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Former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Gus G has been unveiled as King Diamond’s new lead guitarist.
The Greek has been chosen as the replacement for Andy LaRocque, who co-founded the band from the ashes of Mercyful Fate in 1985. The pair have amicably parted ways after four decades and 13 albums together.
Gus G had made his name in power metallers Firewind before replacing Zakk Wylde as Ozzy’s foil in 2009, featuring on the album Scream before departing in 2017.
Later, he turned down offers to audition for Megadeth and Machine Head, as he didn’t want to become a “hired gun”. He has since balanced life in Firewind with a solo career.
The move to join such a historic metal band, then, is a significant move – although the flexible terms of the move might have played a part. It’s a big play from both parties.
“It’s a big honor for me to welcome Gus G as our new guitarist,” says King Diamond. “Gus will continue with all his current projects, Firewind, solo project, 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 music with him playing guitar on it!”
In an Instagram post addressing the move, Gus G says. “I want to thank you all for the messages of love, encouragement and support; it means a lot. I want to thank the King for choosing me; it’s a big, big honor. I’m a fan just like you guys.
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“I understand it’s a shock; Andy LaRocque is a legend, and it’s gonna be an honor stepping into his shoes,” he continues. “He even sent me a message wishing me well. I’m going to bring my own vibe into it, honoring the music, and I’m equally as excited about creating. There are a lot of cool things down the line.”
Jeff Loomis, Joel Hoekstra, and Phil Demmel are among those wishing him the best in the comments.
LaRocque, in turn, says he’s leaving “a family after more than 40 years full of great music, friends and lots of good memories.” He will now focus on his other project, Lex Legion (via The Mosh).
A freelance writer with a penchant for music that gets weird, Phil is a regular contributor to Prog, Guitar World, and Total Guitar magazines and is especially keen on shining a light on unknown artists. Outside of the journalism realm, you can find him writing angular riffs in progressive metal band, Prognosis, in which he slings an 8-string Strandberg Boden Original, churning that low string through a variety of tunings. He's also a published author and is currently penning his debut novel which chucks fantasy, mythology and humanity into a great big melting pot.
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