Brian Montana, a prominent guitarist for the death metal band Possessed, tragically died in a shootout with police on Monday in South San Francisco. Montana, 60, was fatally shot after an escalating dispute with his neighbor over tree clippings turned violent. Authorities confirmed that Montana brandished a weapon toward his neighbor, prompting a response from the South San Francisco Police Department.
The altercation unfolded around 6 p.m. local time, when police were dispatched to the 300 block of Arroyo Drive after reports of an armed man threatening a neighbor. Upon arrival, officers observed Montana firing a weapon at someone inside a home. As the situation escalated, Montana retreated to a nearby driveway, where he began firing at police officers using a combination of firearms: a handgun, shotgun, and rifle.
The standoff lasted for approximately 30 minutes, with officers taking cover behind patrol cars and returning fire. Despite receiving first aid at the scene, Montana was pronounced dead shortly after the incident. A resident from the neighborhood was also injured in the exchange but is expected to survive. Fortunately, no officers were harmed during the confrontation.
Montana’s death marks a tragic moment for the metal community. He was an influential figure in the death metal scene, having been an early member of Possessed, a band known for its contributions to the genre alongside other prominent acts like Metallica, Death Angel, and Testament. Possessed was currently touring in support of their latest album, Revelations of Oblivion, and had over 195,000 followers on Instagram. In the wake of Montana’s death, the band posted a tribute on their social media, sharing an image of the late musician with the message, “Rest in Peace Brian Montana.”
Law enforcement officials have stated that the incident is under investigation by the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office. The police officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave as part of standard protocol. Additional details, including video and audio recordings of the incident, are expected to be released to the public in the coming weeks.
Montana’s death adds to the tragic history of Possessed, as he becomes the second band member to be involved in a shooting incident. In 1989, lead singer Jeff Becerra was shot during a robbery, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Becerra later discussed the traumatic event in a 2019 interview, where he described how he was shot by two robbers while out purchasing cigarettes. His injuries, which changed the course of his life, were a reminder of the dangers faced by many musicians, particularly those with a high-profile presence in the public eye.
As the investigation into Montana’s death continues, the death metal community mourns the loss of a key figure who had contributed to the genre’s development. Montana’s influence on the world of heavy metal, both as a musician and as a member of one of its most enduring bands, will not be forgotten. His untimely death, however, leaves behind a sense of sadness and reflection on the fragility of life, particularly for those in the spotlight.
