Nick Menza: Former Megadeth drummer collapses and dies on stage during performance

The former Megadeth drummer Nick Menza has collapsed and died on stage.

The thrash metal musician, 51, is thought to have had a heart attack while performing with his band OHM at Baked Potato, a jazz club in LA.

A Facebook message on the club's page read: "RIP Nick Menza."

Former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friendman was among the first to pay tribute to his one-time bandmate.

"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," he wrote.

"I’m beyond sad, did not see this coming at all. RIP Brother.”

A fan who witnessed the collapse, which happened as the band performed the third song of their set, said: "I was watching his band OHM at the Baked Potato tonight and he collapsed on stage. Paramedics were saying it looked like a heart attack.”

Mr Menza was the son of a jazz artist and played with Megadeth during the 1990s, appearing on albums including Rust In Peace, Countdown to Extinction and Youthanasia.