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
Glenn Frey’s Wife Sues Hospital, Doctor for Negligence
She says doctors failed to advise the family of the risks and side effects of treatment.
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.
Ozzy Osbourne Claims Bill Ward Wasn’t In Shape for Black Sabbath Tour
It was a contractual dispute that supposedly kept Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward from joining his mates for their upcoming tour and album, but Ozzy Osbourne says there is another side to the story. The singer questions if Ward was physically up for touring and recording.
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
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."
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.
Suspended ‘Hot for Teacher’ Student Suing University
Last year an Oakland University (Mich.) student was suspended and severely reprimanded for writing an essay titled 'Hot for Teacher' and turning it into the teacher he was hot for. Now 57-year-old Joseph Corlett is suing members of the University and the Board of Trustees for violating his right to free speech and free expression. He wants $2.2 million.
Billy Idol Announces 2013 North American Tour Dates
Billy Idol has added 19 dates to his summer 2013 itinerary. The 'White Wedding' singer was previously announced as a Bonnaroo performer, and now he's scheduled shows across the country around that June 15 date in Tennessee. Tickets for many of the dates go on sale this Friday (March 22).
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.
Could Aerosmith’s ‘Dream On’ Become the Official State Rock Song of Massachusetts?
Politicians in Massachusetts are divided when it comes to the state's official rock song. One group is pulling for 'Dream On' by Aerosmith, while another proposed piece of legislation calls for 'Road Runner' by '70s rockers the Modern Lovers to be the official jam of the Bay State.
Elton John Volunteers to Help Save HMV Stores in Europe
Elton John is hoping other artists will follow his lead and set up in-store appearances and performances at HMV, a European record store chain that is facing closure. The singer will be playing a series of in-store shows at retail locations to remind people of the value of the physical record.
Whitesnake Announce ‘Made in Japan’ Live Album
Whitesnake has packaged hits and outtakes, along with rare acoustic versions of popular songs on 'Made in Japan,' a live CD/DVD to be made available on April 23. The band announced that the Oct. 11, 2011 show from the Loud Park festival at the Saitama Super Arena will be packaged in its entirety. Previously fans could only see and hear highlights on Japanese television.