Rockumentary On Former Megadeth Drummer Nick Menza Gets A Headbangin’ New Jersey Premiere With Q&A! ​

I have been a fan of the drums pretty much my entire life. When I saw Buddy Rich and others, hearing what they could do. Then when I heard Ringo Starr, John Bonham, and so many others I wanted to learn how to play. At the time I couldn't afford a drumset, but when I was in high school I had a friend who had a full kit and he taught me a few things, eventually, I learned some things on my own. One year my mother bought me a snare and a cymbal, after many years of letting me bang away on her old pots and pans.

When I saw this press release this morning in my email, I was thrilled to see that someone has made a film on Nick Menza, I had the opportunity to see him play with Megadeth on their Rust In Peace tour, Hallowe'en, 1990. They were on the road with Testament and Judas Priest, who were headlining. Getting to see and hear Mr. Menza was a thrill as Rust In Peace is still considered one of the best thrash albums of all time. 

Even though this event is far from where I live I wanted to share it so maybe people in the area will be able to attend, also it will be available in the future for streaming and on physical media.

POMPTON PLAINS, N.J. – April 2025 – After a triumphant West Coast screening in California last week, BayView Entertainment in association with Screaming Butterfly Entertainment and Ellefson Films is thrilled to announce the second showing in its bi-coastal theatrical premiere of This Was My Life: Nick Menza’s Metal Memories with Megadeth and Beyond. 

The much-anticipated Nick Menza documentary film is set to thrill music fans in Hawthorne, NJ this Thursday, April 17th at 7PM.

In attendance will be Megadeth co-founder and former member, David Ellefson; and the film’s director, Holly Grayson. The audience will be treated to an introduction and a Q&A session after the screening. Participants are tentatively scheduled to appear and are subject to change pending any unforeseen circumstances. 

Speaking on the California premiere, Grayson declared it, “incredible” and thanked everyone involved for making it “such a success.” Ellefson added that he found the sold-out event “absolutely fantastic… and the film very emotional.” 

 The film provides an intimate look into a life dedicated to music. Culled from Menza’s personal and private VHS tape collection, photos, and audio files, it’s a deep dive into unreleased drum tracks, concert and studio footage, candid glimpses backstage and on the tour bus, and interviews with family, friends, fans, and colleagues.

“We are thrilled to bring this screening to local music fans. The Tri-State area has always been metal-friendly,” says BayView Entertainment VP of Acquisitions, Peter Castro. 

Tickets can be purchased now via EventBrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/this-was-my-life-east-coast-premiere-hawthorne-theatre-tickets-1255857727269  

Following a limited theatrical run in selected U.S. markets, it will also be available for digital streaming and on physical media in a special Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray. 

About BayView Entertainment, LLC

BayView Entertainment, LLC is a leading independent distributor of feature films, fitness, and special-interest content. With hit narrative films Skinamarink and Robot Monster, plus legendary documentaries On Any Sunday and The Endless Summer leading the way, BayView is one of the fastest-growing names in the field.

Incorporating catalogs from Monterey Media, Summer Hill, Mutiny Pictures, VIPCO, and others, BayView is positioned to expand even further in years to come. BayView's programs are available on the major streaming sites around the world plus DVD and Blu-ray.