Mike Scaccia, guitarist for Ministry, Revolting Cocks, and Rigor Mortis has died at the age of 47. According to reports, Scaccia collapsed on stage at a Rigor Mortis gig yesterday in Fort Worth, Texas and was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The news has been confirmed by Rigor Mortis bandmate Bruce Corbitt on Facebook who also revealed he will be organizing tribute concert and online benefit for Scaccia's family.
Ministry leader Al Jourgensen posted the following about Scaccia on Facebook today:
"I just lost my lil' brother and my best friend - the 13th Planet compound is devastated, completely in shock and shattered. Mikey was not only the best guitar player in the history of music, but he was a close, close, close part of our family - and I just lost a huge chunk of my heart today. Our lives are forever changed. Life without Mikey is like orange juice without pulp - kind of bland. I have no words to express what this guy meant to me, my family, my career....everything! Get to know his lead parts - for they are in the pantheon of music! Unfortunately, most of you didn't get to know Mikey's soul - which is in the pantheon of humanity. He is my hero, my friend and my idol. Mikey was always beside me - my right hand man - through thick and thin, the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful. Rest in peace my brother, my friend, my heart. Please pray for Mike Scaccia and Jenny, his wife and their children, and his family.....AL"
Update:
According to the medical examiner official website, Scaccia died from a heart attack secondary to cardiovascular disease (sudden cardiac death due to atherosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease) and was ruled a natural death. View the case info on the ME's website (search for case # 1215556).
Earlier this year, Mike Scaccia filmed some interview videos as part of a series for Wildwood Guitars. Watch the videos below
Favorite concert he attended
On the favorite shows he's performed
On his favorite albums
On his influences
On the birth of rock
Several other videos from the series are posted here.
Ministry leader Al Jourgensen posted the following about Scaccia on Facebook today:
"I just lost my lil' brother and my best friend - the 13th Planet compound is devastated, completely in shock and shattered. Mikey was not only the best guitar player in the history of music, but he was a close, close, close part of our family - and I just lost a huge chunk of my heart today. Our lives are forever changed. Life without Mikey is like orange juice without pulp - kind of bland. I have no words to express what this guy meant to me, my family, my career....everything! Get to know his lead parts - for they are in the pantheon of music! Unfortunately, most of you didn't get to know Mikey's soul - which is in the pantheon of humanity. He is my hero, my friend and my idol. Mikey was always beside me - my right hand man - through thick and thin, the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful. Rest in peace my brother, my friend, my heart. Please pray for Mike Scaccia and Jenny, his wife and their children, and his family.....AL"
Update:
According to the medical examiner official website, Scaccia died from a heart attack secondary to cardiovascular disease (sudden cardiac death due to atherosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease) and was ruled a natural death. View the case info on the ME's website (search for case # 1215556).
Earlier this year, Mike Scaccia filmed some interview videos as part of a series for Wildwood Guitars. Watch the videos below
Favorite concert he attended
On the favorite shows he's performed
On his favorite albums
On his influences
On the birth of rock
Several other videos from the series are posted here.
