Bad Wolves guitarist AJ Rebollo has quit the band due to the death of Dolly Parton and a cover of "Jolene." 

On Friday AJ posted a message on social media explaining his reason for leaving the group after two years. He says it comes down to what he claims is "ill intent" from the record label, Better Noise Music, for releasing the group's "Jolene" cover song days after Dolly died from a brief battle with cancer. 

AJ says Dolly was supposed to add vocals to Bad Wolves version of "Jolene," but sadly passed before it could happen. AJ said he and his bandmates wanted to keep the project unreleased since Dolly could no longer work with them, but the record label released the song anyway despite pushback from Bad Wolves.

And this whole thing is kinda interesting when you remember "Zombie." Dolores O'Riordan was supposed to sing on that cover too, died before she could, and they released it four days later. Same record company, by the way. Back then, Bad Wolves said it was a joint decision with the label and turned it into a tribute for her kids. So I'm not saying it's the same situation but it has me scratching my head...

Their new singer, Sara 'Killboy' Skinner, is actually singing the cover. She's a huge Dolly fan and that's apparently how the whole thing started.

Bad Wolves Will Donate Proceeds From "Jolene" releasing August 31 to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Her Honor.

Bad Wolves join millions of fans around the world in mourning the sudden passing of the one and only Dolly Parton, whose legacy has touched generations of artists and fans globally.....

Okay, this is one of those stories that is just really strange — and honestly, kind of heartbreaking when you look at Bad Wolves' history.

Bad Wolves guitarist AJ Rebollo has announced he's leaving the band after two years, and it all comes down to the release of their cover of Dolly Parton's "Jolene."

AJ posted a message on Instagram explaining that Dolly herself was actually supposed to add vocals to Bad Wolves' heavier version of the song. But after Dolly passed away Tuesday, that obviously never got the chance to happen.

AJ says he and his bandmates wanted to pull the song and not release it. But the record label decided to put it out anyway, just days after Dolly's death.

Now, the label is donating some of the proceeds from the song to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, but AJ says he just couldn't shake the feeling that there was some ill intent behind the decision to release it when they did.

He says he wishes absolutely no ill will toward anyone involved, and that he truly enjoyed his time with Bad Wolves — but ultimately, leaving the band was a decision he felt he had to make.

And here's the really bizarre part...This is almost the exact same situation Bad Wolves went through with their cover of The Cranberries' "Zombie."

Back in 2018, Dolores O'Riordan was actually supposed to record vocals for Bad Wolves' version of that song. Tragically, she died in London during the very trip when that recording was supposed to happen.

Bad Wolves eventually released "Zombie" as a tribute to Dolores... and now, years later, they find themselves in another incredibly similar situation — this time with Dolly and "Jolene."

For one band to have lightning strike twice like that... that is just an unbelievably strange and tragic coincidence.

BAD WOLVES, FALLING IN REVERSE: Bass Fill-In Leads To Questions

Stay tuned....

Bad Wolves have announced that guitarist Doc Coyle and bassist Kyle Konkiel are leaving the band and will be replaced by their former guitarist Chris Cain and bassist Kevin Creekman, who has played in former singer Tommy Vext's solo band.

 Here's the bands statement issued today, April 2nd

'Bad Wolves officially announce the departure of longtime guitarist Doc Coyle and bassist Kyle Konkiel as they step away to pursue new creative endeavors. In light of this change, original guitarist Chris Cain is rejoining Bad Wolves. His return marks a homecoming, bringing Cain's signature energy and musicianship back into the fold for the first time since 2022. Additionally, the band welcomes Swiss born Kevin "The Creekman" Creekman as new bassist stepping in for Kyle Konkiel. Creekman, a Las Vegas based musician previously played with Payton Perish.

Bad Wolves band founder and drummer, John Boecklin expressed the deepest gratitude for both Doc's and Kyle's contributions over the years: 'Words can't really express what Kyle and Doc mean to me as bandmates, as well as friends. I love them with all my heart and I wish them luck on their journey. Having Chris return home feels so right, we've already been writing so he's back in the saddle. Creekman is brand new .. to us and the fans, so let's welcome him into this next chapter and go kill it.'

Doc Coyle shared the following statement regarding his departure:

Dear Wolfpack, after nearly 9 years, I've made the difficult decision to part ways with Bad Wolves. This wasn't easy, and it's a massive life shift. But it's an amicable split, and I love every one of the guys. We persevered through adversity, and I'm very proud of what we accomplished together. I look forward to exploring new creative outlets, opportunities, and possibilities.
Bad Wolves gave me a second chapter I never dreamed of — gold records, arena tours, and the chance to inspire others. I'll forever be grateful to our team and to you, the fans. Your support has meant everything. As for what's next — I don't know yet. I'm writing music. I'm figuring it out. It's scary and exciting. But knowing me, I won't be idle for long.
With love and respect,
Doc Coyle

Kyle Konkiel stated: "After eight amazing years, I'm stepping away from Bad Wolves. This wasn't easy, but I can't give 100% right now, and the music and fans deserve nothing less. Huge love to my bandmates, John, DL, AJ and Doc. And to the fans, crew, and everyone I've met, thank you. This isn't goodbye, just a new chapter."
Bad Wolves vocalist Daniel "DL' Laskiewicz and guitarist AJ Rebello shared in a joint statement: "We are very much looking forward to this new chapter of Bad Wolves with Chris and Kevin on board. We can't wait to share new music with the Wolfpack and see you all out on the road again soon."

Meanwhile, Coyle also issued the following personal statement regarding his exit:

"Dear Wolfpack,
I regret to inform you that I have decided to part ways with Bad Wolves. It was not an easy decision to make. I have been playing with the band for almost 9 years, so this is a massive life change for me. It should be said that this is a completely amicable split. I love John, Kyle, DL, and AJ. Not being in the trenches going forward with my boys is the hardest part of all of this. But this has been coming for a long while, and I think my time in the band has just run its course.

I am still rooting for Bad Wolves to take over the world. And it warms my heart knowing that our old guitarist, Chris Cain, is coming back to take the baton from me on lead guitar.

I won't provide an in-depth explanation of why I'm leaving at the moment. I'm sure I'll share more
details at some point when it's appropriate. I feel like I've lost a bit of who I am as a creative and where my passion lies. Being in this band has brought challenges that have taken quite an emotional toll and burned me out. Through the ups and downs, I've done everything in my power to make Bad Wolves successful. I'm very proud of our work, the albums we made, and overcoming the adversity we faced. But it's time for a fresh start.

Breaking out the way we did in 2018 gave me a 2nd chapter to my career that I could never have dreamed of. Being in our late 30s and receiving #1 singles, gold albums, and arena tours right out of the gate was a stunning achievement. I'll always be grateful for the opportunities and doors that have opened since I was in Bad Wolves. And I'm proud of the fact that it inspired many musicians to keep grinding it out. If we could do it, you could do it.

I want to thank everyone who worked with the band all these years – everyone at 10th Street Management and Better Noise Music, Eric and MSK, Independent Artist Group, every single crew member we've had, everyone who's written songs with us or done production work on any of our albums, but most of all I want to thank the Bad Wolves fans. Your dedication has been a true inspiration. We've gotten each other through lots of hard times. The Wolfpack really is a family to me. Any time I've had the chance to meet you in person, give you a hug, share your story, or take a picture together has meant the world to me. I will forever be grateful for your support.

What's next? I'm not sure, but for the first time in a long time, I have nothing on the books. My schedule is wide open. That frightens me and excites me. I'm writing music. I'm on a journey to find out what hell it is I want in life. And it's 0k to not have all the answers right now. If you know me, you know that I'm not very good at staying idle, so I'm sure I'll see you all soon.

Love and respect,
Doc Coyle"

--------------------------------------------

Konkiel also issued an personal statement of, which reads:

"After eight incredible years, I've decided to step down from Bad Wolves. This wasn't an easy choice, but after much reflection, I know in my heart that I can no longer give this band 100%. And anything less wouldn't be fair to the music, my bandmates, or the fans.

There are so many things I still want to accomplish in my career, and I feel now is the time to explore new creative paths, whether on my own or in a new project.

The memories, the shows, and the experiences over the past near-decade will always hold a special place in my heart. I wish John, DL, and AJ nothing but success and will continue to cheer them on however I can. And as for my brother Doc, you already know I've got his back for life. We've been through more together than most bands ever do, and my support doesn't end here.

To all the incredible fans, crew, and fellow musicians I've met along the way, thank you. Your support has meant everything, and I look forward to crossing paths again in whatever comes next. This isn't the end. Just the start of a new chapter"

Doc Coyle is offering up his debut solo track which is a cover of Aerosmith's "Livin' on the Edge." The Bad Wolves guitarist created a video inspired by the '90s psychological thriller 'Falling Down'.

Bad Wolves' will launch a U.S. Co-Headling tour with Pop Evil in November and rolls into The Bluestone on Friday November 29th as part of the Blitzmas Concert Series!

"THE ANIMAL INSTINCT TOUR" - Pop Evil & Bad Wolves w/ Sierra Pilot & Oni - The Bluestone 583 East Broad Street Columbus Ohio 43215

https://www.ticketmaster.com/pop-evil-bad-wolves-the-animal-columbus-ohio-11-29-2024/event/05006113B6B98300