Guitarist Keith Merrow, drummer Andy Vincenzetti, and bassist Brett Leier quit Vitriol in a pretty dramatic fashion in the past day or so. The trio left Vitriol frontman Kyle Rasmussen at a Vermont gas station after apparently a pretty major argument, with Merrow stating in part: “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 taken to Instagram yet again in response to Rasmussen‘s very lengthy two-video statement, which you can find right here. Merrow simply stated that “Kyle sucks” and cited that Vitriol has quite a few ex-members, saying it’s “same shit as every other victim of his abuse.”
“Everyone who’s reading this – Me, Brett, and Andy left Vitriol because Kyle sucks. 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 shit 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 posted a GoFundMe to get himself, his significant other Maggie, and their dog Ghost home. You can donate to that effort here, which Rasmussen said is going straight to transportation and shelter as they make their way back to Portland.
“My name is Kyle, and I’m reaching out for help after an unexpected and difficult turn of events,” said 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.”
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