King Diamond has confirmed his decades-long split from guitarist Andy La Rocque, explaining in a new interview that the change had been building gradually rather than resulting from any single dispute. The frontman, who also leads Mercyful Fate, said the two remain friends and that touring demands, not La Rocque's side project Lex Legion, were behind the parting. The band has since recruited Greek guitarist Gus G, known for his work with Firewind and Ozzy Osbourne, as La Rocque's replacement.

Speaking to Frank Godla of Metal Injection, King Diamond said the final decision took only two days but reflected a longer drift apart, partly driven by King Diamond's increasingly demanding touring schedule, which he suggested La Rocque was less keen on. He drew parallels with past departures from his bands, including Mercyful Fate's Michael Denner and former King Diamond members Chris Estes and Herb Simonsen, all attributed to family and touring pressures. He also detailed how Gus G was recommended independently by Mercyful Fate guitarist Hank Shermann and Metal Blade Records boss Brian Slagel, and said Gus will initially replicate La Rocque's parts closely on classic songs. King Diamond and La Rocque had worked together for around 40 years.