About
King Diamond is a renowned Danish heavy metal musician and vocalist, known for his captivating performances and unique style.
With a career spanning over three decades, King Diamond has left an indelible mark on the heavy metal genre. In this article, we delve into King Diamond’s early life, education, career, and interesting facts about this iconic artist.
Details
| Date of birth | June 14, 1956 |
| Birthplace | Kim Bendix Petersen |
| Birth Sign | Gemini |
| Age | 66 Years |
Early Life and Education
Born as Kim Bendix Petersen on June 14, 1956, in Hvidovre Municipality, a suburb of Copenhagen, Denmark, King Diamond developed a passion for offbeat musical genres such as heavy metal, black metal, and hard rock from a young age.
Influenced by legendary artists like David Byron, Arthur Brown, Robert Plant, Ozzy Osbourne, Ian Gillan, and Alice Cooper, Diamond was drawn to the wild and extravagant performances of these musicians.
King Diamond’s professional journey began in 1974 when he joined the Danish music band “Brainstorm” at the age of 18. However, after attending an electrifying live show by Alice Cooper, Diamond was inspired by the band’s eccentric makeup and stage presence.
This experience led him to leave Brainstorm and join the local band “Black Rose” to express himself in the same unique and unconventional manner.
King Diamond Career
King Diamond’s career took a significant turn when he joined forces with “Brats,” a hardcore punk music band, in 1980. While the original lineup of Brats, consisting of Diamond, Timi Hansen, Hank Sherman, and Michael Denner, eventually disbanded, Diamond and Sherman continued their musical journey. Meanwhile, Hansen and Denner formed the band “Danger Zone.”
Fate brought the original members of Brats back together when Diamond assisted Michael Denner with Danger Zone’s demo act, leading to the reformation of the band. Brats transformed into “Mercyful Fate” with the addition of drummer Kim Ruzz.
Their first demo recording, “Curse of the Pharaohs,” became an underground hit, propelling Mercyful Fate into the limelight. In 1982, Mercyful Fate signed a deal with Ebony Records, a UK label, and released three singles, including “Metallic Storm,” “Black Funeral,” and “Walking Back to Hell.” Their debut EP, recorded in just two days, was released in September 1982 under the endorsement of the Dutch label Rave-On-Records.
The band’s first album, “Melissa,” was released in October 1983 through Roadrunner Records, allowing Mercyful Fate to shed their “underground” label and gain recognition among metal fans.
A sequel to “Melissa,” Mercyful Fate’s second album, titled “Don’t Break the Oath,” was released in 1984 to critical acclaim. The band embarked on a successful tour of the United States but eventually disbanded due to conflicts between Diamond and Sherman.
King Diamond’s Net Worth
When it comes to financial success, King Diamond has carved a prominent place for himself among the richest metal and rock musicians. His fortune primarily stems from record sales, successful tours, YouTube views, and his popularity on Instagram and other platforms.
As of March 2022, this Danish rock musician’s net worth is estimated to be an impressive $25 million, a testament to his immense talent and enduring popularity.
King Diamond – Relationship, Married Life:
Beyond his musical endeavors, King Diamond’s personal life is equally intriguing. He is happily married to the captivating Livia Zita, a Hungarian-born musician and business partner. Livia’s enchanting voice can be heard as a background vocalist on numerous albums.
The couple also collaborates on projects, including the compilation of old footage from Merciful Fate live concerts. Livia’s contributions can be found on albums such as “The Puppet Master” and “Give Me Your Soul.”
Their love story further blossomed when they welcomed their first child into the world in 2017, adding a new chapter of joy to their lives.
Facts:
- King Diamond’s iconic stage presence includes his distinct face paint, which resembles a ghoulish persona.
- He is known for his vocal range, effortlessly transitioning between high-pitched falsettos and powerful growls.
- King Diamond’s lyrics often revolve around themes of horror, occultism, and supernatural storytelling.
- He has received critical acclaim for his contributions to the heavy metal genre, earning accolades from fans and fellow musicians alike.
- Despite facing health challenges, including heart surgery in 2010, King Diamond remains dedicated to his craft and continues to perform and create music.