Veteran U.S. power metallers Vicious Rumors have announced the departure of their longtime drummer Larry Howe, citing irreconcilable differences over his personal political views.
In a statement shared on social media on February 18, the band said: “After years of disagreement on the issue, Vicious Rumors will no longer be touring with longtime 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!”
The band emphasized that their mission of bringing people together through music, a core message since forming in 1979, remains unchanged. They also confirmed that Howe will honor the band’s commitment to the U.S. leg of The Devil’s Asylum Tour, running from February 25 to March 28, before a new touring drummer is announced.
Howe, who joined Vicious Rumors in 1985, describes himself as a “rock ‘n’ roll patriot” on social media. The band’s upcoming 2026 tour spans 75 shows across the U.S. and Europe, and they concluded their statement encouraging fans: “Now let’s get back to the heavy metal music doing the talking! See you VR maniacs on tour soon!”
Vicious Rumors then clarified: “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.”
In a personal statement, Howe offered the following: ‘The skull. A depiction often used in vicious rumors merchandise and logos as in numerous other heavy metal bands. The reason being that it is the denomination of the collective gathering of a particular type of music enthusiast, the heavy metal fan.
“The main reason for this is that it is the one characteristic that we all share. It does not matter what color skin lies on top of the skull, what color the hair -or if there is any, and also for what goes on inside between the ears. All these things can be different, the one thing that we all have in common is the skull. Nothing can change this. Those differences are the things we should all look beyond as we listen to the music we love, and attend live shows playing the music, taking us away from a judgmental world if only just for a few hours at a show.
“So when I see junk journalism in what amounts to a grocery store gossip rag disguising itself as a heavy metal magazine, chastising band members such as myself and other musicians for their proclivities and beliefs, I see it as a crack in the system. These types of divide and conquer tactics are usually embraced by controlling authoritarian oligarchs, or corrupt career politicians, or DIGITAL DICTATORS. This cannot stand.
“The heavy metal industry as a whole is one of the smallest markets in the entire music industry, and we shouldn’t allow it to disintegrate through infighting like children yelling on a playground in a ‘cancel culture’. Yes, I am guilty of reposting some memes that have upset some people. It was not my intention and I humbly apologize.
“But we cannot afford to let this bastardization of opinion splinter the very foundation of the heavy metal scene around the planet. We need to embrace our differences to be stronger than ever, and remain vigilant and yearn for the freedom to express our opinions and thoughts without such a destructive result. United we stand divided we fall . Remember, in the state run entity, there is no music or freedom of speech, and this is something that we simply cannot ever allow to happen.
“Musicians and fans alike look forward to these gatherings as a way to escape the banalities of life. Work related problems, stress , loss of relationships, marriage, divorces, foreclosure, bankruptcy… etc. etc. These are the things we ALL need to leave behind as we attend live music events.
“If you feel the need to attack any musician over something they have randomly said or posted, you have that right. That is the double edged sword of freedom of speech. But please don’t seek to destroy the heavy metal scene we’ve all been building for decades. It is like one big family and we need for it to remain so. Whatever our differences may be.
“So now I will politely walk away from the European tour since the German promoters felt the need to cancel the shows Geoff had worked so hard to arrange for our fans. This is an unfortunate result. Please continue to support the band that has been such a big part of my life for so long. FYI, I’m still doing all of the American shows.! It really should be an interesting tour!! don’t miss it!”
Get those dates below and get your tickets here.
2/25 Orlando, FL West End Trading Co.
2/26 Tampa, FL The Brass Mug
3/1 Atlanta, GA 529
3/10 Phoenix, AZ Rhythm Room
3/12 San Francisco, CA DNA Lounge
3/13 Reno, NV Alturas Center Stage
3/14 Salt Lake City, UT Aces High Saloon
3/15 Colorado Springs, CO Lulu’s Downtown
3/17 Lincoln, NE 1867 Bar
3/18 Iowa City, IA Wildwood
3/19 Chicago, IL Reggie’s
3/21 Kent, OH The Outpost
3/23 Earleville, MD Club RYD
3/24 Providence, RI Alchemy
3/25 Rochester, NY Photo City
3/26 Catonsville, MD Morseburgers Tavern
3/27 Newark, DE Halftime Sports Bar
3/28 Bristol, CT Bleachers
3/29 Harrisburg, PA HMAC
3/3 Wichita, KS John Barleycorn’s
3/4 Oklahoma City, OK 89th Street
3/5 Dallas, TX Haltom Theater
3/6 Austin, TX Kickbutt Coffee
3/7 San Antonio, TX Fitzgerald’s
3/9 Albuquerque, NM El Rey Theater
5/10 Zagreb, HR Hardplace
5/10 Zagreb, HR Hardplace
5/11 Belgrade, RS Klub Fest
5/11 Belgrade, RS Klub Fest
5/13 Selb, DE Rock Club Nordbayern
5/14 Essen, DE Don’t Panic
5/15 Lichtenfels, DE Paunchy Cats
5/16 Brno, CZ Kabinet Mus
5/17 Kosice, SK Colosseum
5/18 Zilina, SK Smer Club 77
5/20 Munich, DE Backstage
5/22 Plozevet, FR Courts Of Chaos Festival
5/28 Portugalete, ES Groove Room
5/29 Madrid, ES Sala Silikona
5/30 Barcelona, ES Lennon’s Club
5/31 Valencia, ES Sala Zulu
5/8 Freiburg, DE Skullcrusher Fest
5/9 Cham, DE LA
6/10 Hamburg, DE Logo
6/11 Kassel, DE Goldgrube
6/12 Den Haag, NL Musicon
6/13 Breda, NL Sound Dog
6/14 Oldenburg, DE MTS
6/17 Dortmund, DE Cafe Banana (Exclusive Acoustic Show)
6/17 Dortmund, DE Cafe Banana (Exclusive Acoustic Show)
6/18 Osnabrück, DE Bastard Club
6/19 Düsseldorf, DE The Pitcher
6/20 Graspop, BE Graspop Metal Meeting
6/3 Velden, AT Bluesiana
6/5 Modena, IT Vibra Club
6/6 Vicenza, IT Super Metalfest VIII
6/7 Milano, IT RHO Rock n Roll
6/7 Milano, IT RHO Rock n Roll
6/9 Stuttgart, DE Der Schwarze Keiler
9/12 Brooklyn, NY Rage Of Armageddon Festival
9/18 Madison, WI Blades Of Steel Festival
