Death metal band Possessed got their start in the early ‘80s and are often credited as one of the first bands of the genre. The band has had several incarnations over the years, and one early lineup included guitarist Brian Montana.
Earlier this week it was reported that Montana was killed in a standoff with police. A press release from the San Francisco Police Department says that Montana was waving a firearm at a neighbor, and when police arrived he began “actively shooting into an occupied residence.”
The statement continued: “Over the next 25 minutes, the suspect armed himself with three different types of firearms (handgun, shotgun, and rifle) and fired at officers from different locations within the driveway while seeking cover and concealment using both vehicles in the driveway and landscaping,” wrote the South San Francisco Police Department.”
“Officers used police vehicles as cover from the barage of gunfire and were able to return fire. Officers were able to strike the suspect, effectively preventing him from continued shooting at officers and nearby residences. Once the suspect was confirmed he was no longer a threat to officers, an approach to take him into custody was made and he was found to be non-responsive. Life saving measures were performed and medical personnel were called to the scene. The suspect succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Montana played with Possessed from 1983 to 1984. The band paid tribute to him in a post via Instagram saying: “I just feel like people should know that Brian Montana was a very nice guy. He was jovial and a gentleman. He was into martial arts and he was an excellent guitar player. Brian was always cracking jokes and he was a good person. Although we weren’t in touch often and more than a phone call here and there. The Brian I know is from when we were still just kids back in the beginning of Possessed. He was nothing like what I’m seeing being written about him. In fact, I think that’s one of the reasons that led to him leaving Possessed. He just wasn’t willing to be as dark as we wanted him to be at that time. We were going for that evil imagery, and Brian was just so lighthearted, even goofy in a good way. He was obviously going through some struggles and I think this is the time to be respectful towards the Montana family and friends as this is a tragic time for them. I’m sure there’s a lot more to this story but that would be up to Brian‘s family to tell or not to tell. I know that I still feel this is a great loss and I’m deeply saddened.”
