There’s an official statement from Mercyful Fate bassist Timi Hansen.
This announcement came in support of their recent reunion news.
Here’s the complete statement:
“There are many questions about why I won’t appear as part of the Mercyful Fate reunion in 2020. The honest explanation is simply that I am currently fighting a fight against cancer.
But believe me, I will fight everything I can to be ready.
It’s my big dream to be on stage again playing the old Mercyful Fate numbers in front of all of you very loyal fans.
If this wasn’t going to happen, I’d like to ask you to take good care of Joey Vera.
I totally agree with King that he is a perfect “Stand-in”, so take good care of him ”
We wish all the top best for you, Timi, you are strong and amazing, and we will see you soon”
According to King Diamond’s Facebook page, Mercyful Fate will be playing some gigs in the summer of 2020.
“MERCYFUL FATE will be playing an unspecified number of concerts throughout Europe during the summer of 2020, including COPENHELL.
It will be the “9” lineup, featuring: Hank Shermann – Guitar, King Diamond – Vocals, Bjarne T Holm – Drums, Mike Wead – Guitar with Joey Vera on the bass while Timi Hansen is away. We asked Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Fates Warning) to fill in because he has a very unique style and sound playing with his fingers, much like that of Timi Hansen.
This is very important since the setlist will only consist of songs from the very first “mini-LP”, the “Melissa” album, and the “Don’t Break The Oath” album, plus some brand new songs written specifically in that very same style. This will very much be Mercyful Fate as we were in the very beginning, except for a brand new major stage production. See you at the Ruined Bridge. Stay Heavy…”