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 Pinball Machines: Collect All Three!
Metallica have revealed more details about the upcoming pinball machine that will feature the band and its music. A recently released video from Stern Pinball zips through a highlights reel of behind-the-scenes images, and the band itself has offered a few additional details, including that the machine will be available in three formats.
Alice Cooper Leads All-Star Benefit for Youth Music Academy
Thursday night (March 28) Alice Cooper headlined a concert to celebrate the opening of the Brennan Rock & Roll Academy in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Sebastian Bach, Kiss's Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, and Doors guitarist Robby Krieger also performed. Before the show Cooper explained how the lineup came about, and talked about the importance of this school and his own Solid Rock Foundation.
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LL Cool J on Eddie Van Halen Collaboration: ‘I Just Really Wanted to Work With the Best’
To make his new album 'Authentic,' rapper LL Cool J searched for the best of the best from rock, country, rap pop and funk. In a recent interview he said Eddie Van Halen was at the top of his list.
Slash, Anthrax Tear Through AC/DC’s ‘T.N.T.’ in Los Angeles
Slash surprised fans of Anthrax at the House of Blues in Los Angeles on Wednesday night (March 27) by taking the stage to play guitar on 'T.N.T.,' the AC/DC song Anthrax chose for their new album of covers called 'Anthems.' The band turned in a pretty convincing rendition, captured on the fan video below.
Geddy Lee From Rush to Throw First Pitch at Toronto Blue Jays Home Opener
Longtime Toronto Blue Jays fan and soon-to-be Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Geddy Lee will take the mound on Tuesday (April 2) to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Blue Jays' home opener. The Rush bassist and singer is a season ticket holder and dedicated fantasy baseball player.
Robert Plant Joins Patty Griffin on ‘Ohio,’ First Single From ‘American Kid’ Album
The first single from Patty Griffin's new album 'American Kid' features Led Zeppelin lead singer Robert Plant on harmonies. 'Ohio,' is much more than a vocal collaboration between the two however. Griffin credits her longtime partner with bringing the track to its final resting place.
Derek Watkins, Trumpet Player for the Beatles, Eric Clapton, James Bond + More, Dead at 68
If you've seen any of the 23 James Bond movies, you're familiar with British trumpet player Derek Watkins. The session player also sat in with Eric Clapton, the Beatles, Elton John and more during a nearly 50-year career. Watkins died on Friday (March 22) after a two year battle with cancer.
Paul McCartney Announces 2013 World Tour
Paul McCartney announced the first two dates of what is expected to be a significant touring schedule in 2013. The singer revealed plans for the Out There World Tour on his website this morning (March 20). His goal is to play cities and venues he and his band have never been.
Journey Guitarist Neal Schon Suing Ex-Mother in Law for Defamation
Neal Schon's recently settled support agreement with his ex-wife Amber is in the news again as the Journey guitarist is said to be bringing a lawsuit against her mother. Schon says Judy Kozan badmouthed him through an internet blog, and he wants $75,000 in damages.
Anthrax Releases Cover of Cheap Trick’s ‘Big Eyes’
Anthrax has released a fourth song from their upcoming album of classic rock covers called 'Anthems.' The group revealed a version of 'Big Eyes' by Cheap Trick for fans to enjoy. The entire album will be available on March 19 in the United States and on March 22 in Europe.