KING DIAMOND: There Is No Way In Hell I Would Miss The Opportunity To Pay Tribute To DIMEBAG

King Diamond has issued the following update:

"Now that it's been made official, yes, I will participate in the tribute to Dimebag at Ozzfest. It's an honor to have been asked to participate, and my back is steadily getting better, definitely good enough for a short appearance, and it couldn't be for a better cause.

"I live only 7 minutes by car from the soccer stadium where Ozzfest takes place, so there is no way in hell I would miss this opportunity to pay tribute to Dimebag.

"I do have to say though, that my back is not yet fit to undertake a full KING DIAMOND tour.

"I know it sounds like I'm saying the same thing over and over — 'my back is steadily getting better' — but let me assure you all that it is significantly better and really getting stronger and stronger week by week!!! There is nothing I'd rather do than get back on the road, but it has to be for good and not just for a week or two and then find out that we took a stupid chance by doing it too soon.

"A few other good news:

"Massacre Records have taken their option for another KING DIAMOND album. Negotiations with Metal Blade Records to extend the KING DIAMOND recording deal has been completed, and are practically ready to be signed. Further, contracts between KING DIAMOND and MERCYFUL FATE, and Metal Blade Records and Massacre Records, have been agreed upon and are almost ready to be signed for a double DVD of KING DIAMOND and a double DVD of MERCYFUL FATE, consisting of mainly never before seen private recordings in very high quality (KING DIAMOND 1986-1990; MERCYFUL FATE 1982-1984). If all goes well, the KING DIAMOND DVD set might hit the stores before the end of this year and the MERCYFUL FATE DVD set would probably hit the stores early next year.

"Another project we've been working on is to create remastered versions of 'The Spider's Lullabye' + 'The Graveyard' + 'Voodoo' + 'House Of God'. Andy La Rocque is undertaking this project at his Sonic Train Studio in Sweden, and so far I have heard his version of 'The Spider's Lullabye' and it kicks some serious ass. It was as if I was listening to a brand new album, it sounded exactly like it should have sounded back when it was released (we did not at that time master our albums ourselves, and let me tell you, they suffered by it). For the first time ever, I heard all the things we actually recorded (certain vocal harmonies and guitar overdubs; all the details are there now). In my opinion, this one is gonna be a MUST HAVE. You know I wouldn't say this if it wasn't true. Andy has just told me that the remastered version of 'The Graveyard' is in the mail for my approval. Once I've listened to it, I'll let you know how it turned out.

"There is another project in the making which I unfortunately cannot speak about yet. If it comes true though, it will be a very big thing for KING DIAMOND/MERCYFUL FATE. It is not a new MERCYFUL FATE album or tour, but it is something that could be very big for us. It is more like being a part of someone else's VERY BIG project, and which can only be announced by them.

"As you can probably see, I have not been lying on my back the entire time since I last wrote to you.

"Before I finish, I sincerely want to thank you all for the unreal support you give us. You are by far THE BEST!!!"