Veteran U.S. power metal band Vicious Rumors have announced that longtime drummer Larry Howe has departed the group. Howe, who joined the band in 1985, had been a key member for decades and played an important role in shaping their sound and live performances.
The band shared the news in a detailed statement posted on social media:
“Important statement: After years of disagreement on the issue, Vicious Rumors will no longer be touring with long time drummer Larry Howe.”
“As a band we have never agreed with Larry‘s personal political ambitions.”
“As hard as it is to let an original member go VR can no longer tolerate being punished by association for Larry‘s personal opinions. They do not reflect the opinion of Vicious Rumors.”
“Our message is simple and clear: Unity! and celebrating heavy metal together! This message hasn’t changes since VR started in 1979! We wrote songs like ‘World Church’ to bring people together. That’s our message for Vicious Rumors.”
“Out of respect to VR, Larry will honor the bands commitment to the U.S. leg of ‘The Devil’s Asylum Tour’. Just days away from Feb 25th to March 28th.”
“We want to thank Larry for all these years of commitment to the band and his incredible musicianship. We’ll announce new touring drummer soon.”
“Now let’s get back to the heavy metal music doing the talking!”
“See you VR maniacs on tour in the US and Europe soon. 75 shows starting in one week! Let’s go!”
Howe has also been open about his patriotic beliefs on social media, describing himself in his Instagram bio as a “rock ‘n’ roll patriot” and writing: “God bless America, the best country ever.!”
Although the split brings a lengthy chapter to a close, Vicious Rumors assured fans that the U.S. run of “The Devil’s Asylum Tour” will move forward as scheduled, with Howe fulfilling the band’s upcoming obligations. The group also indicated that a new touring drummer will be revealed in the near future.
“The Devil’s Asylum Tour” Dates:
February
- 25 – Orlando, FL – West End Trading Co.
- 26 – Tampa, FL – The Brass Mug
- 27 – Fort Myers, FL – Stet’s Bar
March
- 1 – Atlanta, GA – 529
- 3 – Wichita, KS – John Barleycorn’s
- 4 – Oklahoma City, OK – 89th Street
- 5 – Dallas, TX – Haltom Theater
- 6 – Austin, TX – Kickbutt Coffee
- 7 – San Antonio, TX – Fitzgerald’s
- 9 – Albuquerque, NM – El Rey Theater
- 10 – Phoenix, AZ – Rhythm Room
- 12 – San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge
- 13 – Reno, NV – Alturas Center Stage
- 14 – Salt Lake City, UT – Aces High Saloon
- 15 – Colorado Springs, CO – LuLu’s Downtown
- 17 – Lincoln, NE – 1867 Bar
- 18 – Iowa City, IA – Wildwood
- 19 – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s
- 21 – Kent, OH – The Outpost
- 24 – Providence, RI – Alchemy
- 25 – Rochester, NY – Photo City
- 26 – Catonsville, MD – Morseburgers Tavern
- 27 – Newark, NJ – Halftime Sports Bar
- 28 – Bristol, CT – Bleachers
- 29 – Harrisburg, PA – HMAC
September
- 12 – Brooklyn, NY – Rage Of Armageddon Festival
- 18 – Madison, WI – Blades Of Steel Festival
