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
Neil Young Cancels Upcoming North American Tour Dates
Crazy Horse guitarist Frank 'Poncho' Sampedro's broken hand is to blame for the four additional tour dates cancelled on Neil Young's itinerary. Today the group announced they're pulling out of all shows through Sept. 7.
27 Years Ago: Def Leppard’s Rick Allen Makes His First Post-Accident Concert Appearance
The only thing more awe inspiring than Rick Allen's physical recovery from a car accident that left him with one arm is the way that the Def Leppard drummer overcame immeasurable mental anguish in order to return to the stage on Aug. 16, 1986. Allen never allowed himself the time to roll around in the stink of self-pity. Today, he is trying to teach others -- including wounded war veterans -- how
Andy Summers Introduces New Band
The debut album by former Police guitarist Andy Summers' new band, Circa Zero, is recorded and mastered. But they're still trying to decide how, and with whom, to release the record, even though they played their first show last month in Los Angeles.
Motley Crue Song Interrupts Diamondbacks Pitcher on the Mound
Motley Crue's 'Kickstart My Heart' interrupted Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher J.J. Putz on Saturday night, causing him to spike the ball into the mound during a game against the New York Mets. Even though Vince Neil and the rest of the band weren't actually at the ballpark, their 1989 song managed to cause some chaos on the diamond.
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.
Megadeth Cover Metallica’s ‘Phantom Lord’ With Jason Newsted
With two former members of Metallica touring the continent together as part of Gigantour 2013, it was pretty much a given that Megadeth's Dave Mustaine and Jason Newsted would share a stage at some point. It took a while, but that collaboration finally took place last night (Aug. 11) in Toronto.
Stevie Nicks and Lady Antebellum ‘Crossroads’ Gets Airdate
In January, Stevie Nicks shared a stage with country superstars Lady Antebellum to record an episode of CMT's 'Crossroads.' After seven months, there's finally an airdate.
Joe Satriani Planning for Next Chickenfoot Album
Recording the new Chickenfoot album is on Joe Satriani's calendar. The guitarist has just finished a solo European tour, but he's also been working on new music for the Sammy Hagar-fronted group. 'Chickenfoot III' was released in September 2011.
Jeff Beck Will Join Brian Wilson on Tour
Jeff Beck will team up with Brian Wilson for an 18-date tour this fall. The run begins on Sept. 27 in Florida before working up the East Coast and then zigzagging across the country for a final date on Oct. 27 in Akron. Wilson's fellow Beach Boys Al Jardine and David Marks will also join him onstage.
Bon Jovi Guitarist Richie Sambora Releases New Solo Track
Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora isn't currently working with the band, but that doesn't mean he isn't working. Sambora surprised everyone by dropping the link to a new song on Twitter recently. 'Come Back as Me' came on Monday, during a conversation with his followers.
Roger Waters Responds to Star of David Controversy
Roger Waters is fighting back after being called "an open hater of Jews." In an open letter to fans, the Pink Floyd singer refutes Rabbi Abraham Cooper's claims following Waters' use of the Star of David on a pig during a July 18 show in Belgium.
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.