Bad Wolves guitarist AJ Rebollo, who joined the multi-platinum alternative metal outfit in 2023 as a touring member and remained with the group since, has announced his departure from the band after its label released a cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” without the band’s permission. Former Bad Wolves singer Tommy Vext also reacted to the news.
Rebollo explained that his decision stemmed from ongoing disagreements with the label, culminating in the unauthorized release of the Parton cover despite the band’s stated opposition, particularly following Parton’s passing.
“I have been at odds with one too many decisions being made for the band for quite some time, but the final nail in the coffin was the label’s decision to move forward with the upcoming Dolly Parton cover, after we blatantly expressed our opposition,” Rebollo said.
He went on to detail why the band objected to the release after Parton’s death.
“We, as an entity, told the label we had no interest in releasing the cover after learning of Dolly’s unfortunate passing as her collaboration on the song was no longer a possibility, and we felt it would (understandably) be interpreted as somewhat of a capitalization on her passing from an outside perspective,” he said. “They went ahead and posted that we were releasing it anyway, despite efforts from more than one member, myself included, to oppose it.”
Rebollo further described the toll that ongoing conflicts with the label and public backlash have taken on the band.
“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,” he said. “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.”
He then confirmed his decision to step away from the band.
“This will be a long one. So if you don’t want to stay for the whole thing, the main point is – I am making the decision to step away as a member of Bad Wolves,” he said. “In short. 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 also reflected on his early days with the band, noting that he had some sense of what he was getting into.
“When I stepped into the picture, a part of me knew what I was getting into, but the full extent of it was unknown to me,” he said.
He also compared the label environment at his former band, Issues, with his experience at Bad Wolves.
“Coming from Issues made me appreciate the autonomy we had as a band. We were fortunate enough to have worked with a label that cared for us, not only as musicians, but as people. They trusted our vision, never pushed anything on us that we didn’t want to do for ourselves, and ultimately felt like team members, not bosses,” he said. “That’s been a dynamic that I have strived for within Bad Wolves for quite some time. There are some undeniably incredible people at Better Noise, but I will not stand by as yet another decision is being made for us that we are entirely opposed to, one that we — as the faces of this band — will receive the brunt of the scrutiny and ridicule for. While the donation to her Imagination Library is an incredible choice to do something good with the profits, I can’t help but feel there is ill intent behind the decision to release the song.”
Rebollo acknowledged the personal risk involved in his decision to leave the band.
“Music is my job, my livelihood, and most importantly, my passion. Stepping away from this is absolutely terrifying as I am sacrificing what little I have left when it comes to stability within the music world. I do not know what the future holds for me regarding that,” he said.
He closed by clarifying his intentions and expressing gratitude toward his bandmates.
“This is not, by any means, some sort of call to arms against anyone, nor do I wish ill will on anyone involved in the label’s decision making. I absolutely loved the time I got to spend with the band. I love them all (the old and new members) as bandmates, people, and friends. I loved creating this upcoming album with them as I think it is a genuinely incredible piece of art, but this is a decision I just have to make,” he said.
Former Bad Wolves singer Tommy Vext also weighed in on Rebollo’s announcement.
“Maybe I wasn’t the problem after all. This took a lot of balls to stand up against this label. No one should be forced to go through this PR humiliation for the sake of a cash grab or attention. Much respect,” Vext said.
Rebollo’s exit did not stop the label from moving forward with its plans. The timing of events surrounding the release makes the dispute all the more pointed.
Bad Wolves pushed ahead with releasing the “Jolene” cover on the same day Rebollo’s departure was announced. This underscores just how little influence the band appears to have had over the label’s final call. The track had originally been envisioned as a collaboration featuring Dolly Parton herself. With her passing rendering that no longer possible, the band ultimately released the cover without her involvement.
The label framed the release around a charitable cause, directing proceeds toward Parton’s Imagination Library, a literacy nonprofit she founded. That gesture, however, did little to quell the band’s objections. Rebollo made clear that he viewed the underlying decision as tone-deaf regardless of the goodwill attached to it.
The dispute ultimately reflects broader tensions between Bad Wolves and Better Noise Music, the label responsible for the band’s releases. Rebollo’s statement squarely placed blame on the label’s decision-making process. It suggests that the band’s creative and ethical concerns were repeatedly overridden in favor of commercial considerations.
The fallout adds to a turbulent stretch for Bad Wolves, whose lineup has seen repeated turnover in recent years. Rebollo’s departure marks yet another shake-up for a band that has struggled to maintain stability amid ongoing friction between its members and the business side of the operation.
Source: Instagram
