Megadeth

Plenty of artists have been donating money to various organisations, and plenty more have been taking part in virtual concert series as we all do our best to navigate the uncertain, isolating waters of the coronavirus pandemic. But many musicians are also taking it upon themselves to help people in other unusual ways.

MEGADETH performing in Milan, 2020 / Photo Credit: Pacific Press/SIPA USA/PA Images

1. Megadeth, Taylor Hawkins, Laura Marling and more offer music lessons

Continue reading: Six Unexpected Things Musicians Are Doing To Help While Quarantined

If you know absolutely anything about thrash metal then the name MEGADETH probably isn't new to you. Alongside Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax they make up the fabled Big Four of thrash metal, and are hailed as pioneers of this aggressive, ferocious sub-genre. 

Since Megadeth's formation in 1983, following Dave Mustaine's dismissal from Metallica, they have released no less than fifteen full-length studio albums, as well as numerous side projects, EPs and live albums. Their prolific nature as recording and touring artists has ensured they have remained a predominant figure in thrash, despite the genre's changing tides over the years.  

Megadeth performing in Milan, 2020 / Photo Credit: Pacific Press/SIPA USA/PA Images

Continue reading: Top Seven Megadeth Albums

Former drummer for MEGADETH Nick Menza has died suddenly following a collapse on stage in Los Angeles where he was performing a show with his band OHM. He was just 51-years-old, and while he hasn't been a long-term fixture of Megadeth since his departure in 1997, current members of the band and fans have reacted with total shock.

Megadeth are grief-stricken over the loss of their brother

It's reported that Menza suffered a major heart attack as OHM got into their third song while they were performing at a jazz club called the Baked Potato in LA on Saturday night (May 21st 2016). It was just one of Menza's regular sessions at the club with his band which he co-founded with former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland back in 2002.

Continue reading: Ex-Megadeth Drummer Nick Menza Dies On Stage After Massive Heart Attack

The great George Jones was honoured by some of the biggest names in country and western music this week, as the stars came out in force to the George Jones Tribute Concert at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Friday, 22 November. The widely acclaimed country star country, who sadly passed away earlier this year on 23 April, was honoured for four hours straight by some huge names performing Jones' greatest hits.

George Jones passed away earlier this year

The evening began (via Billboard) with the sole piece of stock footage featuring Jones, the video for his sigle 'No Show Jones,' yet despite his absence from the jumbo screens on stage, his memory never left the arena during the event billed as 'The Final No Show.'

Continue reading: George Jones Honoured By The Stars Of Country At Nashville Tribute Concert

The late, great George Jones was honored this Friday at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Friday. The night was originally intended to celebrate the country icon’s retirement, but after his death last April, it was held as a sort of posthumous tribute. Billed as 'Playin' Possum: The Final No-Show,' the sold-out concert featured acts ranging from Garth Brooks and GEORGE STRAIT to Kid Rock and MEGADETH, USA Today reports.

The late George Jones defined the face of country music for most of the 20th century.

"During the funeral, we mourned George; tonight we celebrate," former Grand Ole Opry announcer Keith Bilbrey told the crowd at the start of the show. The performances ran on for over four hours, in order to accommodate the 112 artists, performing in memory of Jones. "Talk about wrangling cats!" Co-host Charlie Chase quipped early on in the show. "Everybody I've talked to says they're going on early," Dierks Bentley said backstage.

Continue reading: Nashville Pays Its Respects To The Late George Jones With Star-Studded Concert

Slayer guitarist and songwriter Jeff Hanneman is dead at 49 after suffering liver failure. The revered musician died on Thursday (May 2, 2013) at the Hemet Valley Medical Center near his home in South California's Inland Empire area, according to Billboard.com. Slayer made the news public, announcing their devastation at the loss of their band-mate and brother. Tributes began pouring in immediately, with MEGADETH frontman Dave Mustaine tweeting, "Tonight one less star will be shining and sadly, the stage got just a little bit darker. Jeff Hanneman 1964-2013."

"RIP TO A TITAN OF METAL," said Disturbed/Device frontman David Draiman, while drummer Mike Portnoy said, "WOW...I'm in shock...RIP Jeff Hanneman." The news hit the metal world harder given that most of the luminaries of the genre were attending the Annual Revolver Golden Gods Awards show at Club Nokia when news began filtering through. A spokesperson for "Blood" producer Rick Rubin told Billboard he was "very sad" and "shocked" by the death.

It had been a rough couple of years for Hanneman who ceased touring in early 2011 when he contracted necrotizing fasciitis, reportedly from a spider bite. The disease literally eats away at the flesh from deep layers of skin and tissues. Exodus musician Gary Holt stood in for Hanneman from 2011 while Pat O'Brien joined later in the year. Throughout the ordeal, Hanneman's Slayer band-mates expressed optimism that he would one day return to the group full-time.

Continue reading: Slayer's Jeff Hanneman Dead At 49: Guitarist Dies Of Liver Failure