Shocking shootout: What really happened to death metal legend Brian Montana?
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The world of heavy metal was rocked this week by the tragic and shocking death of Brian Montana, a pioneering guitarist best known for his early work with the influential band Possessed.
For many fans, Montana’s name is synonymous with the birth of death metal—a genre that pushed the boundaries of music and culture in the 1980s.
But on a quiet evening in South San Francisco, Montana’s life came to a violent end in a dramatic shootout with police, leaving a community stunned and searching for answers.
A Fateful Evening in South San Francisco
According to the South San Francisco Police Department, the incident began over something as mundane as tree clippings.
At 5:52 p.m., police received a 911 call reporting that a man—later identified as Brian Montana, age 60—was brandishing a gun at his neighbor during an argument about yard debris.
What started as a neighborhood dispute quickly escalated into a life-or-death standoff.
When officers arrived, they found Montana armed and agitated. Authorities say he took cover behind parked cars and landscaping, and over the course of nearly half an hour, he fired at police using not just a handgun, but also a shotgun and a rifle.
Officers, using their patrol cars for cover, returned fire. One neighbor was injured in the crossfire, but their wounds were not life-threatening.
Ultimately, Montana was struck and pronounced dead at the scene.
A Troubled End for a Metal Trailblazer
For those who followed Montana’s career, the news is both shocking and heartbreaking. As an early guitarist for Possessed, Montana helped shape a genre that would influence countless bands, including Metallica, Death Angel, and Testament.
Possessed’s 1985 album Seven Churches is widely regarded as one of the first true death metal records, and Montana’s aggressive guitar work was a key part of the band’s sound.
Also read: Protect yourself: What to do if police knock at your door in the middle of the night
Sadly, Montana is not the first member of Possessed to be touched by gun violence.
In 1989, vocalist Jeff Becerra was shot twice during a robbery, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.
Source: ABC7 News Bay Area / Youtube.
Despite the tragic circumstances of his death, Brian Montana’s influence on music endures. Possessed’s raw, uncompromising sound helped lay the groundwork for generations of metal musicians.
Their peers—bands like Metallica and Testament—have gone on to global fame, but Possessed’s underground legacy remains vital to fans who cherish the genre’s roots.
If you’re new to Possessed or want to revisit their groundbreaking work, albums like Seven Churches and Beyond the Gates are essential listening. Montana’s guitar work, fierce and innovative, still inspires musicians today.
Source: POSSESSED / Youtube.
How Can We Prevent Similar Tragedies?
While we may never know exactly what led to the escalation in South San Francisco, there are steps we can all take to help prevent similar incidents:
- Check in on neighbors and friends: Sometimes, a simple conversation can defuse tension or reveal someone in need of help.
- Seek mediation for disputes: Many communities offer free or low-cost mediation services for neighbor conflicts.
- Support mental health resources: If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
- Secure firearms safely: Responsible gun ownership includes safe storage and regular mental health check-ins.
Read next: Brave and beloved ‘80s rock icon passes away at 66
Were you a fan of Brian Montana or Possessed? Do you have memories of the early days of death metal, or thoughts on how communities can better handle conflict? We want to hear from you. Share your stories, tributes, or ideas in the comments below!
Rest in peace, Brian Montana. Your music lives on.
For many fans, Montana’s name is synonymous with the birth of death metal—a genre that pushed the boundaries of music and culture in the 1980s.
But on a quiet evening in South San Francisco, Montana’s life came to a violent end in a dramatic shootout with police, leaving a community stunned and searching for answers.
A Fateful Evening in South San Francisco
According to the South San Francisco Police Department, the incident began over something as mundane as tree clippings.
At 5:52 p.m., police received a 911 call reporting that a man—later identified as Brian Montana, age 60—was brandishing a gun at his neighbor during an argument about yard debris.
What started as a neighborhood dispute quickly escalated into a life-or-death standoff.
When officers arrived, they found Montana armed and agitated. Authorities say he took cover behind parked cars and landscaping, and over the course of nearly half an hour, he fired at police using not just a handgun, but also a shotgun and a rifle.
Brian Montana, 60, an early guitarist for the pioneering 80s death metal band Possessed, was killed in a shootout with police in South San Francisco. Image source: NY Pulse / Youtube.
Officers, using their patrol cars for cover, returned fire. One neighbor was injured in the crossfire, but their wounds were not life-threatening.
Ultimately, Montana was struck and pronounced dead at the scene.
A Troubled End for a Metal Trailblazer
For those who followed Montana’s career, the news is both shocking and heartbreaking. As an early guitarist for Possessed, Montana helped shape a genre that would influence countless bands, including Metallica, Death Angel, and Testament.
Possessed’s 1985 album Seven Churches is widely regarded as one of the first true death metal records, and Montana’s aggressive guitar work was a key part of the band’s sound.
Also read: Protect yourself: What to do if police knock at your door in the middle of the night
Sadly, Montana is not the first member of Possessed to be touched by gun violence.
In 1989, vocalist Jeff Becerra was shot twice during a robbery, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.
Source: ABC7 News Bay Area / Youtube.
Despite the tragic circumstances of his death, Brian Montana’s influence on music endures. Possessed’s raw, uncompromising sound helped lay the groundwork for generations of metal musicians.
Their peers—bands like Metallica and Testament—have gone on to global fame, but Possessed’s underground legacy remains vital to fans who cherish the genre’s roots.
If you’re new to Possessed or want to revisit their groundbreaking work, albums like Seven Churches and Beyond the Gates are essential listening. Montana’s guitar work, fierce and innovative, still inspires musicians today.
Source: POSSESSED / Youtube.
How Can We Prevent Similar Tragedies?
While we may never know exactly what led to the escalation in South San Francisco, there are steps we can all take to help prevent similar incidents:
- Check in on neighbors and friends: Sometimes, a simple conversation can defuse tension or reveal someone in need of help.
- Seek mediation for disputes: Many communities offer free or low-cost mediation services for neighbor conflicts.
- Support mental health resources: If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
- Secure firearms safely: Responsible gun ownership includes safe storage and regular mental health check-ins.
Read next: Brave and beloved ‘80s rock icon passes away at 66
Were you a fan of Brian Montana or Possessed? Do you have memories of the early days of death metal, or thoughts on how communities can better handle conflict? We want to hear from you. Share your stories, tributes, or ideas in the comments below!
Rest in peace, Brian Montana. Your music lives on.
