Mercyful Fate Bassist Timi Hansen Battling Cancer

When it was revealed yesterday that Mercyful Fate will be “will be playing an unspecified number of concerts throughout Europe during the summer of 2020,” fans couldn’t help but notice the absence that the announcement said Joey Vera would be playing bass “while Timi Hansen is away.” Away where? Why wasn’t Hansen involved?

We now know the answer. In a statement released on the Facebook page of his wife, Livia Zita-Bendix, Hansen reveals that he’s currently battling cancer. The statement does not say what form of cancer afflicts Hansen.

You can read it below:

“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 [Diamond] that [Vera] is a perfect ‘Stand in’, so take good care of him ????????????”

MetalSucks’ thoughts are with Hansen at this time. Here’s hoping he’s able to fully recover and fulfill his “big dream” before the reunion runs its course.

[via Loudwire]