Brian Montana, who was the original guitarist for the iconic death metal band Possessed, tragically lost his life during a police shootout in San Francisco earlier this week. This unfortunate event has shocked the music community, highlighting the often-overlooked struggles faced by artists.

According to reports from The Daily Journal, the incident began on Monday (April 28) when Montana became embroiled in a dispute with his neighbor in South San Francisco. The conflict arose over the neighbor’s tree branches and leaves encroaching upon Montana’s yard, which he found bothersome and irritating.

Authorities were called to the scene after receiving alarming reports that Montana had threatened his neighbor with a firearm. Upon their arrival, the situation had escalated dramatically, with Montana reportedly firing multiple weapons at the neighbor’s residence, prompting the police to summon additional backup.

In a disturbing turn of events, Montana fired at the police from his driveway while seeking cover behind parked vehicles and landscaping features. Sadly, he was shot and killed at the scene, marking a tragic end to his life at the age of 60. Meanwhile, the neighbor sustained a graze wound and was transported to the hospital for medical attention.

“It was reported that there was some alcohol involved on the shooter’s side,” stated District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe. “While his death is a tragedy, it is fortunate that no one else was hurt or injured more severely during this incident.”

The authorities confirmed Montana’s identity the following day, sending shockwaves through the music world.

Exploring Montana’s Pioneering Role in Possessed

Brian Montana joined Possessed in 1983 after responding to an advertisement seeking a guitarist placed by founding members Mike Torrao and Mike Sus. The band recorded a demo titled Death Metal in 1984, but Montana departed from the group later that same year, marking a significant chapter in the band’s early history.

In an interview with Voices From the Darkside, Montana reminisced about his time with the band, saying, “After I joined, we spent a lot of time together. I was the original guitarist alongside Torrao. Initially, we were just a garage band without any gigs. However, as we began performing at clubs, our bond strengthened, and we truly enjoyed making music together.”

READ MORE: The Best Death Metal Album of Each Year Since 1985

“I ultimately left the band due to Torrao’s troubling attitude. He would constantly criticize me, almost like a nagging relative who wouldn’t let things go. He took issue with my image, claiming I wasn’t ‘evil’ enough. He persistently urged me to adopt a more satanic appearance, even suggesting I wear an upside-down crucifix,” Montana revealed.

Possessed Vocalist Jeff Becerra’s Journey of Resilience After Gunshot Injury

Longtime vocalist Jeff Becerra faced life-altering challenges after being shot by two armed robbers in 1989, at a time when Possessed had disbanded. Becerra was working a construction job when this harrowing event took place, dramatically changing the course of his life and career.

Becerra recounted the traumatic experience, sharing how he was cornered by the assailants after purchasing a pack of cigarettes. They demanded his money, but he chose to resist, leading to a violent confrontation.

“During the struggle, I ended up getting shot multiple times. The first assailant pressed a 9-millimeter gun against my chest, which shattered my ribs and punctured my lungs, lodging a bullet in my spine. I still have a 9-millimeter slug lodged at vertebrae T3,” he explained in a 2019 interview with The Underground Metal Gamer.

“The second assailant was positioned about 15 feet away, leaving me with nowhere to escape. The first shot was startling, and before I could process it, the second shot followed swiftly,” he recalled.

In a remarkable display of resilience, Becerra walked for the first time in over 30 years in September 2021, aided by cutting-edge robotic legs, marking a significant milestone in his journey toward recovery.