One of heavy metal’s longest partnerships has ended. Andy La Rocque, the guitarist who shaped King Diamond‘s sound for 40 years, has left the band, and Gus G. of Firewind, best known outside his own group as Ozzy Osbourne‘s lead guitarist from 2009 to 2017, has taken his place.
Both sides describe the split as mutual, and both statements are warm. But there is no understating what the change means: aside from the singer whose name the band carries, La Rocque was the only constant King Diamond ever had.
La Rocque joined during the sessions for the 1986 debut Fatal Portrait, brought in after the band’s original studio guitarist did not work out. He auditioned by cutting a solo for “Dressed In White” on the spot and was hired on the strength of it. From there he played on all 12 King Diamond studio albums, and from 1987’s Abigail onward he also produced or co-produced nearly every one of them at his own studio.
The band marked the exit with a joint statement:
“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!”
In a separate message, the band paid tribute to what La Rocque built, calling his four-decade contribution a “permanent and irreplaceable mark on the band’s legacy and on heavy metal as a whole,” and describing his musicianship and artistry as “an essential part of what makes this band what it is.”
As recently as March, La Rocque said the band’s long-delayed horror trilogy was still aiming for a possible 2026 release, beginning with Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920. He said he had sent King Diamond roughly eight songs about four years ago, three of which were chosen, and that one had already been performed live. What becomes of that material now that its co-writer and would-be producer has left is unclear, and neither party has addressed it.
King Diamond framed the new arrival as a full working member rather than a hired hand. In his own words:
“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“
Gus G., born Konstantinos Karamitroudis in Thessaloniki, Greece, has one of the deeper résumés in modern metal. He founded Firewind in 1998 and has led the band through ten studio albums, spent eight years as Osbourne‘s guitarist, playing on the Grammy-nominated Scream in 2010, and released six solo records. He has guested on albums by Bruce Dickinson, Arch Enemy, Doro Pesch and In This Moment, appeared on the covers of Guitar World, Total Guitar, Metal Hammer and Young Guitar, and taken home Metal Hammer‘s Golden God award for Best Shredder.
The band says the two are already writing together.
La Rocque does not leave empty-handed. Earlier this year he launched Lex Legion, a new band assembled largely from King Diamond‘s celebrated late-’80s lineup — drummer Mikkey Dee (now of Scorpions, formerly Motörhead), bassist Hal Patino and guitarist Pete Blakk, fronted by Pagan’s Mind vocalist Nils K. Rue. The group released its self-titled debut this year.
King Diamond in 2026
- King Diamond – vocals
- Gus G. – guitars
- Mike Wead – guitars
- Pontus Egberg – bass
- Matt Thompson – drums
