We are saddened to report that our friend, Mike Scaccia, long-time guitarist with Ministry and Rigor Mortis, as well as a clinician for Gibson Guitars, died last Saturday. Scaccia, 47, collapsed onstage during a gig with Rigor Mortis in Fort Worth, Texas, and died shortly after. Cause of death was listed as a sudden heart attack brought on by undetected heart disease.
Born in 1965, Scaccia formed thrash-metal band Rigor Mortis in 1983. In 1989, he was invited to join Ministry by Al Jourgenson. He appeared on many Ministry recordings, including the band’s best-selling album, 1992’s Psalm 69: The Way to Succeed and the Way to Suck Eggs.
Mike Scaccia visited Sweetwater several times and became a friend of the company. He was recently interviewed for a Sweetwater Guitars & Gear video, where he discussed his career and his unique playing style.
Our condolences to his family, friends, and fans.