Gus G.
has officially joined King Diamond as the band's new guitarist, replacing longtime member Andy La Rocque.
The announcement was made by the band on Friday, July 24, with a statement confirming a mutual parting of ways after 40 years of collaboration.
"After 40 years KING DIAMOND the band and Andy La Rocque have mutually decided to part ways," the band's frontman said.
"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." Gus G., a 45-year-old Greek musician born Konstantinos Karamitroudis in Thessaloniki, made the announcement in a video message released on Sunday, July 26.
"Hey, all.
Gus here.
I just want to make a quick video to talk about the news the past couple of days.
As you might have seen, I'm the new guitar player in King Diamond's band.
And my phone has been blowing up with messages and calls and texts from friends and fans, and on socials, of course, everywhere.
So I just wanna send a shout-out and thank you all for the messages of love, encouragement, support.
It means a lot." "I wanna thank the King for inviting me to his band and for choosing me," he continued.
"It's a big, big honor for me.
I'm a fan just like you guys.
I understand there might be some concern.
It's a shock.
I understand that.
Andy La Rocque is a legend.
And it's gonna be an honor stepping into his shoes.
He's a buddy of mine, and he even sent me a message wishing me well.
And I'm gonna bring my own vibe into it and, of course, honoring the music, which I'm so excited about playing on stage for you all.
And I'm also equally excited, if not more, about creating new music together with the King and the band and finally get this album going.
So there's a lot of cool things down the line.
And just stay tuned, man, and exciting times ahead.
See you all soon." Gus G.
has built a distinguished career as the founder and driving force behind FIREWIND, with over two decades of activity and ten studio albums.
He also served as Ozzy Osbourne's lead guitarist from 2009 to 2017, contributing to the Grammy-nominated album "Scream" (2010).
As a solo artist, he has released six albums and has appeared as a guest on records by Bruce Dickinson, ARCH ENEMY, Doro Pesch, and IN THIS MOMENT.
He has earned accolades including Metal Hammer's Golden God Award for "Best Shredder" and has graced the covers of Guitar World, Total Guitar, Metal Hammer, and Young Guitar.
The full lineup of King Diamond is now set to begin creative work on a new album, with the band already deep in the process.
Fans can expect new music from the full lineup in the future.
A full release window and tour dates will be announced separately."