Violent Femmes replace drummer Victor DeLorenzo w/ a Dresden Doll; Victor issues statement
Violent Femmes reunited earlier this year for Coachella, where they performed their 1983 debut in full, and have since played other shows, including a hometown show in June. It was after that show that drummer Victor DeLorenzo, who has left the band before throughout their career, announced his departure from the reunited lineup. He gave the following statement (via JSOline):
It’s always hard to write a eulogy for a lost loved one. In this case, I sadly lament the loss of a dream and an ideal that was once Violent Femmes.
When I first heard the news about the possibility of the original Violent Femmes reuniting, I was excited that once again our group might be able to play music for the fans that love us and for the new fans that have never had the chance to see us create the music live. The only conditions that I had were that the three of us move forward to repair our relationships within the band, and that we would strive to attain a fair business agreement that would reflect a new way of handling the business that wouldn’t be ‘business as usual.’ Sadly, my open-hearted approach to finding a way to move forward wasn’t shared by Violent Femmes. What was finally being offered to me was, ‘business as usual,’ with a great deal of disrespect, dishonesty and greed.
After having found out that the promoters of our recent concerts weren’t interested in booking our group unless it was, ‘the reunion of the original band,’ I spoke to two of the biggest concert promoters in the world that handled two of our shows, and they told me directly that this was true. So it confuses me that fans and the promoters see the value in presenting the original band, but not the band itself. I realize that I’m no longer part of the copyright after having given up my business interest in Violent Femmes years ago, but I will always be part of the birthright of Violent Femmes, for which I will always be very proud! I’m sorry and I apologize that the fans, promoters and agents won’t get to see the Violent Femmes show that was being offered and that people bought tickets to see.
As John Lennon once said, ‘the dream is over.’ In regards to my history with Violent Femmes, the dream never quite got there.
So on the evening of June 26th, 2013, on the stage of the Marcus Amphitheater at Summerfest, I gave to the world my last performance with Violent Femmes. Milwaukee, we were yours for the night, and now forever!
Sincerely and with warm regards,
Victor DeLorenzo
Violent Femmes have announced on their website that DeLorenzo’s replacement will be Bryan Viglione, aka the half of Dresden Dolls that isn’t Amanda Palmer. He’s pictured with the remaining two original Violent Femmes members above.
Violent Femmes’ upcoming shows include a previously discussed NYC show happening on September 12 at Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield and Riot Fest Chicago. Tickets for the Central Park show are still available.
