King Diamond is thrilled to announce the addition of guitar virtuoso Gus G. (Firewind, ex-Ozzy Osbourne) to the band’s lineup. Gus G. joins as guitarist and will compose, record, and tour with King Diamond going forward, marking an exciting new chapter in the band’s storied history.
The band extends their deepest gratitude and utmost respect to Andy LaRocque, whose extraordinary 40-year contribution to King Diamond has left a permanent and irreplaceable mark on the band’s legacy and on heavy metal as a whole. Andy’s musicianship, dedication, and artistry have been an essential part of what makes this band what it is, and that will never be forgotten.
Comments King Diamond, “It’s a Big Honor for me to Welcome Gus G. as our new guitarist. Gus will still continue with all his current projects, Firewind, solo projects 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“
One of heavy metal’s most celebrated and in-demand guitarists, Gus G. – born Konstantinos Karamitroudis in Thessaloniki, Greece – has built one of the most impressive resumes in the genre. As founder and driving force behind Firewind for over two decades and ten studio albums, and as Ozzy Osbourne‘s lead guitarist from 2009 to 2017 – contributing to the Grammy-nominated album Scream (2010) – Gus G. has proven himself one of the most versatile and technically gifted players in metal. A celebrated solo artist with six albums to his name, he has also appeared as a guest on records by Bruce Dickinson, Arch Enemy, Doro Pesch, In This Moment, and many more. He has graced the covers of Guitar World, Total Guitar, Metal Hammer, and Young Guitar, and earned accolades including Metal Hammer’s Golden God Award for Best Shredder. His addition to King Diamond represents a pairing of two of heavy metal’s most iconic forces.
King Diamond and Gus G. are already deep in the creative process together, working on what promises to be one of the most anticipated new chapters in the band’s career. Fans can expect new music from the full lineup in the future. Stay tuned for further announcements.
King Diamond Lineup:
King Diamond – vocals
Gus G. – guitars
Mike Wead – guitars
Pontus Egberg – bass
Matt Thompson – drums
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Follow Gus G.: Official Website, Instagram and Youtube.
3 Responses
Would like to know why Andy left, but I think this sucks! Andy is just as important in the KD band as King is IMO. Or at least close to as important. After listening to Andy’s new band Lex Legion, I know he’s still writing great tunes. This is just bad and this new KD album won’t be the same. No offense to Gus, I know he’s a great guitarist, but this is like replacing Angus Young in AC/DC. You just don’t.
Wrecked Neck, i was thinking the same thing. Andy LaRocque is an integral part of King Diamond’s sound as a guitarist and a songwriter. Gus G., an exceptional guitarist and songrwriter for his band Firewind, has a style that is different than the King Diamond sound.
Yeah guess we’ll see just how much influence King has on the writing process. Rumor has it he’s a really good guitarist and has a lot of say in how he wants certain songs to sound, so we’ll see if that’s true or not if they ever release a freakin album! Kind of had a feeling something was going on. Andy has said he gave King a ton of music and they were waiting for him to put lyrics to it. Then out of nowhere, Lex Legion is born, new album before you can blink, and King still being King with nothing new and more lies about how close they are to releasing something. Dude is in his 70’s, either retire or get your shit together and put some new music out.