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
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.
Steven Tyler Joins Keith Urban in Nashville
Fans at Tootsie's in Nashville got a shock last weekend when Steven Tyler emerged from the crowd to join Keith Urban on stage. The country superstar was playing the honky tonk as part of a promotional tour for his new 'Fuse' album when he summoned the Aerosmith singer with the riff from 'La Grange' by ZZ Top.
Stan Robinson, Father of Black Crowes’ Chris and Rich Robinson, Dies
The father of the Black Crowes' Chris and Rich Robinson has died. According to a post on the rock band's Facebook page Stan Robinson died on Tuesday afternoon. The band had previously cancelled shows scheduled for yesterday and today (Sept. 11).
David Bowie May Be Planning Live Comeback
Rumors of David Bowie's live comeback have fans buzzing. Depending on your source, the singer is planning a show at either Hyde Park or Olympic Park in London. Of course, all parties officially involved are remaining quiet ... mostly.
Watch Black Sabbath Go Behind the Scenes of Halloween Horror Nights
The creative director of Universal Studios Hollywood caught up with Black Sabbath in Austin recently and showed Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler what 'Black Sabbath 13 3D' -- a new attraction at the annual Halloween Horror Nights based on the group's music and recent album -- will look like. Fans also get a preview of the scares in the above clip.
Ron Wood to Close London Bluesfest
The Ronnie Wood Band has been announced as the final performers at the 2013 BluesFest in London this fall. The Rolling Stones guitarist will pay tribute to the late bluesman Jimmy Reed on Nov. 1.
Kenny Loggins Hosts ‘Grand Theft Auto V”s Classic Rock Station
The soundtrack and score to the upcoming 'Grand Theft Auto V' video game is packed with well-known stars of hip-hop, rock, soul and classic rock. Kenny Loggins will host the classic-rock station heard in the game, which will be released on Sept. 17.
Ted Nugent’s Wife Says She Forgot About Loaded Gun at Airport
Shemane Nugent, the 51-year-old wife of rocker Ted Nugent, says she forgot about the loaded revolver in her luggage as she attempted to get through security at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport on Aug. 29. She said she was carrying the gun for protection because she had received death threats.
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.
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.
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.