Bad Wolves guitarist AJ Rebollo has quit the heavy metal band, stating that the decision to release a cover of Dolly Parton’s song “Jolene” was the “final nail in the coffin.” Rebollo announced his departure Friday, citing two years with the band and accusing its record label, Better Noise Music, of “ill intent” for releasing the cover shortly after the country music icon’s death.
“I am making the decision to step away as a member of Bad Wolves,” Rebollo wrote in a statement on Instagram. “In short, 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.”
Parton had been expected to contribute vocals to the band’s heavy rendition of her 1973 hit, but the collaboration became impossible after her death. Better Noise Music plans to release the song Monday without Parton’s vocals, with proceeds benefiting her Imagination Library, an organization that provides free books to children.
Rebollo stated that the band had informed the label of their lack of interest in releasing the song after Parton’s passing, believing it could be perceived as capitalizing on her death. “They went ahead and posted that we were releasing it anyway, despite efforts from more than one member, myself included, to oppose it,” he wrote. “While the donation to her Imagination Library is an incredible choice to do something good with the profits, I can’t help but feel there is ill intent behind the decision to release the song.”
Rebollo claimed the dispute highlighted larger issues with the management of the band’s business decisions. “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,” he stated. “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.”
Bad Wolves faced a similar situation in 2018 when Dolores O’Riordan, singer of The Cranberries, died the day she was scheduled to record vocals for the band’s cover of “Zombie.” That song was released posthumously and became the group’s breakout hit. The band has experienced significant lineup changes since then, including the departure of original singer Tommy Vext in 2021, and guitarists Doc Coyle and bassist Kyle Konkiel in 2025. Singer Sara “Killboy” Skinner was introduced this year. The band was also recently dropped from Christian rock group Skillet’s upcoming tour following fan accusations against Skinner.