Metallica Mourns, Founder Of Its First Label: Jon Zazula Dies

Jon Zazula (Instagram @thejonzazula)

JAKARTA - Jon Zazula, the founder of Metallica's first record label, died on Tuesday, February 1. Quoting Variety, the news of Jon Zazula's departure was confirmed by the Megaforce label, although it did not explain the reason for the death of the producer. He died in Florida where his family and friends gathered together.

Zazula's son Rikki made a statement that his father was someone who had an impact on the music he brought into the world. Rikki also mentioned the departure of his mother, Marsha, who died in January. The two formed Megaforce together.

Jon Zazula is the figure behind the pioneering career of Metallica. At that time, he heard the demo No Life 'Til Leather and ended up creating his own label. Kill 'Em All became Megaforce's first album in 1982.

The departure of Jon Zazula was also known to the members of Metallica. On their Twitter account, they wrote, "Heavy music lost one of today's winners when Jonny Z left the world too soon".

"In 1982, when no one wanted to give four kids from California a chance to play a metal band, Jonny and Marsha were the opposite and it's all history", they said.

Heavy music lost one of its great champions today when Jonny Z left this world far too soon. In 1982, when no one wanted to take a chance on four kids from California playing a crazy brand of metal, Jonny and Marsha did, and the rest, as they say, is history.

(1/5) pic.twitter.com/W0IdaIf4Zt

— Metallica (@Metallica) February 2, 2022

Metallica stated that if it weren't for Jon Zazula there wouldn't be a Metallica band to date.

Besides Metallica, Jon Zazula is also the person who created Anthrax. Testament, and Ministry. Jon Zazula died at the age of 69.