Earlier this week, Danish metal legends Mercyful Fate announced that they will reunite for "an unspecified number" of live dates in summer 2020. It was also revealed that Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Fates Warning) would be filling in on bass "while Timi Hansen is away".

Hansen has since released a statement via the Facebook page of Mercyful Fate frontman King Diamond's wife, Livia Zita-Bendix.

The statement reads: "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.”

Mercyful Fate's previous message states: "We 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 set list 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."

(Top photo courtesy of Timi Hansen's Facebook page)