Unearthed Video Captures Nick Menza Preparing for Megadeth Reunion

Unearthed after more than a decade, never-before-seen 2014 drum-cam footage of the late Nick Menza, legendary Megadeth drummer, has been released, showcasing a dynamic behind-the-kit playthrough of the band’s iconic track, “Lucretia.”

Filmed at his private Disintegrator Studios in Studio City, California, this intimate footage captures Menza rehearsing and preparing for what he hoped would be a Megadeth reunion featuring the Rust in Peace lineup with Dave Mustaine, David Ellefson, and Marty Friedman. Though the reunion ultimately failed to materialize due to financial disagreements.

Nick Menza’s potential return to Megadeth as part of the classic Rust in Peace lineup in 2014–2015 fell through due to a perceived unfair contract offer. Menza had been approached by Mustaine and Ellefson in late 2014 to replace Shawn Drover and had even recorded drum tracks for new Megadeth songs that later became part of Megadeth's fifteenth studio album Dystopia. However, when it came time to negotiate his contract, he was offered terms he considered “very unfair,” leading to the deal short. The album was ultimately recorded and released with former Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler behind the kit.

Today marks nine years since the late drummer Nick Menza tragically passed away behind his kit on May 21, 2016, after collapsing from a heart attack during a performance with his band OHM featuring former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland and bassist Robertino "Pag" Pagliari at The Baked Potato in Studio City. This release stands as both a heartfelt tribute to his legacy and a significant archival moment for fans, friends, and the global metal community. Upon arrival at the hospital Menza was pronounced dead. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner said Menza died of hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Nick Menza rightfully earned his place as one of heavy metal’s fiercest drummers during Megadeth’s commercial peak spanning a decade. Reflecting on his career, Nick cited the highlight as performing at Rock in Rio before an audience of over 100,000 people. Yet, his journey also faced hardship he was fired by Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine while still recovering in a hospital bed following surgery to remove what doctors feared was a cancerous growth.