Mike Scaccia
June 14, 1965 – December 23, 2012
Mike Scaccia was a metal guitarist who is best remembered for his work with both Ministry and Rigor Mortis. Born in New York, Scaccia co-founded Rigor Mortis with high school friends Harden Harrison and Casey Orr in 1983. After relocating to Dallas, Texas, the band more-or-less introduced thrash metal to the region. Within a few years, the band capitalized on the record industry’s interest in the genre and scored a deal with Capitol Records who released their self-titled debut in 1988. Unceremoniously dropped by Capitol not long after, the band found a longer-lasting home with Metal Blade before Scaccia went on to tour with Ministry in 1989. He officially left Rigor Mortis in 1991 and became a full-fledged member of Ministry in time to play on their classic, Psalm 69 album which has sold over a million copies. He left the Ministry in 1996 and reformed Rigor Mortis in 2003, continuing to perform and record with them until the time of his death. He also went back to work with Ministry and played with Revolting Cocks throughout. While performing with Rigor Mortis in Fort Worth, Texas on December 23, 2012, Mike Sciaccia collapsed and died on stage apparently due to a seizure brought on by strobe lighting in the venue. He was 47.
Thanks to Paul Bearer for the assist.
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