Drummer Stet Howland has announced his departure from W.A.S.P. on the band's official forum:

"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 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.'s guitarist] solo stuff and I think he's great. Keep in mind Im just guessing from the other side of the country. lol
I will be posting more details about this and my upcoming plans on my site www.stethowland.com this week."

The entire statement can be read at [url="http://p088.ezboard.com/ftheneongodfrm23.showMessage'sopicID=1177.topic"]this location[/url].

Source:	waspnation.com
Band profile:	W.A.S.P.