Heavy metal icon King Diamond (born Kim Bendix Petersen) has been recognized by his home country of Denmark with one of its highest artistic honors. The Danish Arts Foundation has awarded the legendary frontman a prestigious lifelong honorary grant for his decades-long contribution to music.
The grant is an exclusive honor, given to only five Danish artists each year, and includes an annual stipend of up to 189,000 Danish Krona (approximately $26,000). It is reserved for creatives who have “positioned themselves decisively as artists” through their body of work.
King Diamond, renowned for his pioneering work with Mercyful Fate and his eponymous solo band, was celebrated for his unique vocal style, theatrical stagecraft, and the “dark and alluring universe” he has created.
In their official statement, the Danish Arts Foundation praised King Diamond as a “cult figure” who brought international recognition to Danish metal.
Foundation’s full statement:
“He is the man behind some of the most unique works in metal history – both as the frontman of Mercyful Fate and with his own band, also called King Diamond. With his music, he put Denmark on the metal world map as early as the 80s.”
“On stage, he transforms the concert into a dark theater – a ritual where gothic tales, gruesome characters and symbol-filled scenography merge. His characteristic ‘corpse paint’ and his microphone stand, an inverted cross made of human bones, make him an iconic figure.”
“King Diamond’s music is more than just metal – each album is a chapter in a larger horror opera. He is known for creating conceptual works with overarching stories where fate, death and the supernatural go hand in hand. It’s gothic horror romance in metal form, delivered with technical precision and theatrical grandeur.”
“For decades, he has stood as a cult figure, a one-man show in a genre of icons. With uncompromising integrity and artistic courage, King Diamond has created a dark and alluring universe that has captivated fans around the world – and continues to grow in power and mythology.”
“On this basis, Kim Bendix Petersen (King Diamond) is nominated for the Danish Arts Foundation’s honorary award.”
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