MERCYFUL FATE, the Danish heavy metal legends, have announced the departure of bassist Joey Vera from their ranks.
Vera had been performing in the reunited heavy metal band for the last five years. His departure was described as mutual, and the band’s lead vocalist and bandleader, King Diamond, offered a brief statement, stating, “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”
Vera joined MERCYFUL FATE upon their 2019 reunion in place of the late and great Timi “Grabber” Hansen and has been a part of the band until the recent split.
Initially, Vera was meant to fill in for Hansen, who had been battling cancer, but became MERCYFUL FATE‘s full-time bassist after Hansen‘s death in November 2019.
Last year, Vera didn’t participate in band’s first North American tour in 23 years due to a scheduling conflict. He was replaced on the road by bassist Becky Baldwin.
No replacement has yet been announced for Vera.
