Metallica will play a show dedicated to Megaforce Records founders Jon "Jonny Z" and Marsha Zazula on November 6 with old-school tourmates Raven as the openers. Megaforce Records was responsible for early releases from now-classic bands like Metallica, Anthrax, Testament, Overkill, Mercyful Fate, and way more. When it comes down to the facts, the Zazula power couple is right at the top of the list of people you have to thank for heavy metal.
In an interview with Jimmy Kay from Canada's The Metal Voice, Testament vocalist Chuck Billy said he owes his life to Jon for signing the band back in the day and praises Metallica for playing a show in their memory. Billy also details his relationship with Jon over the past few years, saying he and Jon worked together right up until he died earlier this year in February.
"I'm gonna be at that show as well, I'm gonna go down there. I own my life to [Jonny] because he signed the band and gave us a chance to be recognized as a band first of all. And even after the first two records on Megaforce records we and a handful of bands went to Atlantic Records but still we kept in contact a long time over the years.
"I'd say maybe it was eight years ago we started a management company together. So I got to speak to Jonny and Marsha all the time, every day and me and my wife spent a lot of vacation time with them either in the Bahamas or Mexico or they would come stay at our house. So we really had a close bond.
"The thing about Jonny was, even up to the last few days of his life he's was always been a guy thinking of something. 'You should try this,' or 'hey this is an idea,' 'till the end, if he thought of something he made it happen you know. And of course we got to reap that benefit of being on Megaforce with Jonny – a true legend.
"And Marsha, she was actually the one behind Jonny. He would have the idea and she would say, 'Jonny you're crazy' or 'yeah, let's do it.' Marsha was really the boss. I love them both. I miss them both because the connection we had and talking to him every day. I missed that, you know, and so he'll be missed. So Metallica is doing a great thing in Florida with Raven. I'll be there. I'll be supporting them. I'm there in spirit for Jonny and Marsha."
