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.

Foo Fighters Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins to Induct Rush at 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony

Foo Fighters bandmates Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins will induct Rush into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this April, during a ceremony in Los Angeles, Calif. A press release at RockHall.com also revealed who will induct Albert King, Randy Newman and Donna Summer, but didn't mention what artist will do the honors for Heart or Public Enemy.

Heart, ‘Stairway to Heaven’ – Song Review

Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart chose the iconic Led Zeppelin song 'Stairway to Heaven' to play for the legends at the Kennedy Center Honors late last year. The performance stirred up emotions deep within Robert Plant and brought the entire audience to their feet. A well-rehearsed, talented gospel choir covers any flaws in the Hall of Fame nominees' performance.

Dave Grohl’s ‘Sound City’ Documentary to Hit Theaters on Jan. 31

After premiering at the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 18, Dave Grohl's 'Sound City' documentary will be released to theaters in cities across the country. The one-night-only event will take place in over 40 cities on Jan. 31, with additional one-night showings on Feb. 1, Feb. 7, Feb. 15, Feb. 20 and Feb. 22.

Metallica’s ‘Black Album’ Certified 16-Times Platinum

Metallica's self-titled 1991 record, aka 'The Black Album,' is already the best-selling album of the SoundScan era, and now they're pulling away from the pack. 'Metallica' received its 16-times platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America in December, meaning (as you might guess) that it has surpassed 16 million in sales. The certification was one of 10 awarded to the

Robert Plant Says Led Zeppelin Members Need to ‘Move On’

Led Zeppelin have had a big 30 days, including the release of 'Celebration Day' and being honored at the Kennedy Center Honors earlier this month. It doesn't seem likely the momentum will carry in 2013, however. During a recent interview with Charlie Rose on CBS singer Robert Plant explains he's looking for different creative endeavors.

Public Enemy’s Chuck D Calls Jimmy Page’s Puff Daddy Collaboration a ‘ F—ing Travesty’

Public Enemy's Chuck D will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 18, whether you like it or not. More on that in a moment, but in a recent interview he talked about his group's collaboration with classic rock bands, and the "debacle" of Jimmy Page's and Puff Daddy's collaboration.

Rush to Release ‘2112’ iBook

To coincide with the release of deluxe editions of Rush's 1976 album '2112,' the band is releasing a 66-page iBook at iTunes. A comparison of descriptions of the iBook to the hardcover book that comes with the Super Deluxe edition indicates that they are essentially the same thing, although one gets a few band photos not published in the hardcover when they download this digital version, which doe

Adam Sandler Remakes Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ for 12-12-12 Hurricane Sandy Concert

Adam Sandler's cover of the Leonard Cohen song 'Hallelujah' is among the most talked-about moments from last night's 12-12-12 concert to benefit Hurricane Sandy victims. The comedian took the stage with Paul Shaffer to perform this poignant, funny and slightly NSFW recreation of the hit Jeff Buckley made famous.

Fleetwood Mac Announce Expanded + Deluxe ‘Rumours’ Reissue

2012 makes 35 years since Fleetwood Mac released 'Rumours,' and the band plans to celebrate by re-releasing the album as part of box sets that comes loaded with unreleased live tracks and session recordings. Both expanded and deluxe editions of 'Rumours' go on sale Jan. 29.

Remembering Randy Rhoads on His 56th Birthday

Guitarist Randy Rhoads would be 56-years-old today (Dec. 6), had a tragic airplane accident not cut short the life of a man Ozzy Osbourne called a "saint" and an "angel.' Despite only giving fans less than ten years worth of music with Quiet Riot and then with Osbourne, Rhoads' impact will never slip quietly out of fan's memories.

Johnny Depp Jams With Aerosmith Onstage at Los Angeles Concert

Johnny Depp cameos at California Aerosmith concerts are becoming as dependable as hits like 'Sweet Emotion' or 'Dream On.' The actor showed up once again on Monday night (Dec. 3) during the band's set at Staples Center. He jammed through two songs on guitar before departing. Witnesses describe Depp as being "really happy and at ease" during the appearance.

Dave Grohl Drums Led Zeppelin Songs During Kennedy Center Honors

Foo Fighters' frontman Dave Grohl returned to the drum kit during a Led Zeppelin tribute at the Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday (Dec. 2). Grohl switched places with his drummer Taylor Hawkins, who sang 'Black Dog' and 'Rock and Roll' while Grohl filled a chair that made him famous with Nirvana.

AC/DC Sells 696,000 Singles During Inaugural iTunes Week

Any second thoughts AC/DC may have had about releasing their catalog to iTunes were surely forgotten after sales total from the band's debut week arrived yesterday. U.S. fans downloaded over 48,000 albums from the digital music site, in addition to nearly 700,000 singles.

Kiss Drummer Eric Singer Responds to Peter Criss’s Insults

Kiss drummer Eric Singer has sharp words for Peter Criss, but during a recent interview he never stoops to the level of insults thrown at him by the band's original timekeeper.