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
Tico Torres Returns to Bon Jovi Tour
After dual surgeries, Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres is back with the band he's been a part of for 30 years. The 59-year-old Torres returned on Oct. 9 for the group's show in Fresno, Calif., playing a two-hour-plus concert for fans at the Save Mart Center.
NIkki Sixx Says Sebastian Bach Was Never Asked to Join Motley Crue
Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx says the story that Sebastian Bach is telling about being asked to join Motley Crue is simply not true. Last week, the Skid Row singer said he was asked to replace Vince Neil when the singer left the group in 1992. Sixx said it never happened.
Metallica Rumored to Play at Baseball Star’s Retirement Ceremony
Even if it is just rumor, it's a pretty good idea. For nearly two decades, New York Yankees' closer Mariano Rivera has been using Metallica's 'Enter Sandman' as his entrance song in the ninth inning. As he prepares to retire this year, some think the band could return the favor by showing up for his retirement ceremony at Yankee Stadium.
James Hetfield Turned Down Sammy Hagar … But It’s Cool
Almost as interesting as the artists Sammy Hagar is collaborating with on his upcoming 'Sammy Hagar and Friends' album is the list of artists he couldn't find time to record with. One, Metallica's James Hetfield, turned down Hagar's invitation, but the Red Rocker says he understands why.
Man Sets World Record With 813-Piece Drum Set
Mark Temperato's drum kit weighs two-and-a-half tons and includes 813 individually assembled pieces that the Lakeville, N.Y., resident can reach without taking a step. That's a world record, according to the folks at Guinness, who know about such things.
Bill Ward Opens Up About His Black Sabbath Reunion No-Show
For original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward, there's a simple explanation as to why he didn't record or tour with his bandmates. "I was offered a contract, and I couldn't sign it," he said in a recent interview. He refutes suggestions that he wasn't physically up to the task.
Metallica Announce ‘Through the Never’ Soundtrack Details
Three days before 'Metallica Through the Never' hits more than 300 IMAX theaters, the band will release the movie's soundtrack album. The record will be available on Sept. 24 and feature many of the band's biggest hits performed live.
‘Sammy Hagar and Friends’ Album to Include Kid Rock, Nancy Wilson, Neal Schon + More
Sammy Hagar has invited nearly a dozen friends, current and former bandmates to join him on 'Sammy Hagar and Friends,' his new studio album due in stores Sept. 24. Kid Rock, Journey's Neal Schon, Chickenfoot's Chad Smith and Joe Satriani and members of Montrose are amongst the stars announced this morning.
Lindsey Buckingham to Guest on Nine Inch Nails Album
More details about Nine Inch Nails' new album have been released, including the track-listing, release date and list of collaborators.
Black Sabbath Explore Themes of Greed, War and Religon in New ‘God Is Dead?’ Video
The images used to create the nearly nine-minute-long Black Sabbath video for 'God Is Dead?' come from a wide range of places. Little new footage was shot for the just-released clip. Instead director Peter Joseph borrowed from his previous works and archival Sabbath footage.
Black Sabbath Hint at More Music After ’13’
"Never say never." That's what Black Sabbath's Geezer Butler is saying about the prospect of more new music after '13' is released next Tuesday (June 11). Singer Ozzy Osbourne also says he'd like to cut more songs, but no one is making any promises.
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.