# AJ Rebollo departure from Bad Wolves

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bad-wolves-guitarist-aj-rebollo-departure
> Updated: 2026-09-02T15:21:29.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 3.

AJ Rebollo, guitarist for the metal band Bad Wolves, has announced his departure from the group following disputes regarding the release of a heavy metal cover of Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’. 

The conflict arose after Parton’s death on August 25, 2026. While the band initially opposed the release of the track to avoid appearing as though they were capitalizing on her passing, the label, Better Noise Music, proceeded with the launch on August 31. The label stated the release serves as a tribute, with all proceeds intended for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Rebollo initially stated the label’s decision was the “final nail in the coffin” and cited the mental toll of business decisions made without the band’s consent. However, Rebollo has since issued a follow-up statement clarifying his position. He acknowledged that some of his previous assumptions were incorrect, noting he learned the label proceeded with the approval of Parton’s team and that founding member John Boecklin had also authorized the release.

Rebollo clarified that he should have verified his speculations with management and attributed his actual exit to ongoing communication issues within the band.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-02: AJ Rebollo clarifies exit from Bad Wolves over Dolly Parton cover

Former Bad Wolves guitarist AJ Rebollo clarified his exit from the band, noting that the release of their Dolly Parton cover had the approval of Parton’s team and band member John Boecklin.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aj-rebollo-clarifies-exit-from-bad-wolves-over-dolly-parton-cover

### 2026-08-31: Bad Wolves guitarist AJ Rebollo quits band over Dolly Parton cover

Guitarist AJ Rebollo has left Bad Wolves following a dispute with their label over the release of a Dolly Parton “Jolene” cover, which the band initially opposed after her death.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bad-wolves-guitarist-aj-rebollo-quits-band-over-dolly-parton-cover

### 2026-08-29: Bad Wolves guitarist AJ Rebollo leaves band over label disputes

Bad Wolves guitarist AJ Rebollo has left the band following disputes with label Better Noise Music over the release of a Dolly Parton cover.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bad-wolves-guitarist-aj-rebollo-leaves-band-over-label-disputes

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Cite as: AJ Rebollo departure from Bad Wolves. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bad-wolves-guitarist-aj-rebollo-departure