After more than four decades as King Diamond’s guitarist, Andy La Rocque has officially announced his departure from the legendary Danish metal band. The 63-year-old Swedish musician confirmed the mutual split in a statement shared on his social media. He emphasized the respect and gratitude both parties hold for their shared history.
“Hi everyone! Just a short heads up: as many of you have seen I’ve left the King Diamond band,” La Rocque wrote. “Leaving a ‘family’ after more than 40 years full of great music, friends and lots of good memories is not an easy decision. We mutually decided to part ways in a respectful and friendly manner, wishing each other the absolute best for the future!”
“Now is the time for me to move on with full focus and write some more music and play live with Lex Legion. Thanks for your support, see you out there!” he added.
King Diamond responded with their own statement, reinforcing the amicable nature of the separation. “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!”
The band simultaneously announced the arrival of Gus G., the acclaimed Greek guitarist known for his work with Firewind and his tenure with Ozzy Osbourne. “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,” King Diamond stated.
La Rocque’s next chapter involves a full commitment to Lex Legion, a project that marks a significant shift in his musical direction. He expressed enthusiasm for this new venture, dedicating himself to writing new material and performing live with the band. This move represents a deliberate choice to explore fresh creative territory after four decades of defining King Diamond’s signature sound.
Lex Legion brings together a collective of musicians with deep roots in the metal community. The lineup combines experience and fresh energy through former and classic-era musicians who share La Rocque’s vision for innovative metal composition and performance. This assembly of talent positions Lex Legion as a serious artistic endeavor rather than a side project, with La Rocque serving as a driving creative force.
The departure marks the end of one of heavy metal’s most enduring partnerships. La Rocque’s tenure with King Diamond began in 1985 and spanned the band’s most iconic albums and live performances. His guitar work became inseparable from the group’s identity and defined King Diamond’s theatrical and progressive approach to metal. He has influenced countless musicians within the genre.
The transition signals King Diamond’s commitment to continuing their legacy with renewed momentum. By bringing in Gus G., the band demonstrates their intention to maintain their creative output and touring schedule while honoring the contributions of their departing guitarist. The announcement of a new conceptual album trilogy in development underscores the band’s forward-looking approach during this transitional period.
