Metallica and Anthrax are among a number of acts honoring Megaforce Records co-founder Marsha Zazula, who passed away yesterday (January 10) at 68.
Zazula and her husband, Jon, founded Megaforce Records in 1982 and notably released Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All and Ride the Lightning and Anthrax’s Fistful of Metal before both bands signed to major record labels.
News of Zazula’s death was confirmed by her daughter, Rikki, via Facebook who wrote, “Your love, Your strength, Your memory and Your music has changed lives and will continue to FOREVER.” Metal Hammer reports Zazula’s cause of death was cancer.
The world of music owes a debt of gratitude to Marsha Zazula, who along with her husband Jon gave birth to some of the most musically significant artists. Marsha was one of a kind and taught the world to be fiercely independent. In our hearts,she’ll always be a guiding force. pic.twitter.com/uKdY8spBpj
— Megaforce Records (@megaforce) January 10, 2021
Metallica wrote via social media, “Rest In Peace, Marsha. Thank you for everything. Much love to Jonny Z & the Zazula family.”
In his own personal statement, Lars Ulrich wrote, “Thank you Marsha for making it happen…For supporting us, for encouraging us, for advising us, for sheltering us, for feeding us, and most importantly for cheering us on and along with your husband Jonny, believing in the possibilities of how a gang of misfits and outsiders like ourselves could connect with a larger and likeminded audience…You were an incredibly selfless matriarch and we’ll be forever grateful for the impact you had on our lives. Rest In Peace.”
Anthrax, meanwhile, shared the following statement: It’s with much sadness that we hear of the passing of Marsha Zazula. A true pioneer along with Jonny Z. Those two were responsible for changing all our lives. Hard to put into words what a world this might be without their belief and dedication to metal and all of us. Our love to her family.”
