In a shakeup that nobody saw coming, King Diamond announced today that he and longtime band partner/guitarist Andy La Rocque have decided to part ways. Coming in behind La Rocque is Firewind/ex-Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Gus G. According to the King Diamond camp, Gus G. will compose, record, and tour with KING DIAMOND going forward, marking an exciting new chapter in the band’s storied history.
The band extends their deepest gratitude and utmost respect to Andy La Rocque, whose extraordinary 40-year contribution to KING DIAMOND has left a permanent and irreplaceable mark on the band’s legacy and on heavy metal as a whole. Andy‘s musicianship, dedication, and artistry have been an essential part of what makes this band what it is, and that will never be forgotten.
Comments KING DIAMOND‘s namesake front man: “It’s a big honor for me to welcome Gus G. as our new guitarist. Gus will still continue with all his current projects, FIREWIND, solo project, etc. No restrictions, just careful planning. We are already working with Gus and I simply can’t wait for you to hear all the new KING DIAMOND music with him playing guitar on it! STAY HEAVY.”
King Diamond and Gus G. are already deep in the creative process together, working on what promises to be one of the most anticipated new chapters in the band’s career. Fans can expect new music from the full lineup in the future. Stay tuned for further announcements.
In May, there was an announcement that La Rocque had formed a new band made of 4/5 of the classic King Diamond lineup, Featuring Andy La Rocque (guitar),Mikkey Dee (drums),Pete Blakk (guitar) and Hal Patino (bass) — alongside vocalist Nils K. Rue (PAGAN’S MIND) called Lex Legion.
Drummer Mikkey Dee and vocalist Nils K. Rue had this to day about Lex Legion:
Dee commented: “It’s now time to release our second single; ‘Gypsy Tears’. Another great song with a lot of fire and bite, this one is a real driving banger! The video, it’s more of a short movie, does a great job of telling the story in the lyrics. Check it out!”
Rue said: “At its core, the song is a dark portrait of obsession, told through the eyes of a watcher who cannot let go. The video re-imagines this as a timeless story of love and longing that stretches beyond reality itself. Through layered metaphors, the lyrics transform personal conflict into vast, symbolic landscapes — where emotional collapse feels like war-torn ground.”
It’s gonna be so weird to see King Diamond on stage with someone other than Andy La Rocque but to be honest, he couldn’t have made a better choice than Gus G. The guy is an absolutely brilliant guitarist and I really look forward to seeing what all he brings to the table. As for Andy, I wish him all the luck in the world and I look forward to also seeing what Lex Legion has in store for us. Maybe we’ll finally get that new King Diamond album that has become somewhat of an urban legend as to whether or not it will ever be recorded or released.
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