Gus G permanently replaces Andy LaRocque in King Diamond
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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.
- 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.
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King Diamond is a Danish heavy metal band led by singer and songwriter Kim Bendix Petersen, who performs under the name King Diamond. It is known for theatrical music and albums built around dark fictional stories, with King Diamond’s distinctive high vocal style at their centre.
Andy LaRocque had been the band’s lead guitarist since its formation in 1985 and was a major musical collaborator, helping shape its guitar sound and songwriting over several decades. Gus G is a Greek guitarist best known for Firewind and for playing with Ozzy Osbourne, a prominent British heavy metal singer, between 2009 and 2017.
The change affects both live performances and the writing of the band’s planned three connected concept albums. Such long-standing line-up changes can matter to listeners because a lead guitarist often has a significant role in a band’s sound, arrangements and creative direction.
More coverage
- Brooklyn Vegan — 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
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Originally published by Consequence as “King Diamond Part Ways with Andy LaRocque, Welcome Former Ozzy Osbourne Guitarist Gus G”.