# Gus G permanently replaces Andy LaRocque in King Diamond

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/king-diamond-part-ways-with-andy-larocque-welcome-former-ozzy-osbourne-guitarist-gus-g/
- Published: 2026-07-24T19:04:22+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-25T01:12:53+00:00
- Original publisher: Consequence
- Original article: https://consequence.net/2026/07/king-diamond-andy-larocque-gus-g/
- Topics: Americas, Art, Culture, Entertainment, Music, World

## Key points

- Gus G permanently replaces King Diamond guitarist Andy LaRocque.
- LaRocque leaves after more than 40 years and 12 albums.
- Gus G will contribute to King Diamond’s planned concept-album trilogy.

## Summary

King Diamond have permanently appointed former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Gus G to replace longtime lead guitarist Andy LaRocque. Gus G will handle both writing and performance duties, including on the band’s planned trilogy of concept albums, marking a major change for a group in which LaRocque had been a central creative figure since its formation.

LaRocque joined King Diamond in 1985, played on 12 studio albums and spent more than 40 years with the band; the group praised his enduring contribution to its legacy. Gus G, founder of Firewind, played with Ozzy Osbourne from 2009 to 2017 and will continue his other projects alongside King Diamond, with scheduling arrangements in place; LaRocque had discussed the unreleased Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920 shortly before his departure.

## Coverage

- [Consequence: Gus G permanently replaces Andy LaRocque in King Diamond](https://consequence.net/2026/07/king-diamond-andy-larocque-gus-g/)
- [Brooklyn Vegan: King Diamond and guitarist Andy LaRocque have “parted ways”](https://www.brooklynvegan.com/king-diamond-and-guitarist-andy-larocque-have-parted-ways/)
- [Blabbermouth: KING DIAMOND Parts Ways With Guitarist ANDY LA ROCQUE, Welcomes GUS G. To The Band](https://blabbermouth.net/news/king-diamond-parts-ways-with-guitarist-andy-la-rocque-welcomes-gus-g-to-the-band)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.