Mike Scaccia, guitarist with heavy metal bands Rigor Mortis and Ministry, has died at the age of 47 after collapsing on stage during a live show in Texas.

The rocker (pictured below) was performing at a birthday celebration for Rigor Mortis frontman Bruce Corbitt when he collapsed and was taken to hospital, but he tragically died.

Ministry's lead singer, Al Jourgensen, informed fans of the sad news via the band's official website and wrote: "I just lost my lil' brother and my best friend. Mikey was not only the best guitar player in the history of music, but he was a close, close, close part of our family - and I just lost a huge chunk of my heart today."

"Our lives are forever changed. Life without Mikey is like orange juice without pulp - kind of bland."

Corbitt also paid tribute to his friend on Facebook, describing him as "the greatest guitar player I ever knew".

"My brother is gone. The only reason I am who I am is because of this man. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't even be in a band."

Watch a video tribute to Scaccia below: