Andy La Rocque has officially announced his departure from KING DIAMOND after more than four decades with the band.
In a social media post on Sunday, July 26, the 63-year-old Swedish-born guitarist — whose real name is Anders Allhage — wrote: "Hi everyone! Just a short heads up: as many of you have seen I've left the KING DIAMOND band.
Leaving a 'family' after more than 40 years full of great music, friends and lots of good memories is not an easy decision but 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!" The band confirmed the split on Friday, July 24, in a 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 addition to the lineup change, KING DIAMOND has announced the addition of guitar virtuoso Gus G.
(FIREWIND, ex-Ozzy Osbourne) to the band's lineup.
Gus G.
will serve as guitarist and will compose, record, and tour with KING DIAMOND going forward.
La Rocque is currently focused on LEX LEGION, the new band featuring four-fifths of KING DIAMOND's classic late '80s lineup.
The self-titled debut album was released earlier this year via MNRK Music Group.
LEX LEGION includes Mikkey Dee (drums), Pete Blakk (guitar), Hal Patino (bass), and vocalist Nils K.
Rue (PAGAN'S MIND), with La Rocque on guitar.
Earlier this year, La Rocque clarified to The Metal Crypt that his contributions to LEX LEGION are not based on any 'leftovers' from KING DIAMOND songwriting.
"KING DIAMOND is KING DIAMOND, and I write songs for KING DIAMOND, and then I write songs for LEX LEGION.
I don't want people to believe that, 'Oh, he has some songs that were intended for KING DIAMOND that he's using here.' No, not at all.
It's not the other way around, either.
It's two very different and separate things." Regarding the band's upcoming horror trilogy, part one titled "Saint Lucifer's Hospital 1920," La Rocque revealed in May that he had already written several songs for the project, with guitar tracks recorded and some vocals and drums from Pontus Egberg.
He noted that the band had been playing the song 'Electro Therapy' live for a while.
"We have the songs, so I don't know.
I can't really tell you how long it's gonna take to do that.
Nobody knows.
We'll see.
But all I can say is that we're working on it." La Rocque also stated in an interview with Peter Kerr of Rock Daydream Nation that fans should ask King Diamond directly about the album's release timeline, as he had sent eight pre-production songs to all members in 2022, with King Diamond ultimately selecting three of them for the project.
"I guess now he's finishing up his part of it, which is gonna be, like, five or six songs on the album.
So that's what we're waiting for." The horror trilogy's first installment remains unannounced for a release date, though the band continues to work on its development."