News•August 4, 2020 6:44 PM ET•5,842 views

ex-Machine Head, Crowbar drummer Tony Costanza dies

Tony Costanza, original drummer of Machine Head, has passed away at age 52. The news comes via former Crisis bandmate Afzaal Nasiruddeen, who had the following to say:

"It is with a very heavy heart that I have to accept and inform everyone concerned that I lost my brother, band mate, home boy and family today. Tony Costanza was one of a kind. A man with a huge heart, love and loyalty for the ones close to him. I cannot relate to this reality of loss yet. I know he had a lot of admirers, and I was one of his biggest. He would have literally taken a bullet for me. Thats the kind of gangster brother he was. "Tony died in his sleep this morning so I am sure he was at peace and in no pain. I wish his Mother all the strength she can muster as she will need every ounce of it. I will be starting a GofundMe page for her and Tony's funeral expenses. Please help if you knew him and care. "Please hold your loved ones close as the sense of loss is insurmountable sometimes. Tony my friend, I will love you and cherish our memories together, forever. Hope you are in a better pace now. Rest In Peace."

A member of Machine Head for mere months, Costanza later spent several years in Crowbar and appeared on the band's 2001 album, Sonic Excess in its Purest Form.