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
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.
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.
Bill Ward Opens Up About His Black Sabbath Reunion No-Show
For original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward, there's a simple explanation as to why he didn't record or tour with his bandmates. "I was offered a contract, and I couldn't sign it," he said in a recent interview. He refutes suggestions that he wasn't physically up to the task.
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.
News Reporter Breaks Into Rush Classic on ‘Air Guitar’
Slow news day? Roger Clark, a reporter for NY1 in New York City recently wrapped up a report on the 2013 US Air Guitar Championships by jamming out to 'Tom Sawyer' by Rush. The video comes from Monday (July 1), Canada Day. Clark indicates he was paying tribute to Canadians everywhere with his unabashed version of the hit song.
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.
Def Leppard’s Vivian Campbell Reveals Cancer Diagnosis
Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell revealed his cancer diagnosis this afternoon. Campbell says he has Hodgkin's Lymphoma and is two months in to the six months of prescribed chemotherapy. He'll tour with the band on the European and North American tours this June and July.
AC/DC Show Support for Bon Scott Hometown Statue
Supporters of a plan to raise money for a statue of Bon Scott in his hometown of Kirriemuir, Scotland received a big boost recently when AC/DC put their weight into the project with a post on their official website. The campaign is looking to raise over $75,000 (50,000 pounds) before June 5. As of today (May 16), they're one-third of the way there.
Axl Rose Planning to Buy a Tiger?
Only a man of some social significance knows where to buy a tiger, and it seems Axl Rose may qualify. The Guns N' Roses singer was heard discussing his plans to purchase a big cat during a wild Monday night that included Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill and a "harem of ladies."
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 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.
David Lee Roth on Difference Between Him and the Van Halens: ‘I’m Truly a Wanderer’
David Lee Roth doesn't mince words when it comes to what's kept Van Halen from playing Australia in recent years. The group announced they'll play the Stone Festival in Sydney this April. Roth suggests they'd tour the world regularly if it were up to him.