King Diamond Parts Ways with Andy LaRocque, Recruits Gus G

King Diamond has replaced guitarist Andy LaRocque with Gus G, ending one of heavy metal’s longest-running partnerships. LaRocque had been the band’s lead guitarist since its formation in 1985, appearing on every studio album and co-writing the music that defined the group’s sound. The break is abrupt: only last month, LaRocque was discussing the upcoming album Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920.

The band issued a statement expressing “deepest gratitude and utmost respect” for LaRocque, calling his contribution “a permanent and irreplaceable mark on the band’s legacy and on heavy metal as a whole.” King Diamond himself called it “a big honor” to welcome Gus G, emphasizing that the guitarist will continue his work with Firewind and other projects. “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,” he said.

Gus G founded Firewind in 1998 and was Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist from 2009 to 2017. He steps into a band that recently re-emerged with singles “Spider Lilly” and “Masquerade of Madness,” the first new music since 2007’s Give Me Your Soul… Please. The upcoming trilogy of concept albums will test the new chemistry.