Losing a friend is always challenging, but it might be even harder to bid farewell when that friend has been there from the beginning of your career. Bob Nalbandian had been passionate about heavy metal for decades, and metal giants like Lars Ulrich and Dave Mustaine were heartbroken to hear about his passing. However, they wanted to honor and pay their respects to their late friend with the posts they shared on their social media platforms.
Nalbandian witnessed the early days of the metal scene when bands like Metallica and Megadeth were getting started. So, not only was he there since day one as he published articles for fellow metal fans, but Bob also directed documentaries, appreciating the metal scene, the artists, and the audience. So, when he recently lost his battle with cell lymphoma, Lars and Dave wanted to honor the late journalist with some heartwarming messages.
“Bob, thank you for your contributions to the hard rock [and] metal community,” wrote the Metallica drummer as he shared a picture of him with Nalbandian on Instagram. “For over 40 years, your spirit, passion, and dedication to this music and everything it represents has been unparalleled and inspiring. Rest in Peace, brother.”
Dave also paid homage to Bob, as he shared a photo of the two on his Twitter and penned a message addressing the journalist’s death. Mustaine said, “Sad news today, my friend Bob Nalbandian, the metal legend who helped me find Marty Friedman, has passed away. We will miss you terribly, Bob. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
So, as Nalbandian was there for these two cult metal bands from the very beginning of their career when they had just started as unfamiliar faces in the music industry, Lars and Dave wanted to honor Bob’s years-long work and appreciation for the metal scene. They also probably wanted to remind everyone how much he had brought into the then-new genre with his love of music.
Sad news today, my friend Bob Nalbandian, the metal legend who helped me find Marty Friedman, has passed away. We will miss you terribly, Bob. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/2H4wgfDYpy
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) December 31, 2022
