Variety report that Jon “Jonny Z” Zazula, who co-founded Megaforce Records with his wife Marsha in 1982, has passed away. A pillar of the metal scene, the couple played a key role in launching the thrash metal genre, establishing the aforementioned label to release Metallica‘s first album “Kill ‘Em All” in 1983, while also putting out early records from Anthrax, Testament and many more. Zazula passed away today, February 01st, at the age of 69 in Florida surrounded by his family and friends.
In addition to their label venture, Zazula and his wife also ran CraZed Management, at one time overseeing the careers of Metallica, Anthrax, Ministry, Exodus and more. Jon was predeceased by Marsha, who passed away from cancer in January of last year.
