In a rather dramatic turn of events, Vitriol members Keith Merrow (guitar), Andy Vincenzetti (drums), and Brett Leier (bass) quit the band and allegedly left frontman Kyle Rasmussen stranded at a Vermont gas station following a significant argument.
According to Merrow’s statement, the departure was a direct consequence of Rasmussen’s conduct on the road.
“HE F**KED AROUND AND FOUND OUT. I’LL BE HOME FOR THANKSGIVING, BABY,” Merrow wrote at the time of the departure. “SORRY VITRIOL FANS. WE HAD TO ABANDON HIM AT A GAS STATION IN VERMONT. MYSELF, ANDY, BRETT, AND MATT WILL NOT TAKE KYLE‘S COWARDLY AND WEAK OUTBURSTS OF MISPLACED ANGER. WE GAVE EVERYTHING WE HAD, AND NOW HAVE NOW LEFT YOU WITH NOTHING. MASS EXODUS. THIS WAS THE DARKEST DAY OF MY MUSIC CAREER TO DATE.”
Merrow has now responded to Rasmussen‘s lengthy two-video statements, which you can find right here. Merrow simply stated that “Kyle s*cks” and cited that Vitriol has quite a few ex-members, saying it’s “same s**t as every other victim of his abuse.”
“Everyone who’s reading this – Me, Brett, and Andy left Vitriol because Kyle s*cks. That’s it. It doesn’t require an absolutely psychotic 2 part video series to explain. He irrationally screamed at the whole crew at the top of his lungs on multiple occasions we simply won’t tolerate it, just like all the other 19 people who left this failed band. What more needs to be said? It’s the same s**t as every other victim of his abuse”
Merrow continued: “I’ve received so many messages in the past 24 hours from you guys. We really appreciate your kind words. The silver lining in this situation is that i met Brett and Andy. We’re continuing together as a band under a different name because we love each other. The amazing bambino crew will be joining us as sound engineers.”
Rasmussen has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for transportation and shelter to get himself, his significant other Maggie, and their dog Ghost back home to Portland. You can donate to that effort here.
“My name is Kyle, and I’m reaching out for help after an unexpected and difficult turn of events,” told Rasmussen. “While on tour with a band, my girlfriend Maggie, our dog Ghost, and I were left stranded at a remote gas station in upstate New York. After a disagreement with a band member, we suddenly found ourselves as far from home as we could possibly be, with very little money and no way to feed ourselves or secure transportation to get back to Portland, Oregon.”
“Since being left behind, we’ve relied on the kindness of strangers just to get by. The last 24 hours have been a struggle, trying to keep Maggie and Ghost safe and healthy while figuring out how to make it home. The uncertainty and stress have been overwhelming, but I’m determined to do whatever it takes to get us back to safety.”
“The funds raised will go directly toward securing a vehicle—either a rental or an affordable used car—along with gas, food, and lodging for the long journey home. I wouldn’t ask for myself, but I need to keep Maggie and Ghost safe. Any support, no matter how small, would mean the world to us right now. Thank you for reading our story and for considering helping us get home.”
Photo credit: Peter Beste
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