Yesterday, classic metal legends Mercyful Fate announced their reformation, set for 2020. They mostly re-assembled their original recording lineup, save for bassist Timi Hansen, who has revealed he's currently fighting cancer.

Hansen released a statement through Livia Zita-Bendix, wife of Fate singer King Diamond, addressing questions regarding his absence from the reunion. In the statement, seen below, the bassist expresses desires to return to the stage with Mercyful Fate once more, adding his support for Joey Vera, who will be performing his place.

He wrote,

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 that he is a perfect "Stand in", so take good care of him.

We wish Timi Hansen all the strength in his battle with cancer.

Mercyful Fate's reunion will take place at an undetermined amount of shows in Europe. The group vowed to only play material from their first two albums and EP in addition to newly written songs. These performances will be their first since 1999.