Michael Denner says that he wasn't approached to take part in MERCYFUL FATE's upcoming reunion. When it was announced last month that the influential Danish heavy metal act would reunite for an unspecified number of concerts throughout Europe during the summer of 2020, it was revealed that MERCYFUL FATE's lineup for the shows would consist of King Diamond on vocals, Hank Shermann on guitar, Bjarne T. Holm on drums, Mike Wead on guitar and Joey Vera (ARMORED SAINT, FATES WARNING) on bass. Denner, who was a member of MERCYFUL FATE's classic lineup, addressed his exclusion from the band's reunion in a recent statement to Denmark's Metalized. He said (translated from Danish): "I was not asked to join, and was told only two days before it was public news. I think it's a pity for the fans of the original MERCYFUL FATE. Especially since I'm in the shape of my life right now. But now it's just a matter of putting it behind me, and look forward to the release of the upcoming DENNER'S INFERNO album 'In Amber'." Prior to the MERCYFUL FATE reunion being announced, Denner gave an interview to Rat Salad Review in which he said that he was prepared to play with the band if asked. "I'm in shape for it and I'm ready — anytime, anyplace, man," he said. "But I'm not sure King [Diamond, MERCYFUL FATE frontman] has the same plans. He's busy doing his stuff [with KING DIAMOND] and he's doing very, very good. So why should he split [the pie] in three when he can have a hundred percent? But then again, I saw an interview with him he did a few months ago, and he said if it should be done, it might be with the lineup who did the last two albums. And that leaves me out. [Laughs] Then it's not the original lineup he wants. He wants to do it with the Swedish guys." Denner added: "I mean, it's a bit sad, but if that's how he feels, I cannot do anything about it." MERCYFUL FATE's last studio album, "9", was released in 1999. MERCYFUL FATE will be remembered for its unquestionable mark on the history of metal with its innovative sound, complex arrangements, memorable melody, and its influence on bands that later took the genre to new heights. In 1998, METALLICA paid tribute to MERCYFUL FATE by recording a medley of classic MERCYFUL FATE songs on the album "Garage Inc." Titled "Mercyful Fate", the medley included parts from "Satan's Fall", "Curse of the Pharaohs", "A Corpse Without Soul", "Into the Coven" and "Evil". Lars Ulrich of METALLICA (a fellow Dane) played drums on a new version of MERCYFUL FATE's "Return of the Vampire" on the "In the Shadows" album, which came out in 1993. Michael's new band DENNER'S INFERNO, will release its debut album, "In Amber", on November 15 through Mighty Music. MERCYFUL FATE bassist Timi Hansen recently announced that he is not taking part in the band's reunion because he is battling cancer.
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