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
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.
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.
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.
Man Plays AC/DC on Flaming Bagpipes
For a funeral or Thanksgiving Day parade, bagpipes are great. But for a rock song? An Australian man will leave you thinking differently after watching his performance of AC/DC's 'Thunderstruck' on the instrument. Making the whole thing even more awesome: The bagpipes shoot fire.
‘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.
Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert Blu-Ray to Include Previously Unavailable Performances
In 1992 the surviving members of Queen invited friends and fellow musicians to pay tribute to the late Freddie Mercury. The concert included performances from over a dozen top rock and pop artists of the day, from David Bowie to Guns N' Roses to Metallica and Def Leppard. Later this summer 34 different performances from that night will be available on 'The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert: The Defi
Nikki Sixx Thanks Fans for Support After Mother’s Death
Nikki Sixx thanked fans for their words of support following the June 8 death of his mother Deana Richards. Sixx shared the news via Twitter early Sunday morning. Details of her passing have not been made available.
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.
AC/DC’s Brian Johnson Will Join Sting on New ‘The Last Ship’ Album
Sting's first album in 10 years will include an unexpected collaboration with Brian Johnson, the lead singer of AC/DC. 'The Last Ship' will hit stores on Sept. 24. As previously reported, the collection is the soundtrack to a theater production of the same name set to debut on Broadway in 2014.
Sting to Release First New Album in a Decade
It's been a decade since Sting last released a project with original material, and his upcoming album may actually stop short of being a true Sting album. 'The Last Ship' is scheduled for Sept. 24. It will be a collection of songs Sting helped write for a musical of the same name.
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).