Brian Montana, the original guitarist for the death metal band Possessed, met a tragic end in a police shootout at his home in San Francisco. The incident unfolded when Montana, upset over his neighbor’s yard debris, engaged in a confrontation that escalated into gunfire, involving multiple weapons. Police arrived on the scene to find Montana firing at them, leading to a standoff that ended with officers fatally shooting him.
The South San Francisco Police Department reported that Montana, aged 60, fired at officers with a handgun, shotgun, and rifle, prompting the police to return fire. The authorities highlighted that alcohol was a factor in the confrontation. While Montana’s death is lamentable, officials expressed relief that no one else was injured in the incident.
Possessed, a pioneering group in the death metal genre, saw Brian Montana as a key member during its early days in San Francisco. The band, which included Mike Torrao, Mike Sus, and Jeff Becera, gained recognition in the thrash metal scene and garnered attention with their demo “Death Metal” in 1984. Despite their promising start, internal conflicts led to Montana’s departure from the band after the release of their track “Swing of the Axe” on Metal Blade Records’ compilation.
In an interview, Montana cited differences with Torrao as the reason for his exit, describing his former bandmate’s negative attitude and criticism of his image. Montana’s departure marked the end of his tenure with Possessed but left a significant impact on the band’s trajectory and the evolving death metal scene.
The tragic demise of Brian Montana serves as a somber reminder of the complexities and challenges within the music industry, where personal dynamics and artistic differences can lead to unforeseen consequences. Montana’s contributions to Possessed and the broader metal music landscape underscore the passion and intensity that artists bring to their craft, often navigating a fine line between creativity and conflict.
As the investigation into Montana’s death continues, the music community reflects on the legacy of Possessed and the talented individuals, like Montana, who helped shape the genre. The dynamics of band relationships and the pressures of artistic expression remain focal points in understanding the complexities of the music industry and the human stories behind the music we love.
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