Andy LaRocque and King Diamond part ways – replacement announced

In an unexpected turn of events, guitarist Andy LaRocque and King Diamond have mutually parted ways. Here is the statement from the social media accounts of the band.

After 40 years King Diamond the band and Andy La Rocque have mutually decided to part ways.

Looking back, we do so with nothing but pride, gratitude, and respect for everything we have achieved together.

All the countless memories we have created along the way are forever.

Our friendship and respect for each other will always remain the same, and we all sincerely wish each other the absolute best for the future!

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A replacement for LaRocque has been revealed.

King Diamond here.
It’s a Big Honor for me to Welcome Gus G. as our new guitarist, who will compose with us, record with us and tour with us in the future.
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

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LaRocque began his career in the Gothenburg hard rock bands Trafalgar and an early Swedish Erotica in the mid-1980s. Along with former Mercyful Fate members, he also contributed to the Death album “Individual Thought Patterns” and the IllWill album “Evilution”. The song “Busted to the Floor” on Falconer‘s “Chapters from a Vale Forlor”n features his lead guitar performance.

LaRocque played a guitar solo on the song “Cold” from the Swedish melodic death metal band At the Gates‘ album “Slaughter of the Soul”. The concept came from producer Fredrik Nordström, who called LaRocque. LaRocque received an audio cassette recording of the song from Anders Björler, the guitarist of At the Gates. LaRocque had to transcribe the recording because the cassette was playing at the incorrect speed at his home. Within thirty minutes of getting the cassette, two days later, LaRocque recorded a guitar solo for the song. Björler called the solo “great” and acknowledged that he was still unable to play it “properly” in an interview conducted in November 2007.