Megadeth have paid tribute to former bandmate Nick Menza following his shock death.

Megadeth

Megadeth

The group's ex-drummer - who joined the band in 1989 and played on four albums before his departure in 1988 - suffered a "massive heart attack" while performing with his band OHM at the Baked Potato in Los Angeles on Saturday (21.05.16) night, and was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

And now his former bandmates have paid tribute to the 53-year-old musician on social media.

Founder Dave Mustaine tweeted: "TELL ME THIS ISN'T TRUE! I woke at 4 AM to hear Nick Menza passed away on 5/21 playing his drums w/Ohm at the Baked Potato (sic)"

And the band's former guitarist, Marty Friedman, wrote on Facebook: "We all know the great and unique drummer that Nick Menza was, but he was also a trustworthy friend, a hilarious bandmate, as well as a very loving dad. I'm beyond sad, did not see this coming at all. RIP Brother."

Biographer J. Marshall Craig, who says he has asked by Nick's family to be their "public representative", appealed for "privacy and prayers" for the rocker's family, including wife Terri and their two young sons.

He wrote on Facebook: "Nick Menza was in musician heaven last month when I took him to Rose Lane Studio a few weeks back to meet Sjoerd Auke Koppert and Damion 'Damizza' Young and the team there. There were many plans in the works, for the release of Nick's book that we wrote, a comic book version of his time with Megadeth and many, many other wonderful things, including a trip to stay with me and my family here in Cape Cod tomorrow. He died last night on stage in L.A. doing what he loved.

"I have been asked by his family to be their public representative though this tragic and difficult time, so will be fielding all press inquiries. His mother Rose and father Don ask for privacy and prayers for them, and Nick's two young boys."

Plans for a memorial are already underway.

He added: "News of a service, remembrance and celebration of Nick's life and music will be announced in the days to come."

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