When Mercyful Fate announced their reunion yesterday (August 1), the band said bassist Timi Hansen would be missing their upcoming shows and that Joey Vera (Armored Saint, etc.) would be filling in. Hansen has now issued his own statement saying his absence is related to his ongoing battle with cancer.
Hansen said the following:
“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 🤘🤘🤘”
Metal Anarchy 
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