Mike Scaccia Memorial Service Announced

It was just a few short days ago I had to report the unfortunate news of Mike Scaccia's sudden death on the 22nd.   Fans are all invited to pay their respect to the late Ministry/Revolting Cocks/Rigor Mortis guitarist at his official memorial service, being held this Sunday, December 30 at 3:00 p.m. at Aristide Event Center in Mansfield, Texas. Again, the event is open to the public, so friends, family and fans are all welcome.

The details-
Aristide Event Center
570 North Walnut Creek Drive
Mansfield, TX 76063

Scaccia died this past Saturday night (December 22) while performing with his current band, Rigor Mortis at The Rail Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

Some more details on the tragic event has been released and it is now official that the cause of death was a sudden heart attack brought on by a heart disease. According to the Tarrant County medical examiner's office the official report states 'atherosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease' as the culprit. Officials ruled it a natural death. He was 47 years old. No drugs involved here, folks. Just a solid guy who was robbed the privilege of growing old.

According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, police responded to a call from the club at 11:45 p.m. Saturday, and Sciacca was pronounced dead at 12:26 a.m. in the emergency room at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth.

His daughter Sarah posted a message on his Facebook page at 3 a.m. Dallas time on Sunday, saying, "I love you so much dad. I love you so much." Mike had two toddlers - Sarah and Taarna Scaccia Hopkins

Mike is survived by his wife Jenny Rowen Scaccia, with whom he has two toddlers, and daughters Sarah Scaccia and Taarna Scaccia Hopkins.

Ministry/Rigor Mortis Guitar, RIP

Man, I hate posting updates like this.  In fact I'd even rather post about the brilliance of bands like Attack Attack or how real Bret Micheal's wig looks than do another RIP post.  But alas, I must take a moment to say RIP to Ministry and Rigor Mortis guitarist Mike Scaccia who died after collapsing onstage during a performance.  The news is still very fresh, as the show was only last night (Dec. 22).  I am sure more details will be released, but as for now not too much is known as the cause.   I can't imagine seeing a musician collapse on stay like that.  I send my best to those around him.

The only details as of now are that the musician was performing with thrashers, Rigor Mortis, at the Rail Club in Fort Worth, Texas, when he suddenly fell to the ground from a seizure.  Classic Rock magazine reports "that one of the band’s members returned to the address the crowd, stating only, 'It doesn’t look good.' Scaccia was rushed to the hospital, but passed away soon after."   That's horrible, I can't imagine what everyone was thinking.

And it gets worse- the band's singer, Bruce Corbitt, had scheduled this specific show to celebrate his 50th birthday.  Obviously he was very close with Scaccia, and he posted the following on his Facebook:

“My brother is gone! The only reason I am who I am is because of this man. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t even be in a band. RIP Mike — the greatest guitar player I ever knew. I’m proud to say that I was always Mike Scaccia’s biggest fan, and always will be.”

This is such sad news right before Christmas (and any time for that matter).  I won't lie and act like I even knew this guys name before hearing this awful news, but I do of course know Ministry and Rigor Mortis, and have been to a enough shows to know this is NOT what is supposed to happen.  Scaccia helped form Rigor Mortis in 1983 and by 1988, had the band signed to Capitol Records with their self-titled debut being released shortly after.  Scaccia's time in Ministry can be heard on the band's ‘Psalm 69′ (1992) and ’Filth Pig’ (1996) albums.   RIP, Mike.