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ANDY LA ROCQUE On His Exit From KING DIAMOND: ‘We Mutually Decided To Part Ways In A Respectful And Friendly Manner’
Andy La Rocque, longtime guitarist for King Diamond, has publicly confirmed his departure from the band after more than four decades, describing the split as mutual, respectful and amicable. The 63-year-old Swedish musician made the announcement on social media on Sunday, 26 July 2026, two days after King Diamond himself confirmed the news and thanked La Rocque for their shared history. The move marks the end of one of heavy metal's longest-running guitarist-frontman partnerships and clears the way for La Rocque to focus fully on his other band.
Following the split, King Diamond announced Firewind and ex-Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Gus G. as La Rocque's replacement, with the newcomer set to write, record and tour with the band going forward. La Rocque said he will now dedicate himself to Lex Legion, a project featuring four-fifths of King Diamond's classic late-1980s lineup, including drummer Mikkey Dee, guitarist Pete Blakk and bassist Hal Patino, alongside vocalist Nils K. Rue of Pagan's Mind; Lex Legion recently released its self-titled debut album via MNRK Music Group. La Rocque has previously said his Lex Legion material is entirely separate from his King Diamond songwriting, and had earlier suggested that King Diamond's long-planned horror trilogy, beginning with "Saint Lucifer's Hospital 1920", remains unfinished with no confirmed release date.
In short
- Andy La Rocque confirms amicable exit from King Diamond after 40-plus years.
- Gus G. (Firewind, ex-Ozzy Osbourne) named as his replacement.
- La Rocque will now focus on his band Lex Legion.
Explained simply
King Diamond is a heavy metal band known for theatrical horror-themed performances and albums. Andy La Rocque, a 63-year-old Swedish guitarist, has been the band's lead guitarist for more than four decades, making him one of the longest-serving members. He announced his departure from the band in July 2026, describing the split as a mutual, respectful decision made in a friendly manner.
The partnership between King Diamond and La Rocque has been central to the band's sound and success throughout its history. Their long collaboration makes this separation significant within the heavy metal community, where such long-term creative partnerships are notable. King Diamond has already announced that guitarist Gus G., previously associated with Firewind and Ozzy Osbourne, will take La Rocque's place.
La Rocque is moving his focus to Lex Legion, a project featuring several musicians from King Diamond's classic lineup of the late 1980s. The band released its self-titled debut album recently and includes drummer Mikkey Dee, guitarist Pete Blakk and bassist Hal Patino. La Rocque has stated that his work with Lex Legion follows a different creative direction from his King Diamond songwriting.
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