CO-FOUNDER OF MEGAFORCE RECORDS, MARSHA ZAZULA, PASSES AT AGE 68
Marsha Zazula, the co-founder of Megaforce Records, has died at the age of 68, her daughter Rikki confirmed Sunday on social media.
“RIP Mom April 21, 1952 -January 10, 2021,” Rikki posted to Facebook. “Your love, Your strength, Your memory and Your music has changed lives and will continue to FOREVER.”
Rikki did not disclose a cause of death
In the early 1980s, Zazula and husband Jon founded Megaforce Records, which released Metallica’s first records. The label posted an emotional message Sunday in the wake of Zazula’s death.
“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,” Megaforce Records tweeted.
“Marsha was one of a kind and taught the world to be fiercely independent. In our hearts, she’ll always be a guiding force,” the message continued.
Metallica, who signed with Elektra Records in 1984, also paid tribute to Zazula on Sunday.
“Rest In Peace, Marsha. Thank you for everything,” the post read. “Much love to @thejonzazula & the Zazula family.”
additional source: nypost.com
Her and her husband, Jon, were critical in the careers of many upstart bands who gave these metal bands an opportunity when major record label companies would not give heavy metal a chance. Their chance gave me an opportunity to find new music that I may have never discovered. Thank you, Marsha and Jonny Z.
I still have all the Megaforce albums I bought as a kid, including the first ever Megaforce release, Anthrax “Soldiers of Metal” on 7 inch, and both Metallica Megaforce releases, “Kill em All” and “Ride…”.
She and Jon gave thrash a boost. Living in NJ I’ve always been around that area because of the Birchhill. She will be missed.