Megaforce Records Co-Founder Marsha Zazula Passes Away, Age 68

Megaforce Records co-founder Marsha Zazula has passed away at age 68.

As reported by Variety, Zazula died at her home in Florida on Saturday following a battle with cancer. 

Her husband and Megaforce Records co-founder Jon Zazula has paid tribute to Zazula in a statement saying, "No man can ask for a partner like Marsha Zazula: someone who would stand by your side, support you and believe in you to the extend of losing everything in order to make those dreams come true. She was a mother and mentor to many, and a role model as a woman breaking the glass ceiling in an industry run by men. She had balls, beauty, brains and vision."

"The world of music owes a debt of gratitude to Marsha Zazula, who along with her husband Jon gave birth to some of the most musically significant artists,” read a statement from Megaforce Records. 

"Marsha was one of a kind, and taught the world to be fiercely independent. Megaforce and our artists will never forget her. In our hearts she will always be a guiding force."

The Zazulas launched Megaforce Records in 1982, signing Metallica soon after and launching their debut record Kill 'Em All the following year. The label released the band's follow-up, Ride The Lightning, in 1984 with the band leaving for Elektra Records for their third release.

The group have paid tribute to Zazula in a post to Instagram today saying, "Rest In Peace, Marsha. Thank you for everything." 

Drummer Lars Ulrich has also paid tribute saying, "Thank you Marsha for making it happen..."

"For supporting us, for encouraging us, for advising us, for sheltering us, for feeding us, and most importantly for cheering us on and along with your husband Jonny, believing in the possibilities of how a gang of misfits and outsiders like ourselves could connect with a larger and likeminded audience…" said the post. "You were an incredibly selfless matriarch and we’ll be forever grateful for the impact you had on our lives. Rest In Peace."

In addition to Metallica, the Zazulas launched Anthrax's career with the release of their debut Fistful Of Metal. 

Other artists to have joined the label include Ministry, Meat Puppets, Ace Frehley, Overkill, Grave Digger, Prophet, Alien Ant Farm and more.