KING DIAMOND has announced the addition of guitarist 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 a new chapter in the band's history.
The band extended its gratitude to outgoing guitarist Andy La Rocque, whose 40-year contribution to KING DIAMOND has left what the band called a permanent and irreplaceable mark on its legacy and on heavy metal as a whole.
"It's a big honor for me to welcome Gus G. as our new guitarist," King Diamond said. "Gus will still 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 King Diamond music with him playing guitar on it!!! Stay heavy — King."
Gus G., born Konstantinos Karamitroudis in Thessaloniki, Greece, is one of heavy metal's most celebrated and in-demand guitarists. As founder and driving force behind FIREWIND for more than 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 built one of the most impressive resumes in the genre. 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 others. 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.
KING DIAMOND and Gus G. are already deep in the creative process together, with the band saying fans can expect new music from the full lineup in the future, and that further announcements are to come.
Follow Gus G.: gusgofficial.com · Instagram · YouTube