Last night, I had the chance to attend a special screening of This Was My Life: Nick Menza’s Metal Memories With Megadeth and Beyond—and what a night it was.

The film had its official premiere last weekend in Los Angeles, but this particular screening took place much closer to home: a cozy little theatre in the small town of Hawthorne, Northern New Jersey. Why Hawthorne? BayView Entertainment,, the company behind the film, is based just a few miles away in Pompton Plains.

The Hawthorne Theatre was packed—and not just with metalheads. Multiple events were happening that night, including a religious film screening for Good Friday and other fundraisers, so the lobby became an unexpectedly wild mix of long-haired metal fans and churchgoers in dress clothes. It was the most New Jersey scene imaginable.

As we entered, none other than Megadeth’s David Ellefson was there to greet fans. Super friendly, gracious, and endlessly patient, he signed autographs, posed for photos, and chatted with just about everyone. Just a genuinely nice guy.

The guest list was impressive. I spotted Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth of Overkill, Mark Strigl from That Metal Show and SiriusXM, Richie Rano from Starz, Mike Schnapp (film producer and DJ), Frank White (photographer and author). I also had a great conversation with Nick Menza’s son, Nicholas—both at the theatre and later that night over drinks.

While waiting to be seated, I struck up a conversation with a guy whose name escapes me, but his story stuck: he was the very first person to send a drawing to the Uncle Floyd Show, which went on to become a recurring part of that beloved local cult classic. For those unfamiliar, Uncle Floyd was a legendary comedy-variety show out of the NY/NJ area that introduced tons of underground musicians to new audiences. David Bowie even wrote a song about Floyd, who also made a cameo in Good Morning, Vietnam.

Honestly, I’m still trying to remember everyone I saw that night.

But let’s talk about the film—it was excellent. Nearly two hours long, but so well edited and paced that it flew by. Narrated by Ellefson himself, the documentary features intimate interviews with Menza’s family, friends, and bandmates. It was heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply moving. You’ll laugh, you might cry. Maybe both.

After the screening, there was a thoughtful Q&A with David Ellefson, Nicholas Menza, director Holly Mollohan Grayson, and composer Jane Saunders.

Fun fact: Nick Menza’s father, Don Menza, wrote the original “Pink Panther” theme. The musical legacy clearly runs deep.

The night wrapped up at Blackjack Mulligan’s—just across the street from the theatre—where karaoke night was in full swing, mostly with college kids. A few recognized Ellefson, but others walked by without a clue. At one point, a girl in a Metallica shirt passed right by him without noticing. Classic.

All in all, it was an unforgettable evening—part tribute, part celebration, and entirely Jersey.