Bad Wolves Guitarist Quits Over Dolly Parton Tribute Controversy

Rebollo, who joined the heavy metal group as a touring guitarist in 2023, announced his exit through a social media statement. He described the label’s decision to move forward with the track as the final breaking point in a series of disagreements regarding the group’s creative autonomy. While the band initially intended the song to be a collaboration—with Parton reportedly approving the demo before her passing on August 15, 2026—the members felt that releasing it posthumously without her vocals lacked integrity.

Founding drummer John Boecklin defended the release, noting that the band plans to donate proceeds to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. However, Rebollo maintained that the label’s disregard for the band's collective stance on the matter created an unsustainable environment. He emphasized that his departure was not an attack on his former bandmates, but rather a necessary step to protect his artistic values. The situation mirrors the band's 2018 breakthrough success with a cover of The Cranberries’ “Zombie,” which was also released following the death of singer Dolores O’Riordan.