Frozen Brakes

I doubt it's the shoes holding on that's your problem, I wouldn't cut them off. Backing off the star wheel will pull them in. I grew up in Detroit, I know about rust. Most likely it's the center of the drum rusted on to the axle that is your problem. Use liberal amounts of penetrating oil & let it sit for a while. You may also try emery cloth on the axle to clean it up. Lastly, heat it with a torch and gently pry from both sides. Prying too hard will distort the drum and make the problem worse so be gentle with it. Beat it with a ball-peen hammer all the way around the drum and at the axle while prying. It will eventually come off. Inventing new swear words helps too!