Jon Zazula, the co-founder of Megaforce Records, died on February 1 at the age of 69 in Florida. A label spokesman verified the news. At the moment of his death, Zazula was surrounded by his brother, daughters, grandchildren, and friends.
Metallica’s career was launched in large part thanks to Jon Zazula.
Jonathan Zazula worked in the music business. He was the creator of the record label Megaforce Records and the proprietor of the Rock’s Roll Heaven record shop in New Jersey. His record shop in East Brunswick, New Jersey, helped him become a well-known figure in the East Coast metal scene. He often played demo recordings supplied to him via his underground tape-trading network, which included Metal Blade Records’ Brian Slagel, Ron Quintana, and producer Mark Whitaker. Zazula was instrumental in popularizing East metal music by launching Metallica’s career. He invited the band to perform in New York and coordinated their first tours with Raven, a prominent metal band in the United Kingdom at the time.
He heard No Life ‘Til Leather’s demo tape and formed the company Megaforce Records to distribute Metallica’s music. He self-released the band’s debut album, Kill ‘Em All, and organized a private East Coast tour. Following the success of Kill ‘Em All, Jon signed with and collaborated with a variety of acts, including Disco Biscuits, Frehley’s Comet, Anthrax, Fozzy, Testament, and others.
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Despite the fact that Megaforce Records was sold in 2001, Jon remained in the industry. With his friends and business collaborators Metal Maria and Testaments Chuck Billy, he staged several gigs and handled multiple bands. In January 2019, the Bronx, New York native and his wife were inducted into the Hall of Heavy Metal History for their contributions to redefining American Heavy Metal during its Golden Era.
“Without him, American Heavy Metal would not exist” – Internet users pay respect to Jon Zazula.
When word of Zazula’s death broke, fans and other celebrities shared their sorrow on social media. Marsha, Zazula’s second wife, died 13 months ago in January 2021. Jon and Marsha married in 1979 and have two kids. Zazula also had a daughter with his first wife, the circumstances of which are unknown.
