Bad Wolves guitarist AJ Rebollo quits over band’s Dolly Parton cover, accuses label of ‘ill intent’

AJ Rebollo, guitarist for the metal band Bad Wolves, has announced his departure after two years with the group, attributing his exit to disagreements surrounding the band's recent decision to release a heavy metal cover of Dolly Parton's iconic 1973 song "Jolene." According to statements reported by pagesix.com, Rebollo expressed deep dissatisfaction with the handling of the cover by the band's record label, Better Noise Music, particularly in the wake of Parton's passing.

Dolly Parton, who died at age 80, was initially expected to contribute vocals to the cover, elevating the collaboration's significance. However, following her death on a Tuesday, the collaboration could not proceed. Despite concerns from members of Bad Wolves, including Rebollo, about the timing and optics of releasing the cover so soon after Parton's death, the label opted to proceed with the release without her vocals. The proceeds from the single are intended to benefit Parton's Imagination Library, a charitable initiative providing free books to young children.

Rebollo publicly criticized the label's decision to release the song, describing it as lacking good faith and suggesting it could be perceived as exploiting the legendary artist's death. He indicated that the band had communicated their reluctance to move forward with the release, but their objections were overridden. This conflict over the cover release was emblematic of broader tensions within the band regarding external influence over creative and business decisions.

Beyond the cover controversy, Rebollo cited ongoing struggles with the label's control over the band's direction and the psychological impact of external negativity and harassment on the members. His departure reflects frustration with the erosion of artistic autonomy and the toll of persistent public scrutiny tied to decisions outside the band’s control.

Bad Wolves' history includes previous challenges related to collaborations interrupted by unforeseen circumstances. Notably, in 2018, the band released a cover of The Cranberries' "Zombie" following the death of original singer Dolores O'Riordan on the day she was scheduled to record vocals. This release became a major breakthrough for the band, achieving significant chart success and platinum certification in the United States.

Since then, Bad Wolves has experienced multiple lineup changes. Lead vocalist Tommy Vext left in 2021, followed by departures of guitarist Doc Coyle and bassist Kyle Konkiel in 2025. Daniel “DL” Laskiewicz, a subsequent vocalist, exited to join another band, Falling in Reverse. The group introduced Sara “Killboy” Skinner as their new singer in 2024, marking a new chapter amid ongoing instability.

The band's recent controversies extended beyond internal disputes. In early 2024, Bad Wolves was removed from Christian rock band Skillet’s upcoming tour after false online allegations targeted Skinner in a derogatory campaign. These challenges have compounded the difficulties faced by the group in maintaining cohesion and public support.

The decision to proceed with the "Jolene" cover release, despite the loss of Parton and the band's reservations, underscores the complex dynamics between artists and record labels, especially regarding posthumous collaborations and the timing of releases. While the charitable intent behind donating proceeds to Parton's foundation was acknowledged, doubts about the motivations behind the release remain a point of contention.

Details about the future direction of Bad Wolves following Rebollo’s departure and the cover release remain limited. The situation highlights ongoing tensions in the music industry between creative control, commercial interests, and the sensitivities involved in honoring late artists’ legacies.