Former Megadeth drummer Lee Rauch performed on the band’s first ever demo, “Last Rites,” which featured three tracks. He played live with the band in its early days but left soon after the band launched and was replaced by Gar Samuelson.
Sadly, it was announced by Rauch’s brother that he has passed away.
“Today is a very sad day, we lost my brother William Lee Rauch,” his brother Chris wrote.
“Lee was a very strong man of faith so I know he is with God now. He was an Awesome drummer, who helped launch one of the biggest metal names in history by being the first drummer for Megadeth, playing along side Dave Mustaine, Kerry King and David Ellifson. His heart was set on making it big and came very close numerous times.”
“Lee was a very loving and giving individual who was extremely hard working, he continued to play drums later in his life for the church which made him happy. He was a loving son and a very honorable man. Most of all, he was my brother and though I didn’t always keep in touch the way I should have, I loved him very much and he will be greatly missed to my core.”
“I love you brother, good journey. Hope you enjoy that setup they’ve got up there for you bro, bet its not as big as your blue set was though, lol. There will be a memorial service held for Lee, when we have the date and time I will relay it here. Please keep our family in your prayers.”
Megadeth singer/guitarist Dave Mustaine was asked in 2004 about what happened to Rauch after he left the band.
“I don’t know,” Mustaine said. “He wasn’t necessarily an original drummer. He was a guy that we really liked, and then one day sitting on the steps of Billy Cordero’s house, when David Ellefson and I were squatting…we just kind of met this kid, went to his house and filtrated his bedroom and never left for a couple months. Lee was telling us how he had given his soul to Satan, and I know enough about black magic that if you really do the actual act of giving your soul to Satan, you have to have sex with Satan to consecrate the deal. You had to have sex and have a Satanic priest take the embodiment of Satan on so he can sodomize you. And I asked him, ‘So, who was the priest?’ And he said, ‘My priest was a guy named David.’ I was like…’I’m out of here!'”
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