THE ANNOUNCEMENT
A Dolly Parton cover cost Bad Wolves their guitarist. AJ Rebollo has stepped down, pointing at label pressure to push out a "Jolene" cover the band openly did not want †‡. The kicker: the track was originally supposed to feature Parton herself, and is now set up as a benefit release for her foundation *.
THE DETAILS
- Rebollo says he is done with Bad Wolves, citing pressure from the band's record label †
- "The final nail in the coffin was the label's decision to move forward with the upcoming Dolly Parton cover, after we blatantly expressed our opposition." †
- The "Jolene" cover was first planned with a guest appearance from Parton before that fell through *
- It is now positioned as a release supporting Parton's foundation, which is not named in the reporting *
- Reports differ on timing — one has the cover still upcoming, another has Rebollo's exit landing as the track dropped †‡
- No confirmed release date, format, or label is on record
WHY IT MATTERS
FAREWELL: Rebollo's run with a multi-platinum band ends over a song he didn't want to play ‡. Bands lose members over money and egos all the time — losing one over a charity single is a new one.