Marsha Zazula, who co-founded Megaforce Records with her husband Jon Zazula (aka Jonny Z), has sadly passed away at the age of 68. The couple were instrumental in launching the careers of Metallica, Anthrax, and other metal bands.
Marsha’s passing was confirmed by her daughter Rikki Zazula, who wrote, “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.”
Along with Jonny, Marsha helped open the door for thrash metal on the East Coast. Jonny quit a Wall Street job and the pair began selling records at a flea market under the name Rock N’ Roll Heaven. Eventually, they established a New Jersey store that became an influential metal destination. Upon hearing Metallica’s No Life ‘Til Leather demo, Jonny and Marsha started Megaforce Records in order to release the band’s debut album, Kill ‘Em All, in 1983.
Megaforce would also be a launching pad for Anthrax, Testament, Overkill, and numerous metal acts, and still remains an active label to this day, continuing to release albums by Anthrax and other bands.
Heavy Consequence interviewed Jon Zazula in late 2019 upon the release of his autobiography, Heavy Tales: The Metal. The Music. The Madness. He spoke fondly of Marsha, while also mentioning that she had health issues at the time.
“I wasn’t just the record guy behind the desk,” he told us about the beginnings of Megaforce Records. “I was out there on the battlefield for every little thing, I was in it. And we were like family. And that’s the vibe that I put out and that Marsha put out. If you couldn’t relate to me, you could relate to Marsha. We had just good times.”
Editors’ Picks
On his recent years outside of the music industry, he explained, “I’m still ticking, but I have to take care of Marsha, she’s not feeling so good these days. I’d rather be focusing on her and being with my buddy than being out there killing dragons.”
Our condolences go out to Marsha Zazula’s family, friends, and the many bands she helped discover and guide along the way. Watch a video of Metallica congratulating Marsha and Jonny on their induction into the Hall of Heavy Metal History below.
