The founder of the record label Megaforce Records, the owner of the legendary New York record store Rock'n Roll Heaven, John Zazula has died at the age of 70, Variety reports, citing a representative of the producer.

Death occurred on February 1, Zazula died surrounded by loved ones - his brother, daughters, granddaughters and friends.

His wife Marsha, co-founder of Megaforce, died of cancer in January 2021.

Thanks to Zazula, Metallica was able to play the first concert in New York, he organized the band's first tour and Metallica's debut album, Kill 'Em All. Since then, Zazula has worked with Testament, Overkill, Frehley's Comet, King's X, Ministry and Anthrax.

In 1984, Metallica left for Elektra Records, having released their second album, Ride the Lightning, on Zazula's label. Megaforce remained an influential heavy metal label until the early 1990s. The couple retired a few years ago and settled in Florida, but continued to work, releasing the radio show Jonny Z's Defcon 4. They also supported the victims of Hurricane Sandy - they organized a benefit concert, which was headlined by Twisted Sister.

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