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
Paul McCartney to Headline Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival
Tickets go on sale this week for the sixth annual Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival in San Francisco, Calif. The three-day music and gourmet food event has introduced Paul McCartney as a headliner for the Aug 9-11 event at Golden Gate Park. Dozens of other artists from all genres of music are also on the official lineup card.
Meat Loaf Postpones England Shows for Medical Reasons
It's been a rough start for Meat Loaf's UK tour. The singer postponed another show last night because of "medical reasons afflicting several members of the band." That's the fifth of eight shows he's either cancelled or postponed.
Paul McCartney’s ‘Wings Over America’ Reissue to Kick Off With Theatrical ‘Rockshow’ Viewing
Paul McCartney and Wings will reissue 'Wings Over America' on May 28 in a number of different formats with a cornucopia of bonus features. However, the most intriguing prospect may be the May 15 theatrical release of 'Rockshow,' a live concert film shot in 1975 and 1976 during the Wings Over the World Tour.
Bill Wyman Turned Down Touring America With the Rolling Stones
Former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman seems peeved that his time on stage with his former bandmates last fall was capped to five minutes. He played two songs at both London gigs and was then asked to tour America with the band. "I said for two songs? No thank you."
Meat Loaf on the Rigors of Touring: ‘I Outweigh Jagger by About 100 Pounds’
Meat Loaf is retiring from the road. The American rocker says his Last at Bat Tour -- which begins on Friday (April 5) in Newcastle, U.K. - will be his final tour. Previously he'd only hinted that the run of dates would be his final European tour, but during a recent interview he admitted his health his holding him back.
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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Huey Lewis to Celebrate 30 Years of ‘Sports’ With Tour, Remastered Release + TV Appearances
Indiana University has an elite basketball program and Huey Lewis is everywhere. 2013 may feel like 1983 beginning next week, when Huey Lewis and the News begin a celebration of the 30th anniversary of 'Sports,' their historic, multi-platinum album featuring many of their best-known hits. A tour is set to begin in May.
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.
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.
Rod Stewart, ‘She Makes Me Happy’ – Song Review
Rod Stewart's return to songwriting brings genuine joy and elation to fans in the way of a first single called 'She Makes Me Happy.' The singer's uptempo ode to a lover is refreshing and natural.
Billy Idol Announces 2013 North American Tour Dates
Billy Idol has added 19 dates to his summer 2013 itinerary. The 'White Wedding' singer was previously announced as a Bonnaroo performer, and now he's scheduled shows across the country around that June 15 date in Tennessee. Tickets for many of the dates go on sale this Friday (March 22).
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.