Well-known in the local music community, singer Michael Heggedus, who fronted the Nightmare: A Tribute to Alice Cooper, passed away last night unexpectedly due to a heart attack. He was only 45 years old. He’s survived by his wife Helen. You can read the obituary here. A memorial fund was started to collect money to help Helen cover funeral expenses. 

“Mike was a longtime listener to my radio show [‘Metal on Metal’],” says Auburn Records owner and WJCU DJ Bill Peters. “He was an avid heavy metal/hard rock fan and collector too. I have known him for many years. My daughter Lily and I would see the Nightmare regularly. The band played my fiftieth birthday party at the Maple Grove a couple of years ago. I am still in shock. The news hit me hard this morning. I am really going to miss this guy. I loved talking music with him. He was very well-versed and knowledgeable. He touched so many people’s lives in a positive way through his music and was genuinely a great person. My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael’s family and friends he left behind. A very sad day for all of us.”

The Nightmare came together in 2007 after Heggedus and Michael McCollum, acquaintances from other bands, met at a club.

“He was always friendly,” says McCollum when asked about how he initially put the band together with Heggedus, Angelo Incorvia and Sean Furlong. “We talked about different bands and discovered we both had an appreciation of Alice Cooper.”

The band had 40 to 50 Cooper songs in its repertoire and played 80 shows during its run. It even headlined the Akron Civic Theatre on one occasion. According to McCollum, Heggedus, who also fronted Iron Maiden and Cheap Trick tribute acts, really enjoyed the theatrical nature of the performances.

“For every gig we did, he wore 15 to 20 Alice Cooper T-shirts and would do costume changes,” says McCollum. “I’ve been in bands for years but I’ve never been in a band with someone so committed to changing outfits and visuals.”

Here’s a promotional video that Heggedus did for the Exchange. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=_jdqnv8ziHg

This article appears in Feb 11-17, 2015.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.

14 replies on “The Nightmare: A Tribute to Alice Cooper Singer Passes Away Suddenly”

  1. It was a privilege as well as a pleasure to have met and been entertained by Mike Heggedus and the band Nightmare. RIP Mike

  2. Michael was such a great guy and a wonderful entertainer. My heart goes out to everyone who knew him, especially his wife and parents. Blessed be, Michael. May you never be forgotten. R.I.P.

  3. Blessed be , Michael Heggedus. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. R.I.P., friend. My prayers and love go out to all who knew and loved him, especially Helen and his parents. I’m so sorry for your loss. He touched a lot of lives. I hope that brings you some comfort.

  4. We all are at a loss for words. I will be ever greatful to him for introducing me to a Alice Cooper. …and he did his Cheap Trick tribute justice. Many prayers to his family and his wife.

  5. Michael was my very dear friend for many yrs. I was honored to perform with him in THE NIGHTMARE with all our costumed antics on stage. I love you and miss you brother.

  7. Nice article, thank you so much , mike was all about passion, passion for the music , passion for the people , one of kind , a very special person , rest in peace , my dear freind , see you on the other side,

  8. …I saw Mike perform at Iron Saddle & a few other times…What a Great loss…He was an incredible Singer…

  10. The guy i looks up to most of my life. Not only was he my mentor but my best friend. Forever will I remember all the good times I’ve spent with him and working along his side for many gigs. Love you so much Mike ill never for get you.

  12. My cousin was a great guy. He will be missed by many. If he has ever touched your life, please donate to his memorial fund to help cover the funeral costs. No amount is too little. No one thinks they will die of a heart attack at age 45. Sad time for everyone.

  13. rest in peace, mike. … the Lamusga family will always love helen and your folks. God be with you.

  14. thinkin’ about you and loving you still, heggedus… we will never forget.

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