Larry Howe, the longstanding drummer for veteran American power metal band Vicious Rumors, has been let go from the band, as per Blabbermouth.
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!
To clarify the statment:
VR is about the music! Not politics! Due to Larrys extreme views that have nothing to do with VR – four shows have been canceled so far because of this. It’s not about choosing sides in VR it’s about entertainment for all.
When the band is penalized this severly and our live events are being canceled, for one outspoken belief a change has to be made.
Upcoming shows:
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 – Orlando, FL, USA – West End Trading Co
Thursday, February 26, 2026 – Tampa, FL, USA – The Brass Mug
Friday, February 27, 2026 – Fort Myers, FL, USA – Stet’s Bar
Sunday, March 1, 2026 – Atlanta, GA, USA – 529
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 – Wichita, KS, USA – John Barleycorn’s
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 – Oklahoma City, OK, USA – 89th Street
Thursday, March 5, 2026 – Dallas, TX, USA – Haltom Theater
Friday, March 6, 2026 – Austin, TX, USA – Kickbutt Coffee
Saturday, March 7, 2026 – San Antonio, TX, USA – Fitzgerald’s
Monday, March 9, 2026 – Albuquerque, NM, USA – El Rey Theater
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 – Phoenix, AZ, USA – Rhythm Room
Thursday, March 12, 2026 – San Francisco, CA, USA – DNA Lounge
Friday, March 13, 2026 – Reno, NV, USA – Alturas Center Stage
Saturday, March 14, 2026 – Salt Lake City, UT, USA – Aces High Saloon
Sunday, March 15, 2026 – Colorado Springs, CO, USA – Lulu’s Downtown
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 – Lincoln, NE, USA – 1867 Bar
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – Iowa City, IA, USA – Wildwood
Thursday, March 19, 2026 – Chicago, IL, USA – Reggie’s
Saturday, March 21, 2026 – Kent, OH, USA – The Outpost
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 – Providence, RI, USA – Alchemy
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 – Rochester, NY, USA – Photo City
Thursday, March 26, 2026 – Catonsville, MD, USA – Morseburgers Tavern
Friday, March 27, 2026 – Newark, NJ, USA – Halftime Sports Bar
Saturday, March 28, 2026 – Bristol, CT, USA – Bleachers
Sunday, March 29, 2026 – Harrisburg, PA, USA – HMAC
Thursday, March 12, 2026 – Brooklyn, NY, USA – Rage of Armageddon
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – Madison, WI, USA – Blades of Steel