaforce Records founder Jon Zazula has passed aya at the age of 69. His daughter Rikki Zazula shared the news on her social media account:
"The world lost a true legend today… Our Dad lived a life as fast, hard, heavy, powerful, and, impactful as the music he brought to the world. His passion and persistence fueled the careers of arguably the most influential metal bands, and, industry greats of a generation. To us he was simply daddy… Our father and mother were a powerhouse partnership in love, life, and business. Together they believed in the unbelievable, their passion, rebel perspective, and persistence built an empire from a box of vinyl in a flea market - into a multi platinum selling record label, management company, and publishing house. Although we are devastated he is gone, they are finally reunited. And it feels impossible to imagine a world without him in it. For all of us who knew and loved him … by the way… keep it heavy! RIP daddy you will truly be deeply missed, but, never forgotten…your LegaZ will live on forever, not only in us and your grandchildren, but, in every headbanger on this planet for all of eternity!"
Fans will remember that Megaforce was largely responsible for the beginning of METALLICA's career as the label released the band's first two albums, Kill 'Em All (1983) and Ride The Lightning (1984). METALLICA then went on to sign a major deal with Elektra. Over the years the label has had a roster that included ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, ACE FREHLEY, MINISTRY, KING’S X, STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH and RAVEN.
Jon will be truly missed but his impact on the heavy metal music scene will endure!
Jon's wife Marsha passed away a little over a year ago on January 10th, 2021 of cancer.
R.I.P. Jon Zazula
