Brian Montana, original guitarist for death metal pioneers Possessed, was killed by police in San Francisco. Authorities report the shooting occurred after a dispute with a neighbor led to Montana firing weapons. He was 60. His contributions include the band’s influential 1984 Death Metal demo.
Details of the Incident
Brian Montana, a foundational figure in the early days of the legendary death metal band Possessed, was killed during a shootout with police earlier this week in South San Francisco. The incident marks a tragic end for the musician who contributed significantly to the genre’s formation.
According to a report from The Daily Journal, the fatal event occurred on Monday, April 28. It began with a dispute between Montana and his neighbor concerning tree branches and leaves falling into Montana‘s yard. The situation escalated, prompting a police dispatch after Montana allegedly threatened the neighbor with a firearm.
Police Response and Fatal Shooting
When officers arrived at the scene, Montana was reportedly firing multiple weapons towards the neighbor’s home. Authorities state that Montanathen directed his fire towards the responding police officers from his driveway, using vehicles and landscaping for cover. Officers returned fire, and Brian Montana was killed at the scene. He was 60 years old. His neighbor sustained a non-life-threatening graze wound and received treatment at a local hospital. No police officers were injured.
Official Statements
Local authorities publicly confirmed Montana’s identity the day after the incident. Confirming details, District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe stated: “On the shooter’s side, there was some alcohol involved. His death is a tragedy, but it’s fortunate that nobody else wasn’t hit or injured more seriously.” The circumstances surrounding Brian Montana being killed highlight a neighborhood dispute turning violent.
Brian Montana became part of Possessed in 1983, answering a flyer posted by founding members Mike Torrao and Mike Sus. His guitar work was crucial on the band’s highly influential 1984 demo, Death Metal – a recording that famously lent its name to the burgeoning musical genre.
“I was the original guitarist besides Torrao, so when I joined we were still just a garage band; didn’t even have our first gig yet,” Montana recalled in an interview with Voices From the Darkside. “After we started playing the clubs, we bonded more and had a lot more fun with it.” Montana’s tenure with Possessed was short-lived; he departed later in 1984.
He cited interpersonal conflicts as the reason for leaving. “I left the band because Torrao had a terrible attitude problem and wouldn’t stop ragging at me… He didn’t think I was evil enough or something. He was always ragging on me to wear an upside down crucifix and be satanic.”
Despite his brief involvement, Montana‘s contribution was significant, helping establish the sonic foundation for one of death metal’s most revered and pioneering bands.
