- Megaforce & Metallica: How Jon Zazula Changed Music
Jon Zazula, or Jonny Z, was a maverick of the heavy metal world. A former Wall Street worker, he transformed his passion for metal into the iconic Rock 'n Roll Heaven record store, a cornerstone for the East Coast metal scene. In 1982, he founded Megaforce Records, the label that propelled Metallica, Anthrax, Testament, and many more to global stardom. Zazula's relentless enthusiasm, risk-taking, and unwavering belief in emerging artists forever altered the course of heavy metal history.
Jon Zazula also known as Jonny Z, is a legendary figure in the heavy metal music scene. He is best known for discovering and promoting some of the biggest heavy metal bands of the 80s, including Metallica, Anthrax, and Megadeth. Born in 1951, Jon Zazula grew up in the Bronx, New York and was a passionate music fan from an early age. He was particularly drawn to heavy metal, a genre that was still in its infancy at the time, and he became one of its biggest supporters and advocates.
Zazula started his music career as a record store owner, running a small record store called Rock 'n' Roll Heaven in the Bronx. It was here that he first discovered Metallica , then a relatively unknown band. Impressed by their raw talent and energy, Zazula offered to become their manager and help them secure a record deal. He was instrumental in getting them signed to a record label and launching their career.
In 1983, Zazula founded Megaforce Records, which became one of the most influential heavy metal labels of the 80s. The label helped popularize heavy metal and thrash metal, a sub-genre of heavy metal characterized by its fast and aggressive style. Under Zazula's guidance, Megaforce Records released some of the most influential heavy metal albums of all time, including Metallica's "Kill 'Em All," Anthrax's "Fistful of Metal," and Megadeth's "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!"
In addition to his work with Megaforce Records, Zazula was also known for his passion and dedication to heavy metal music. He was a tireless promoter of the genre, organizing concerts and tours, and working to get heavy metal music heard by a wider audience. He was always on the lookout for new talent, and he discovered and signed many other important heavy metal bands over the years, including Mercyful Fate , Testament , and Exodus .
Despite his many accomplishments, Jon Zazula remains a humble and down-to-earth individual. He is still involved in the music industry today and continues to support new heavy metal bands. He is widely respected and admired by fans of the genre for his contributions to the heavy metal music scene, and for his unwavering support of the genre and its artists.
Megaforce Records is a record label that was founded in 1983 by Jon Zazula, also known as Jonny Z. The label is best known for discovering and promoting some of the biggest heavy metal bands of the 80s, including Metallica, Anthrax, and Megadeth.
Megaforce Records was one of the first record labels to specialize in heavy metal music and was instrumental in popularizing the genre during the 80s. The label was known for releasing albums by up-and-coming heavy metal bands that were often ignored by other record labels. Through its support and promotion of these artists, Megaforce Records helped establish heavy metal as a viable and important genre of music.
In addition to its work with heavy metal bands, Megaforce Records also helped to popularize thrash metal, a sub-genre of heavy metal characterized by its fast and aggressive style. The label released many influential thrash metal albums during the 80s, including Metallica's "Kill 'Em All ," Anthrax's "Fistful of Metal," and Megadeth's "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!" , and many many more