You could say that a death metal band was formed in Portland, Oregon. Vitriol lived up to their name: guitarist Keith Murrow, bassist Brett Leier and drummer Andy Vincenzetti left the band during their first headlining tourabandoning frontman Kyle Rasmussen (the only original member remaining after a series of line-up changes) at a gas station following his “cowardly and weak outbursts of misplaced anger”.
Vitriol was scheduled to perform at Montreal's Cabaret Foufoones Electriques tonight (Nov. 25) and at Baby G in Toronto tomorrow (Nov. 26), but it's safe to assume those shows won't happen again, especially since the fallout was so nasty on social media.
Murrow posted the missing Instagram story, calling the experience “the darkest day of my music career to date,” adding that Rasmussen “fucked up and found out” and left his bandmates no choice but to leave him at a gas station in Vermont. [via Stereogum].
Last night (November 24), Rasmussen posted a 40-minute video explaining the ordeal in two parts, the second beginning with tears. The singer explained that the band had been at odds after playing in New York, New York and drinking beer, and then explained that the other members of Vitriol had not only dumped him, but also his girlfriend Maggie and his dog Ghost.
Murrow responded on his Instagram story, writing: “Me, Brett and Andy left Vitriol because Kyle sucks.
The guitarist added, “We just won't stand for it, and neither will the other 19 people who left this failed band,” and hinted that they were victims of abuse at the hands of Rasmussen. Meanwhile, the vocalist launched GoFundMe To help themselves, Maggie and Phantom return home safely, which has since raised over $10,000 of the original $2,500 goal.
Concerts in Montreal and Toronto this week are a big success. Hayden Pedigo announced earlier today that he would have to cancel scheduled performances in two Canadian cities due to health concerns.
