Bad Wolves guitarist quits over Dolly Parton Jolene tribute
Bad Wolves guitarist AJ Rebollo has quit the metal band after their label, Better Noise Music, pushed ahead with a Dolly Parton "Jolene" cover tribute that the group opposed following Parton's death. Rebollo called the label's decision the "final nail in the coffin" and said he could not remain while business calls were made against the band's wishes.
Key Takeaways
- AJ Rebollo announced his departure from Bad Wolves on August 29, 2026, after a dispute over the label's release of a Dolly Parton "Jolene" cover.
- The band opposed releasing the track once Parton's death ended plans for her to guest on the recording.
- Better Noise Music said proceeds would go to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, but Rebollo accused the label of "ill intent."
- The shake-up came in the same week singer Sara "Killboy" Skinner said she was dropped from a Skillet tour amid online scrutiny.
- Rebollo had played guitar with Bad Wolves since joining as a touring member in 2023.
Why did Bad Wolves guitarist AJ Rebollo quit?
In a lengthy statement shared Saturday, August 29, Rebollo said he could "no longer in good faith remain a member and co-sign the decisions constantly being made FOR this band by the label." He cited broader frustrations with the industry's inner workings, but singled out the Parton cover as the breaking point.
Rebollo wrote that he had been "at odds with one too many decisions being made for the band for quite some time." The guitarist stressed that music is his livelihood and passion, and that stepping away was terrifying because he had no other gig lined up. Even so, he said he had "no interest in being a vessel for what I believe to be terrible decisions."
What happened with the Dolly Parton Jolene cover?
According to founding drummer John Boecklin, Bad Wolves recorded a heavy metal version of "Jolene" for their next album after current singer Sara "Killboy" Skinner — a Dolly Parton fan — posted cover videos of the 1973 classic. Label CEO Dan Waite sent the demo to Parton's manager, and the band was told Parton loved the track and planned to add vocals soon.
After Parton died, Rebollo said the group told Better Noise it had "no interest in releasing the cover" because the collaboration was "no longer a possibility." They worried outsiders would view the release as "somewhat of a capitalization on her passing." The label announced the tribute anyway, with the cover officially arriving on Monday, August 31.
Better Noise said proceeds would be donated to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Rebollo called that donation "an incredible choice" but added he felt there was "ill intent behind the decision to release the song."
What else is going on with Bad Wolves?
The guitarist's exit caps a turbulent week for Celebrity Breaking News followers tracking the Los Angeles metal act. Days earlier, Skinner alleged she was pulled from an upcoming Skillet and Escape the Fate tour after fans researched her background, citing rumors about her gender identity and an OnlyFans account.
Skillet has not addressed her statement and replaced Bad Wolves on the tour with Autumn Kings, VICE reported. The band has seen repeated lineup changes: co-founding guitarist Doc Coyle and bassist Kyle Konkiel departed last year, and Boecklin is now the only original member still performing with the group.
Rebollo said he loved working on Bad Wolves' upcoming fifth album and praised his bandmates, but argued daily hate and harassment tied to decisions "outside of our control" had taken a toll on the group's sanity.