Billy Dukes

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.

20 Years Ago: Ex-Kiss Guitarist Bruce Kulick Almost Shot to Death

Two stray bullets came within a couple of inches – or less – of killing him on Sunset Boulevard.

Steven Tyler, ‘Love Is Your Name’ – Song Review

Steven Tyler isn’t just dipping a toe into country music. With “Love Is Your Name” the Aerosmith frontman dives head-first into the genre.

41 Years Ago: Berry Oakley of the Allman Brothers Band Dies

Former Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickey Betts is always quick to celebrate the importance of Berry Oakley's contributions to the legendary southern rock band. Before Oakley died on Nov. 11, 1972, he was responsible for some of the most iconic Allman riffs, including the opening of 'Whipping Post.' He's remembered for the way he died more often than the way he lived, and Betts works to fix tha

Tico Torres Returns to Bon Jovi Tour

After dual surgeries, Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres is back with the band he's been a part of for 30 years. The 59-year-old Torres returned on Oct. 9 for the group's show in Fresno, Calif., playing a two-hour-plus concert for fans at the Save Mart Center.

Neal Schon to Marry Michaele Salahi in December

Journey guitarist Neal Schon and reality-TV star Michaele Salahi have set a wedding date. The couple -- who have been dating for two years -- will marry on Dec. 15 at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Boston to Release First Album in 11 Years

Boston will reportedly release their first album since 2002 this fall. It's the sixth from the classic band, and the first to be released since singer Brad Delp committed suicide in 2007.

Elton John Drummer Roger Pope Dead at 66

Roger Pope was one of Elton John's early bandmates, playing drums on the piano man's early demos and later going on to tour and recording six albums with him. The Whitestable, U.K., native died on Sept. 17 at the age of 66.

Bruce Springsteen, Roger Waters Added to ‘Stand Up for Heroes’ Benefit Concert

A number of familiar faces will be returning to New York City this November for the seventh annual 'Stand Up for Heroes' benefit concert. Bruce Springsteen, Roger Waters and 'Daily Show' host Jon Stewart are among a list of initially confirmed performers. Jerry Seinfeld will also perform, with more expected to be named later.

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.

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.