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
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).
Mick Jagger Says A Keith Richards Apology Was a ‘Prerequisite’ to Touring
Keith Richards' memoir of his life and the life of the Rolling Stones revealed some things about the band and Mick Jagger that the frontman didn't care for. In a recent interview Jagger calls an apology from Richards a "prerequisite," while Richards shares he doesn't regret a thing.
Billy Joel, David Lee Roth and Steven Tyler Share Memories of Each Other at Stone Festival Press Conference
Aerosmith, Van Halen and Billy Joel are the headliners for this weekend's Stone Music Festival in Sydney, Aus. During yesterday's press conference to kick off the weekend, media and fans learned that there's a mutual respect and admiration amongst the legendary rockers. "I tried to do the thing in 'Jump' but I split my pants," Joel said. "I couldn't do the move."
Rush Perform With Foo Fighters at Hall of Fame Induction
Rush were the runaway stars at the 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony last night. And one of the show's highlights found the trio onstage with two members of the Foo Fighters, who performed the final minute of '2112''s classic 'Overture' with the newly inducted band. Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins even dressed in vintage Rush outfits -- Grohl as Alex Lifeson and Hawkins as Neil Pea
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.
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.
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.
Meat Loaf on the Rigors of Touring: ‘I Outweigh Jagger by About 100 Pounds’
Meat Loaf is retiring from the road. The American rocker says his Last at Bat Tour -- which begins on Friday (April 5) in Newcastle, U.K. - will be his final tour. Previously he'd only hinted that the run of dates would be his final European tour, but during a recent interview he admitted his health his holding him back.
Guns N’ Roses Fan Planning to Sue After Axl Rose’s Microphone Busts His Mouth
A Guns N' Roses fan named Darren Wright says he's preparing legal action after being hit in the mouth by Axl Rose's microphone at the end of the band's show on Saturday night (March 9) in Perth, Australia.
Alice Cooper Reportedly to Tour With Marilyn Manson
A poster on Alice Cooper's official website seems to indicate the singer will be touring with shock-rocker Marilyn Manson this year. Details for two dates have even slipped out since fans and media noticed the artwork for a tour called the Masters of Madness: Shock Therapy Tour.
Lynyrd Skynyrd and Bad Company Announce Co-Headlining 2013 Tour
Lynyrd Skynyrd and Bad Company are both celebrating 40 years in 2013, and they've teamed up to take a co-headling tour across America. The 40 Tour will begin on June 20 in Auburn, Wash. and travel east before wrapping up on July 27 in Bethel, N.Y.