Rigor Mortis Guitarist Dies After Collapsing Onstage

Mike Scaccia was the founding guitarist of Rigor Mortis and went on to play for Ministry

Metal guitarist Mike Scaccia died early Sunday morning after suffering a sudden heart attack onstage while playing with his band, Rigor Mortis. He was 47.

Scaccia was performing at the Rail Club in Fort Worth, Texas for the 50th birthday of Bruce Corbitt, the lead singer of Rigor Mortis. Scaccia was pronounced dead at the hospital, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner.

Scaccia had also complained about strobe lights on stage, and an earlier report said he had suffered a seizure. Seizures can be induced by flashing lights.

Scaccia was born July 14, 1965 in Babylon, N.Y. Along with drummer Haden Harrison and bassist Casey Orr, Scaccia founded Rigor Mortis in 1983. The band, which mainly played thrash or speed metal, released its debut album for Capitol Records in 1988.

Scaccia departed the band in 1991 to play with Ministry.

Corbitt's Facebook page said there would be an online fundraiser for Scaccia’s family and a forthcoming tribute show.

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