Mike Scaccia, guitarist for Ministry, has passed away after collapsing onstage during a performance in Texas.
The metal musician was 47 years old.
Al Jourgensen, Ministry’s lead singer and Scaccia’s bandmate, confirmed the sad news on Facebook yesterday. He expressed his grief by writing: ‘I just lost my lil’ brother and my best friend… Mikey was not only the best guitar player in the history of music, but he was also a very close part of our family – and a huge piece of my heart is gone today. Our lives will never be the same. Life without Mikey resembles orange juice without pulp – a bit dull. I can’t find the words to convey what this man meant to me, my family, my career….everything!’
He further added: “Rest in peace my brother, my friend, my heart. Let us pray for Mike Scaccia and Jenny, his wife, along with their children and family.”
While performing at a 50th birthday concert for Rigor Mortis singer Bruce Corbitt at the Rail Club in Fort Worth, Scaccia collapsed. He was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Reports indicate that Scaccia died of a sudden heart attack due to heart disease, though some sources claim he suffered a seizure after requesting the strobe lights to be turned off at the venue.
Originally part of the thrash band Rigor Mortis, Scaccia joined Ministry in 1989 and made a return to Rigor Mortis in 2003.
by Wallace McTavish
