Drummer STET HOWLAND Quits W.A.S.P.

February 13, 2006

Drummer Stet Howland has announced his departure from W.A.S.P.. I na posting on the band's official web site, Howland wrote, "I appreciate the kind words and I am sorry if some of you are sad about my departure. Out of respect to the band and the upcoming tour, I didn't send out a press release about this, as I didn't want to cause possible worry to you good people. I just got in from a long weekend and my ass is kicked, so I'll keep this short and to the point.

"Without going into detail that would most likely get turned into something negative, let me give a Reader's Digest version of what's up.

"In mid-January, Blackie [Lawless, W.A.S.P. mainman] and I had a phone conversation that resulted in our parting. It wasn't shitty, ugly, or disrespectful in any way. It was two old and dear friends being honest with each other. After 16 years as friends and bandmates, one thing you learn is how to be honest with each other.

"So the bottom line is, I will not be part of the upcoming tour, and I'm not sure who the drummer will be as its really none of my business. If it's the guy that they were going to use before I came back, he is excellent. I don't know him but I have heard his work on Darrell's [Roberts, W.A.S.P. guitarist] solo stuff and I think he's great. Keep in mind Im just guessing from the other side of the country. [Laughs]

"I will be posting more details about this and my upcoming plans on my site www.stethowland.com this week.

"I really feel like I owe you all a big thank you! Special thanks for Doc for being honorable (he can explain if he wants). Thanks to the children of lawless for this awesome site, and thanks to Blackie, Mike, and Darrell for the good times we shared.

"I will be out doing shows with my band TEMPLE OF BRUTALITY, if you have the chance come out and say hello.

"You people are the most kick-ass fans in the world. I wish you all the very best."

Howland rejoined W.A.S.P. in April 2004 after spending a couple of years at home in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida constructing the Bad Dogs recording studios and assembling a band called THE HOWLIN' DOGS, which recently played a couple of reunion shows in the Southwest Florida area. He was also a member of the modern metal rock band CARNIVAL OF SOULS before exiting the group in February 2005. More recently, Howland has been recording and performing with TEMPLE OF BRUTALITY, the new band also featuring former MEGADETH/current F5 bassist David Ellefson, guitarist Peter Scheithauer (BELLADONNA, KILLING MACHINE) and vocalist Todd Barnes (13-A). TEMPLE OF BRUTALITY's debut album, "Lethal Agenda", will be issued on March 17. A video for the album's title cut can be viewed at this location. The clip, shot by acclaimed director Fabio Jafet, was filmed in Southwest Florida and will be featured on MTV's "Headbanger's Ball" this spring.

TEMPLE OF BRUTALITY played their last gig this past weekend at Jannus Landing in St. Petersburg, Florida as the opening act for DISTURBED.

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