Dolly Parton is in the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. But outside of one album, her career was been dominated by country music. One heavy metal guitarist quit his band over a Parton tribute song.
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Taking to social media, AJ Rebello, guitarist for Bad Wolves, revealed he quit the band. This is the final thing that forced his hand, according to the heavy metal guitarist. The band released a new cover of Parton's "Jolene."
"I can no longer in good faith remain a member and co-sign the decisions constantly being made FOR this band by the label. Among other issues I have with the inner workings of the business," Rebello said in a statement.
He continued, "When I stepped into the picture, a part of me knew what I was getting into. But the full extent of it was unknown to me. I have been at odds with one too many decisions being made for the band for quite some time, but 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. We, as an entity, told the label we had no interest in releasing the cover after learning of Dolly's unfortunate passing, as her collaboration on the song was no longer a possibility, and we felt it would (understandably) be interpreted as somewhat of a capitalization on her passing from an outside perspective."
Dolly Parton Couldn't Record
Prior to the heavy metal guitarist's departure, he worked with the band to record "Jolene." They expected for Parton to sing the vocals as a collaboration. But when she passed, the label decided to release the song still.
"With the label completely disregarding numerous decisions we make out of passion, and ultimately just unknowingly exhausting the band's attempts to fully enjoy being here, I am no longer happy here," Rebello said. "The amount of hate, negativity, and harassment we receive on a daily basis due to decisions made outside of our control has taken a massive toll on our sanity."
Despite leaving the band, Rebello thanked founding drummer John Boecklin for letting him be a part of the band. He also doesn't wish for any ill-will against the band. But he said that he had to protect his integrity.
"...I have no interest in being a vessel for what I believe to be terrible decisions," Rebello said. "Music is my job, my livelihood, and most importantly, my passion. Stepping away from this is absolutely terrifying as I am sacrificing what little I have left when it comes to stability within the music world. I do not know what the future holds for me regarding that."
