Jon Zazula (1952–2022), record exec who helped launch Metallica
legacy.comJon Zazula was the founder of Megaforce Records, Metallica’s first label.Zazula began his influential career as the founder of Rock and Roll Heaven, a New Jersey record store that found its first home at an East Brunswick flea market, the Route 18 Indoor Market.
Founded in 1981, the record store became a mecca for heavy metal lovers as Zazula imported rare metal records from overseas and traded underground tapes and demos.
He came across Metallica’s 1982 demo tape, “No Life ‘Til Leather.” He loved what he heard, and he founded Megaforce Records along with his wife, the late Marsha Zazula, to give the band a record label home.
Metallica released their legendary first two records with Megaforce before signing a major label deal. Zazula and Megaforce would go on to help launch Anthrax, releasing their early albums.
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