Marsha Zazula – co-founder of NYC-based record label Megaforce Records – has sadly passed away at the age of 68. Marsha’s daughter Rikki Zazula confirmed the news earlier today with the below message. No cause of death has been revealed.
RIP Mom April 21, 1952 – January 10, 2021. Your love, Your strength, Your memory and Your music has changed lives and will continue to FOREVER.
Megaforce Records followed with the following statement:
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.
Marsha Zazula and her husband Jon Zazula (aka Jonny Z) founded Megaforce Records in 1982 and are credited for publishing the first works of Metallica (‘Kill ‘Em All’ and ‘Ride the Lightning’). The label’s current and former roster includes Blue October, Anthrax, Overkill, Testament, Mushroomhead, Mercyful Fate, Ministry, Bad Brains, Fozzy, M.O.D., Grave Digger, Manowar, Alien Ant Farm, Meat Puppets, King’s X, Living Colour and many more.
See below for tributes to Marsha Zazula. RIP.
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
Just now hearing sad news that Marsha Zazula passed away. As many know I worked w/Marsha & Jon at Megaforce Records in late 80’s. Marsha was one of a kind & played a huge role in the company & was always very supportive. Condolences to Jon & the family. RIP
— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) January 10, 2021
Rest in Peace, Marsha Zazula, co-founder of the legendary @megaforce Records. She passed away today (January 10) at the age of 68. To say she helped changed the course of metal history is an understatement. Much love to her family and friends. #MarshaZazula pic.twitter.com/8SFxS1LhY3
— Decibel Magazine (@dbmagazine) January 10, 2021
Marsha Zazula was a trailblazer for women in the music industry. She's a true legend & icon who paved the way for women like myself to do what we do. I had the pleasure to work with her & Jon when I was at APR. She was one of a kind & she will be missed. Rest in Power MZ
— Mercyful Kate (@MercyfulKate) January 10, 2021
I'm stunned and saddened to hear of the passing of Marsha Zazula, cofounder of @megaforce with her husband Jon Zazula. Without her, it's unlikely you would know the names Metallica, Anthrax, Overkill, Testament, Mercyful Fate, or S.O.D. RIP Marsha. pic.twitter.com/ic81sNWedL
— Ian Christe (@ianchriste) January 10, 2021
R.I.P. Marsha Zazula January 10 2021. The Godmother of Heavy Metal
Your legacy will live on pic.twitter.com/4n4Srq5pC4— The Metal Voice (@themetalvoice) January 10, 2021
Rest in Peace, Marsha Zazula. You, @JonZazula , and @megaforce have been such icons to us over the years. All our best to the Zazula Family. #marshazazula #megaforcerecords pic.twitter.com/D4ZgAl7dDa
— Murder In The Front Row (@MurderFrontRow) January 10, 2021
Very sad… Marsha Zazula who with her husband Jon was hugely instrumental and influential in our career… passed away at home with her family by her side after a long illness….she was a fighter.
Rest In Peace x pic.twitter.com/Wg5QcY8qVh— Raven (@official_raven) January 10, 2021
MARSHA ZAZULA
APRIL 21, 1952 -JANUARY 10 2021
We will love you to eternity
REST IN PEACE WITH OUR LOVE pic.twitter.com/LONUEzO1Mm— Venom Inc (@venom_inc) January 10, 2021
RIP Marsha Zazula will miss you 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/xdQpViQVOK
— Ricardo Ramirez (@Metallibanger) January 10, 2021
She mortgaged her home to finance Metallica’s first record. Thank you Marsha Zazula, for Kill ‘Em All, for @megaforce, for changing the world. https://t.co/rH0Zadk92n
— Ben (@Bapatoff) January 10, 2021
Rip Marsha Zazula♥️ @megaforce @JonZazula #History of Heavy Metal & Thrash Metal music 🤘
Thank you for everything 💐
Harrag Melodica 213Rock pic.twitter.com/VXMkDy91sj— 213Rock / Harrag Melodica (@HarragMelodica) January 10, 2021
RIP Marsha Zazula!!! If you dont know who that is… Megaforce Records!!! They signed a little known band who went on to grab some fame?!?!
— Ruben SanMiguel (@rsanmiguel323) January 10, 2021
Rest In Peace to Mrs. Marsha Zazula, co-founder and co-head of the GREAT #MegaforceRecords label. Of their immense catalog, my personal favorites are the 3 records that they released by #FrehleysComet and the #AceFrehley album Trouble Walkin’ (natch). #RIPMarshaZazula pic.twitter.com/mulB70rwqk
— Andrew Jacobs (@andrewjakeobs) January 10, 2021
Rest in Power Marsha Zazula pic.twitter.com/m2fyZqqgMS
— cristian maldonado (@cristianthrax) January 10, 2021
