Metallica frontman James Hetfield paid tribute to Marsha Zazula , co-founder of Megaforce Records , who passed away at age 68.
“Marsha Z is the Matriarch of East Coast Metal,” James states in a press release. “She was our mother when I had nothing. She made great sacrifices for Metallica to grow. Thank you, Marsha. Love and positive energy to the Zazula family.”
At the helm of Megaforce, Zazula and her husband Jon were responsible for releasing Metallica's early works, including the band's debut album, Kill 'Em All , and its successor, Ride the Lightning . In addition to Metallica, the label also housed bands such as Testament, Anthrax, Overkill, King's X, Bad Brains, and Meat Puppets .
Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich also posted his tribute to Marsha, writing, “Thank you Marsha for making it all happen, for supporting us, encouraging us, advising us, sheltering us, feeding us, and most importantly, for always cheering us on and, along with your husband Jonny, believing in the possibilities of how a gang of misfits and outsiders like us could connect with a larger, like-minded audience.”