King Diamond‘s guitarist since 1985, Andy LaRocque, is indisputably one of the most respected, influential and greatest metal guitarists of all time, and it’s been a treat to see him play in the band in recent years since King Diamond became active again. That sadly has come to end, as King Diamond just posted this statement:After 40 years King Diamond the band and Andy La Rocque have mutually decided to part ways. Gus G. (Firewind, Ozzy Osbourne) will replace LaRocuqe. “It’s a big honor for me to welcome Gus G. as our new guitarist,” King Diamond says. King Diamond has been discussing his first solo album since 2007, The Institute, for years, and in 2024 he released his first new song in five years, “Spider Lilly.”