Zazula died at his Florida home after a battle with cancer, Variety reports.
Zazula and her husband Jon (also known as Jonny Z) humbly started their career in the music business by selling imported vinyl and picture discs at a New Jersey flea market. In 1982, the couple founded Megaforce, which became the hallmark of a handful of now iconic heavy metal artists, including Metallica, Anthrax, Testament and Overkill.
“The music world owes a debt of gratitude to Marsha Zazula, who along with her husband Jon gave birth to some of the most musically significant artists,” wrote Megaforce in a statement on Twitter. “Marsha was unique and taught the world to be fiercely independent. In our hearts, she will always be a guiding force.”
Megaforce is credited for the release of Metallica’s first two albums, 1983 Kill them all and 1984 Ride the Lightning. The superstar rock band paid tribute to Zazula on Instagram after his death.
“Rest in peace, Marsha. Thanks for everything”, Metallica captioned a photo with Zazula. “Much love to @thejonzazula and the Zazula family.”
Anthrax also reminded Zazula of an emotional tribute on Instagram. “It is with great sadness that we hear about the passing of Marsha Zazula. A true pioneer with Jonny Z. These two were responsible for changing all of our lives ”, wrote the group. “It is difficult to put into words what this world can be like without their belief and dedication to metal and to all of us. Our love for her family.”
In 1995, Megaforce founded a full-service sister company, MRI, which helped create a business model that gave artists more control over how they managed and distributed their music. The Zazula left Megaforce in 2001, selling their stake in the label to their former radio director, Missi Callazzo. In 2009, MRI acquired the acclaimed blues / jazz label Palmetto Records. In recent years, the company has distributed releases from Björk, The Black Crowes, Living Color and Third Eye Blind.
The rise of Megaforce’s fairy tale is detailed in Jon Zazula’s 2019 autobiography, Heavy Tales: The Metal. The music. The madness. In an interview that year with Advertising panel, he happily discussed running a business with his life partner.
“Well, Marsha and I had a lot of fighting adventures,” he said. “After about 27 years of marriage, we realized that there is only one way to not fight anymore, it is very simple: tell your wife that she is right. We have been married for 40 years. ”