Megaforce Records co-founder Jon Zazula dies

Jon Zazula — who co-founded longtime independent record label Megaforce Records with his late wife, Marsha — passed away today (February 1) in Florida surrounded by family, according to Variety. He was 69.

Launched in 1982, Megaforce released the first two Metallica albums, Kill 'Em All (1983) and Ride the Lightning (1984), both of which have since gone Multi-Platinum. Megaforce also helped launch the career of Anthrax, releasing the group's debut album, Fistful of Metal, in 1984.

Megaforce has released music from a slew of other notable metal and rock artists over the past four decades, including Overkill, Ministry, Testament, Bad Brains, and Mercyful Fate.

Marsha Zazula died of cancer in January 2021.