Vitriol members quit mid-tour: frontman stranded at remote gas station

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• Who walked away and how the departures were announced
• Two versions of the same roadside scene
• Accusations of drug use and a heated confrontation
  • Reported sequence of events
• Stranded and helped by strangers
• GoFundMe launched to cover travel and expenses
• Public fallout and fan reaction
• Impact on tour dates and the band’s future
• What to watch next

A dramatic mid-tour fallout has rocked the Portland death metal scene. Three longtime touring members left the band in the middle of a run, allegedly abandoning frontman Kyle Rasmussen — along with his girlfriend and their dog — at a remote gas station. The split played out publicly on social media and has left fans and venues scrambling for answers.

Who walked away and how the departures were announced

Members Keith Merrow (guitar), Brett Leier (bass) and Andy Vincenzetti (drums) each posted that they were exiting Vitriol. Their departure came suddenly, in the middle of scheduled dates.

One bandmate posted about the exit on social platforms and described leaving Rasmussen behind during the breakup. The post expressed frustration and said the members were done with the situation.

Vitriol is identified in many places as a Portland-based death metal unit. Rasmussen is widely described as the group’s founding and only official member.

Two versions of the same roadside scene

Accounts differ on where and how the abandonment happened. The departing members claimed the group left Rasmussen at a gas station in Vermont.

Rasmussen, in a lengthy Instagram statement, countered that he was left in upstate New York. He says the band removed his gear, then made him exit the RV with his girlfriend and their dog.

The conflicting narratives have spread across fan forums and music news sites. Location, motivation and timing remain contested by the parties involved.

Accusations of drug use and a heated confrontation

Rasmussen says the dispute followed a night where members were engaging in heavy substance use. He used a slang term that he later clarified related to cocaine.

According to his version, as the RV neared the Canadian border the other members started frantically cleaning the vehicle. They feared being searched by border officials.

Temper flared when Rasmussen attempted to calm the situation. He claims an argument escalated and that bandmates began removing his personal items from the RV.

Reported sequence of events

• Late-night drug use inside the touring RV.
• Early morning panic about border crossings and possible searches.
• A verbal altercation between Rasmussen and at least one other member.
• Bandmates removing luggage and threatening to involve law enforcement.
• Rasmussen, his partner, and their dog forced to leave the vehicle.

Stranded and helped by strangers

Rasmussen says they were left with limited cash and no immediate way home. He credits local strangers with helping them store gear and find temporary shelter.

He describes an ice cream shop owner who let them keep their belongings behind the counter. Others reportedly helped with transport to a nearby hotel.

Survival on tour can hinge on goodwill. In this case, Rasmussen highlights community assistance as a key reason they avoided being stuck without shelter.

GoFundMe launched to cover travel and expenses

Following the incident, Rasmussen set up a fundraiser to get him and his girlfriend home. At the time of reporting, the campaign had raised more than $10,000 toward a goal that showed as $16,000.

Rasmussen told followers that he did not manually change the target. He alleges the platform automatically adjusted the goal as donations arrived.

Public fallout and fan reaction

The debacle quickly became a topic of heated discussion online. Fans shared disbelief at the roadside abandonment. Others defended members on both sides.

Social posts ranged from outrage to offers of direct help. Some venues and promoters began assessing how upcoming shows would be affected.

Merrow, Leier and Vincenzetti framed their exit as a response to what they called repeated problematic behavior. Rasmussen framed the split as the result of a chaotic, drug-fueled confrontation.

Impact on tour dates and the band’s future

The immediate consequence is disruption to the tour. Shows may be postponed or canceled while the group sorts logistics and personnel.

Rasmussen said he plans to take a break for now and did not promise a quick return to the road. He did not formally announce the end of Vitriol.

With three essential touring members gone, the practical steps to resume performances are significant. Replacing players, rehiring staff and restoring relationships with promoters will take time.

What to watch next

• Statements from all former members and Rasmussen on official channels.
• Any updates from venues about canceled or rescheduled dates.
• Progress of the GoFundMe and how funds will be used.
• Potential legal or police involvement if further disputes arise.

Fans and industry observers are closely following developments. New posts from the band or its former members could clarify facts or shift public opinion at any moment.