Billy Dukes is a Senior Editor and Executive Producer at Taste of Country, where he has over 11,000 articles to his name. His media background includes jobs as music director at WQDR 94.7 in Raleigh, N.C.; writer for Recoil Magazine, a monthly out of Grand Rapids, Mich.; and writer for the Kalamazoo Gazette in Kalamazoo, Mich. The Western Michigan University graduate followed a girl to Raleigh in 2006 and wisely married her one year later. In 2014, they moved to Nashville, where they now live with their three sons. In his free time, Billy enjoys playing and watching baseball, cycling and home renovation.
Billy Dukes
Metallica Have the Material, But Not the Time to Record New Album
It's been five years since Metallica released 'Death Magnetic,' their last studio album. The band says they're anxious to return to the studio to start recording again, and they've got the material. However two obligations are keeping them beginning work on the first album from their own label Blackened Recordings.
AC/DC Show Support for Bon Scott Hometown Statue
Supporters of a plan to raise money for a statue of Bon Scott in his hometown of Kirriemuir, Scotland received a big boost recently when AC/DC put their weight into the project with a post on their official website. The campaign is looking to raise over $75,000 (50,000 pounds) before June 5. As of today (May 16), they're one-third of the way there.
Allman Brothers Band Releasing ‘Brothers and Sisters’ 40th Anniversary Box Set
The seven-song 1973 Allman Brothers Band 'Brothers and Sisters' album is the focus of a new box set set to hit stores this summer. The group is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the iconic album with a release that's expected to include significant bonus material.
Kiss Performs Unmasked Set at Restaurant Opening
Diners at the new Rock & Brews in Torrance, Calif. might not have recognized the famous owners of the eatery as they took the stage. Kiss played with out makeup and costumes for about 20 minutes during the grand opening on Wednesday (May 8).
Kiss Enters the Bull Riding Arena
Meet the newest, meanest bulls on the bull riding circuit. There's Kiss Monster, Kiss Destroyer, Kiss Animalize, Kiss Revenge, Kiss Love Gun and Kiss Psycho Circus. All are trained and eager to buck the top 35 bull riders from the Professional Bull Riders around for years to come.
Led Zeppelin Turned Down Bill Clinton’s Reunion Request
Details of how so many A-list performers agreed to take the stage at Madison Square Garden for the 12-12-12 Superstorm Sandy relief concert last December are beginning to emerge, as is the name of one band who simply said no. Led Zeppelin turned down a chance to reunite for the cause, at the personal request of former president Bill Clinton.
Adler Postpones Summer Tour as Steven Adler Enters Rehab
Adler founder and former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler has entered rehab, forcing his band to postpone their summer 2013 U.S. tour. Over 40 dates were scheduled through early September, which representatives of Adler say they hope to reschedule this fall.
Axl Rose Planning to Buy a Tiger?
Only a man of some social significance knows where to buy a tiger, and it seems Axl Rose may qualify. The Guns N' Roses singer was heard discussing his plans to purchase a big cat during a wild Monday night that included Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill and a "harem of ladies."
Stephen Stills, Kenny Wayne Shepherd Team Up for Blues Album
Stephen Stills is set to release a blues album this summer. He's formed a new trio called the Rides with guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Electric Flag keyboardist Barry Goldberg, and their album 'Can't Get Enough' is set for a July 30 release.
Alice Cooper Leads All-Star Benefit for Youth Music Academy
Thursday night (March 28) Alice Cooper headlined a concert to celebrate the opening of the Brennan Rock & Roll Academy in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Sebastian Bach, Kiss's Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, and Doors guitarist Robby Krieger also performed. Before the show Cooper explained how the lineup came about, and talked about the importance of this school and his own Solid Rock Foundation.
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