Bad WolvesIt’s an interesting time for the American hard rock band Bad Wolves, who in the last week have dropped off a tour with Skillet and had their guitarist depart over a dispute with their record label.
Last Tuesday (25 August), Bad Wolves singer Sara “KILLBOY” Skinner posted a video on social media in which she alleged that the band had been removed from a tour with the Christian metal band Skillet.
Skinner, who joined Bad Wolves in June, claimed that Skillet fans shared rumours about her gender identity and that she featured on OnlyFans.
“I am not someone who has ever hidden who the fuck I am, so let’s not leave you to speculate,” she said. “[Skillet’s] fans had a field day doing extensive research that their booking agents and management did not do.
“And upon their findings, I am a trans OnlyFans bitch. Now, unfortunately, only one of those things is true. Have fun finding out, and we will see you on the next tour.”
Skillet haven’t addressed Skinner’s statement but have since replaced Bad Wolves on their upcoming tour with Canadian outfit Autumn Kings.
Following Skinner’s video statement, guitarist AJ Rebollo announced that he’d be departing Bad Wolves.
In a lengthy statement shared on social media on Saturday (29 August), Rebollo cited ongoing disagreements with the band’s record label, Better Noise, over creative decisions, with a planned release of a cover of Dolly Parton’s Jolene – which was reportedly meant to feature the country icon herself – serving as the final straw.
While the label said that proceeds from the cover would be donated to Parton’s Imagination Library, Rebollo said he believed Better Noise had “ill intent” in releasing the song.
The former guitarist also alleged that Better Noise were preparing to release the cover against the band’s wishes.
“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,” Rebollo wrote.
He added that his bandmates felt that releasing the Jolene cover, just days after Parton passed away, would be interpreted as “somewhat of a capitalization on her passing” and opposed the release.
He continued, “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.
“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.”
You can read the full statement below.
Bad Wolves found fame with their cover of The Cranberries’ Zombie, which was released just three days after the band’s iconic singer, Dolores O’Riordan, passed away in January 2018. O’Riordan was set to sing on the band’s interpretation.
The group’s cover of Zombie was ultimately a hit, charting on multiple Billboard charts. It reached #23 on the Billboard 200 and #9 in Australia.
