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
Elton John to Queens of the Stone Age: ‘The Only Thing Missing From Your Band Is an Actual Queen’
Earlier this year Dave Grohl revealed that Elton John would join his band Queens of the Stone Age on a song when the rock album hit stores later this year. Frontman Josh Homme had a chance to explain how that collaboration came about during a recent interview.
John Densmore Picks Jimmy Fallon as Potential Jim Morrison Replacement
Should the remaining members of the Doors reunite (it seems unlikely), drummer John Densmore knows who he'd want to fill Jim Morrison's space in front of the microphone. It's not clear if he's being cute or funny, but during a recent radio interview he said Jimmy Fallon could get the job done.
Iron Maiden Drummer Nicko McBrain’s Wife Accused of Assault
The wife of Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain was arrested and charged with domestic battery earlier this year, and she'll have her date in court next month. Rebecca McBrain will face a judge on May 3 after being accused of trying to stab her husband*, and throw logs at him.
Paul McCartney to Headline Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival
Tickets go on sale this week for the sixth annual Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival in San Francisco, Calif. The three-day music and gourmet food event has introduced Paul McCartney as a headliner for the Aug 9-11 event at Golden Gate Park. Dozens of other artists from all genres of music are also on the official lineup card.
Meat Loaf Postpones England Shows for Medical Reasons
It's been a rough start for Meat Loaf's UK tour. The singer postponed another show last night because of "medical reasons afflicting several members of the band." That's the fifth of eight shows he's either cancelled or postponed.
Metallica Pinball Machines: Collect All Three!
Metallica have revealed more details about the upcoming pinball machine that will feature the band and its music. A recently released video from Stern Pinball zips through a highlights reel of behind-the-scenes images, and the band itself has offered a few additional details, including that the machine will be available in three formats.
Warren Haynes to Lead Symphonic Celebration of Jerry Garcia
This summer Allman Brothers Band guitarist Warren Haynes is teaming with distinguished symphonies like the Boston Pops and the San Francisco Symphony to bring the music of Jerry Garcia to fans in an entirely new way. The collaborators will approach the late singer's original compositions and Grateful Dead hits at nine different halls and amphitheaters across the country.
Paul McCartney’s ‘Wings Over America’ Reissue to Kick Off With Theatrical ‘Rockshow’ Viewing
Paul McCartney and Wings will reissue 'Wings Over America' on May 28 in a number of different formats with a cornucopia of bonus features. However, the most intriguing prospect may be the May 15 theatrical release of 'Rockshow,' a live concert film shot in 1975 and 1976 during the Wings Over the World Tour.
Metallica Pinball Machine Announced
Pinball may never rock as hard as it will with Metallica's greatest hits coming from the machine's speakers. There's no timetable, but a new video from Stern Pinball revealed the Metallica pinball machine today. James Hetfield introduces a fast-paced montage of images that give fans a quick glimpse of what the machine will look like.
Rod Stewart, ‘Finest Woman’ – Song Review
Rod Stewart has released 'Finest Woman' as the new single from 'Time,' the album set to hit stores on May 7. Stewart, is full of zeal*, but short on originality on this carbon copy of 'She Makes Me Happy,' another song from 'Time.'