Visit Andy Fischer's vintage VR 1993 image gallery

Where were you June 9-12,1993? It doesn't matter because this is better! Let me take you back to a time when Rock ruled, VICIOUS RUMORS (VR) was a top Rock Band, and I had the best road trip of my life taking action pictures of VR and, for a short while, I became the 6th man in the band!

Hi, my name is Andy Fischer and Id like to share a story about some of the best times of my life on the road with VR. It all started on Wednesday night. I lived in Milwaukee, WI and I was planning a typically night out. Some close buddies and I decided to check out a local band at a club called, THE HAVEN. It ended up to be a night that I will never forget! Instead of seeing just a local band, we saw one of the greatest bands ever - VICIOUS RUMORS!

Soon after that I was on an exciting road trip with the band capturing many memories with my camera that, now, I am able to share with your on this site. At the time, I had just started to dabble in photography and proceeded to shoot some action pics of the band that evening. After the show, there was an after bar party, and yes, I also brought my camera..thank God! It was the first time I captured some memorable moments of VR. It was a late night but I eventually got home and hit the sack. I lived at home at the time and woke up to tell my Mom "I'm taking off of work and going to see VR in Chicago, IL." I rented a car that night and headed to the THIRSTY WHALE in Chicago. I kinda got lost in Chicago but eventually made it there. I missed half of the show...I was pissed! Already knowing the guys in the band from the previous show, after the show I asked if I could follow them to the next couple shows. They said NO PROBLEM, and the rest is history! We banged the gear into the truck and we were off to Cleveland, OH. I had bought a CB before I left Milwaukee and my handle was VR3! (The band had two vehicles and I was the third, we all had CB's to keep in touch.) After the long drive to Cleveland we checked into a hotel where I roomed with the band. Dave always had his own room but I loved hangin with Carl, Mark, Geoff and Larry... there were so many memories and laughs.

I proceeded to show them all my metal treasures that I had accumulated. I had Soldiers of the Night, Digital Dictator, and Plug in and Hang On Live in Tokyo, all on Japanese import CD's, VR s/t, and Welcome to the Ball on domestic releases too. I even had a Welcome to the Ball press release kit. Of course, the whole band signed my goodies and added the Digital Dictator album, 8 x 10 band promo pics and the Welcome to the Ball poster to my collection also signed! It was all very exciting for me.

The day of the show at FLASH'S in Cleveland I banged gear in with the band and helped set up. It was a dream come true for me. I felt like I was part of the band... from an empty room to a VR concert, from sound check to the last song of the night, it was simply unforgettable! Enthusiastic as ever, I shot pics of the band that night. The place was packed, just the way it should be for a VR concert! Again, words could not describe how incredible it was hearing all my favorite VR songs along with new material live! I was hearing songs from WORD OF MOUTH before they were ever recorded! It was such a privilege.

The next morning we were on our way to the I-ROCK in Detroit, MI. By now I was being called the sixth member of Vicious Rumors, a title I was very proud of! I was just a diehard fan but it felt so good! Once again we banged in gear, did set up and sound check, most would find this boring, but it was so exciting to me to be part of the group. I shot pics that night too, I also had my camcorder recording the show for more memories. The club was packed and the crowd was loving every minute of it! Another concert that kicked my ass along with everyone that was there! At the end of the show I helped tear down and load out. I had pics taken of me with each guy from the band and a group shot with me also. Those are the pics I cherish the most, especially the two of Carl and I.After all my good-byes, I was headed back to WI. That was a long, lonely drive since I felt like I had just lost 5 of my best friends.

Sounds strange, I know, but it was one of the most awesome experiences of my life and I am here to share this experience with you. After almost 11 years I contacted Dave Starr. I wrote him to ask if he could help me tell my story and allow me to show the world my memories of Vicious Rumors. I feel these pictures had to be seen by everyone. They are too good to be kept all to myself. Dave has already made generous comments that I will forever cherish, I only wish Carl could have seen them. I miss Carl and how he always said "NO FATE". I hope everyone enjoys my pictures of Vicious Rumors and thank you. KEEP THE FAITH!
Sincerely, Andy Fischer- " the sixth member of VR"

P.S. I know I looked like a goofball back in the day (lol)

Andy Fischer