Just days after announcing his exit from alt-metal band Bad Wolves, guitarist AJ Rebollo has issued another statement. This time around, Rebollo, formerly of the band Issues before his time in Bad Wolves, makes clear he does not want fans to "take arms" against the band or the label. Rebollo also takes responsibility for not "gathering all necessary information" about the release of their cover of Dolly Parton's classic "Jolene."
Contrary to what he had previously posted, the band, led by drummer and founding member John Boecklin, gave their blessing for Better Noise Music to release the cover. Additionally, Parton's team gave the go-ahead despite her not being able to provide vocals as originally intended. Rebollo concludes by emphasizing that proceeds from this cover will go to Parton's Imagination Library, an unambiguously good cause.
Here is Rebollo's complete statement.
I would like to follow up on my post the other day regarding my leave from Bad Wolves and say, once again, that this was NOT in any way a call to arms against Bad Wolves, or Better Noise. I would like to clarify some discrepancies regarding the flow of information and try to shift the focus to the positives here.
My stated stance and beliefs surrounding the matter were never meant to take away from the GOOD that will undeniably come of this - that being the fact that the proceeds from the cover of "Jolene" will go to Dolly's Imagination Library. The point was to state my decision to leave, nothing more, nothing less, but I am now aware of the fact that my words have caused something far greater than the original intent.
At the end of the day, the band and label did, in fact, have the blessing of Dolly's team to move forward with the cover, despite the fact that Dolly could no longer be involved, as previously planned. On top that, John, who is the head of Bad Wolves pertaining to all things business- related, and the contractually-obligated owner of the band, did give the green light to move forward with the release when the time came. This is something that was unknown to me, which inadvertently made my statement regarding the band being a united front in opposing the release, frankly, false. The communication within this band has always been a hinderance, but I also must acknowledge the fact that I dropped the ball on gathering all necessary information, when I honestly could have done so by just calling Allan Kovac (chairman of Better Noise) directly. I will absolutely take full responsibility for that.
Now, regardless of any disagreements I may have had with the label prior, or me leaving the band, there is no denying the fact that the proceeds from this track will bring about something great for Imagination Library and the kids who will receive books from the foundation. After a lengthy and very productive conversation with Allan Kovac, I see how my statement is unintentionally taking away from a cause that is far greater than any disagreement.
I am not retracting my departure, but I would like to, once again, encourage everybody upset by this to acknowledge the fact that Dolly's team, wanted this decision to come to fruition. So, at the end of the day, it is no one else's place to oppose that.
I did not intend for this to spark some sort of outright conflict. In a time where people tend to see things as black and white in regards to politics, social issues, etc., we should not constantly allow ourselves to be blind to the positives that can undoubtedly coexist among the discourse.
Roughly an hour after Rebollo uploaded his statement to Instagram, the post was edited to include a statement quoted directly from Allen Kovac, Chairman of Better Noise, which reads as follows:
It takes immense courage to publicly stand up, acknowledge a mistake, and set the record straight—especially in today’s fast-paced media landscape. I want to fully commend AJ for having the integrity and bravery to address the misinformation regarding the Bad Wolves and Dolly Parton collaboration.
Mistakes happen, but it is the accountability afterward that defines someone's character. By issuing this correction, AJ is ensuring that the focus remains entirely on what matters most: honoring a music legend and supporting the incredible work of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. I fully support him in resetting this narrative and thank him for his honesty.
Rebollo concluded the post with "All is well over here. Keep the negativity to yourselves 💙." Despite Rebollo's efforts, speculation quickly followed as to what "really" went down behind the scenes. It's understandable that a label would take exception to being publicly accused of ill intent regardless of the claim's veracity. That Kovac was able to make a statement via Rebollo's Instagram suggests an open line of communication between the guitarist and his former label, fraught though it may be. If nothing else, at least some good can come of this situation thanks to Parton and her Imagination Library.
Bad Wolves, currently a three-piece, have no live dates planned for the immediate future. However, the band did recently post an Instagram showing them in the studio with producer/engineer Wesley Stromberg (EMBLEM3, Killjoy) and songwriter/producer Joey Burcham (Kenny Hoopla, Silly Goose, In Color, Atreyu). Stromberg recently worked with Bad Wolves on "Paint It Red," the debut of their new singer Sara "Killboy" Skinner.
Help support a good cause and check out Bad Wolves cover of "Jolene" below.
Both "Jolene" and "Paint It Red" are available on digital platforms via Better Noise Music.
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