The Bad Wolves lead singer is Sara “Killboy” Skinner, who officially joined the heavy metal band in 2026. Skinner made her debut as the group’s new vocalist with the single “Paint It Red,” marking the start of another new era for the band.
Bad Wolves has now attracted renewed attention because of a major lineup dispute. Guitarist AJ Rebollo announced that he was leaving the group after objecting to the release of the band’s metal version of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”
The controversy comes at a difficult moment for the band. Bad Wolves recently introduced Skinner as its new singer, while the group also faced changes involving its touring plans and other members. Rebollo’s exit has added another unexpected development to the story.
Key Points Summary
╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ – Sara “Killboy” Skinner is the current Bad Wolves lead singer. ║
║ – Skinner officially joined the band in 2026 and debuted on “Paint It Red.” ║
║ – Guitarist AJ Rebollo recently announced his departure from Bad Wolves. ║
║ – Rebollo said the dispute centered on the band’s “Jolene” cover. ║
║ – Dolly Parton had been expected to contribute vocals to the recording. ║
║ – Proceeds from the cover are set to benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. ║
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Who Is the Bad Wolves Lead Singer?
Sara “Killboy” Skinner is the current Bad Wolves lead singer.
The band introduced Skinner in June 2026 through “Paint It Red,” its first official release of the year. The song also marked her first release as a full-time member of Bad Wolves.
Skinner was not completely new to the band. She had previously worked with Bad Wolves on “It’s You (2 Months),” which appeared on the group’s 2023 album Die About It.
Her appointment followed the departure of Daniel “DL” Laskiewicz in 2025. Skinner therefore became the third lead vocalist associated with the band’s main lineup.
Her first official single with the group gave fans an early look at the direction Bad Wolves planned to take with its new vocalist.
Sara “Killboy” Skinner’s Role in the Band’s New Era
Skinner joined Bad Wolves during a period of significant change.
The band had already gone through several lineup adjustments before announcing her as its new singer. Her arrival gave the group an opportunity to introduce a fresh sound while retaining the heavy-rock identity that helped establish Bad Wolves.
“Paint It Red” served as the introduction to that new chapter. The release came through Better Noise Music and included an accompanying music video.
The band’s founder and drummer, John Boecklin, has also spoken positively about Skinner’s addition. Her previous connection with the group made the transition more familiar to longtime listeners.
For fans searching for the current Bad Wolves lineup, the key point is simple: Skinner is the vocalist, while AJ Rebollo was the guitarist who recently announced his departure.
Why Did AJ Rebollo Leave Bad Wolves?
AJ Rebollo announced his departure from Bad Wolves in late August 2026.
The guitarist said the decision followed disagreements with the band’s record label, Better Noise Music. The biggest dispute involved the planned release of Bad Wolves’ heavy-metal cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”
Rebollo argued that members of the band did not want to release the song after Parton died. He said the band had concerns about how the release could be perceived so soon after her death.
The label moved forward with the release anyway.
Rebollo described the situation as the final factor behind his decision to leave. His comments represent his account of the disagreement, and allegations about the label’s motives should not be treated as independently established facts.
His departure does not mean the Bad Wolves lead singer has left. Skinner remains the band’s current vocalist.
What Happened With Bad Wolves’ “Jolene” Cover?
Bad Wolves recorded a heavy-metal version of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” for the band’s upcoming material.
The project began before Parton’s death. According to founder John Boecklin, Skinner had shared videos of herself performing “Jolene,” which helped inspire the band to create its own metal interpretation of the country classic.
After hearing the recording, Better Noise Music CEO Dan Waite reportedly sent the track to Parton’s manager, Danny Nozell.
The band later learned that Parton had heard the recording and liked the version. Plans then moved toward having Parton contribute vocals.
That collaboration never happened.
Parton died on August 25, 2026, at age 80. Her planned contribution to the Bad Wolves recording therefore could not take place.
Why Did the Dolly Parton Tribute Become a Dispute?
After Parton’s death, Bad Wolves faced a decision about what to do with the recording.
According to reports, several members did not want the song released under the changed circumstances. Rebollo later said the band’s concerns focused on the possibility that the release could appear to capitalize on Parton’s death.
The label ultimately decided to release the track.
That decision created a conflict between the band and its label. Rebollo said the dispute became the final reason he chose to leave Bad Wolves.
The situation has drawn attention because the song had not originally been planned as a posthumous tribute. The band created it as a potential collaboration with Parton before her death.
That distinction is central to understanding the controversy.
When Will Bad Wolves Release “Jolene”?
Bad Wolves scheduled its version of “Jolene” for release on August 31, 2026.
The band described the recording as a tribute to Parton and said proceeds would benefit her Imagination Library.
The charity connection gives the release a different purpose from a typical cover.
Parton founded the Imagination Library as a literacy initiative that provides books to young children. Bad Wolves said directing proceeds toward the program would allow the song to support an organization closely connected to Parton’s legacy.
Rebollo’s criticism, however, focused on whether the band should release the recording at all after the planned collaboration became impossible.
Dolly Parton Was Expected to Sing on the Track
One of the most notable details surrounding the song is that Parton was reportedly preparing to participate.
Boecklin said the band sent the recording to Parton’s management after completing its version. The group then learned that Parton had heard the song and planned to record her vocals. The band even sent stems to her studio team.
Her death ended those plans.
As a result, the released version does not feature the new vocals the band had hoped to receive from Parton.
The situation has an unusual connection to Bad Wolves’ earlier history.
Bad Wolves Previously Had a Similar Situation With “Zombie”
Bad Wolves previously faced a comparable circumstance involving The Cranberries’ Dolores O’Riordan.
The band released its version of “Zombie” in 2018 after O’Riordan died. She had been expected to contribute vocals to the project before her death.
The song became a major success for Bad Wolves and helped establish the band internationally.
The current “Jolene” story has a clear similarity: Bad Wolves recorded a cover with hopes of featuring a famous vocalist, but the planned collaboration could not happen because the singer died.
The difference this time is that a Bad Wolves member publicly objected to the decision to release the recording.
Bad Wolves’ Lineup Has Changed Several Times
The latest controversy comes after a period of significant changes inside the band.
Bad Wolves originally gained attention with vocalist Tommy Vext. After his departure, Daniel “DL” Laskiewicz became the group’s frontman.
Laskiewicz later left Bad Wolves, and Skinner took over vocal duties in 2026.
Skinner’s arrival introduced a new phase for the group, but the lineup changed again when Rebollo announced his departure.
Rebollo had joined Bad Wolves as a touring guitarist in 2023 and later remained with the band as part of its lineup.
That history helps explain why fans are paying close attention to every new announcement involving the group.
Bad Wolves and the 2026 Tour Situation
The band has also faced questions about its touring plans.
Bad Wolves had been scheduled to appear on a tour with Skillet and Escape the Fate. However, the band’s touring situation changed after controversy surrounding Skinner.
NME reported that Skinner said Bad Wolves had been dropped from the tour after backlash involving allegations about her online activity.
Skinner has disputed aspects of the backlash and discussed the situation publicly.
The tour issue and Rebollo’s departure are separate developments, but both have added to the attention surrounding the band’s new lineup.
For Bad Wolves, the introduction of a new singer has therefore been followed by several unexpected challenges within a relatively short period.
Bad Wolves Timeline: From New Singer to “Jolene” Controversy
2023: AJ Rebollo joins Bad Wolves as a touring guitarist.
2025: Daniel “DL” Laskiewicz leaves Bad Wolves.
June 2026: Sara “Killboy” Skinner officially debuts as the band’s new vocalist on “Paint It Red.”
August 2026: Bad Wolves announces its heavy-metal version of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”
August 25, 2026: Dolly Parton dies at age 80.
August 28, 2026: Bad Wolves announces plans to release “Jolene” as a tribute, with proceeds benefiting the Imagination Library.
August 28–29, 2026: AJ Rebollo announces his departure and cites the dispute over the “Jolene” release as a major reason.
August 31, 2026: Bad Wolves is scheduled to release its version of “Jolene.”
What Does the Latest Bad Wolves Story Mean for Fans?
The current Bad Wolves story involves several separate developments that have happened close together.
First, Skinner has become the band’s new lead singer and has already introduced herself through “Paint It Red.” Second, the group has faced touring complications. Third, guitarist AJ Rebollo has now left after a disagreement involving the Dolly Parton cover.
The Bad Wolves lead singer is therefore not the member at the center of the latest departure. Skinner remains associated with the band’s current vocal lineup.
The bigger question is how Bad Wolves will move forward after another personnel change and whether the controversy surrounding “Jolene” will affect the group’s next chapter.
The Current Bad Wolves Lead Singer Story Explained
Sara “Killboy” Skinner currently holds the lead-vocal position in Bad Wolves and represents the band’s latest musical direction.
AJ Rebollo’s departure is a separate issue. His exit followed a disagreement over the release of “Jolene,” a recording that Bad Wolves had originally hoped would feature Dolly Parton.
The song now carries a different meaning because Parton died before she could record her vocals. Bad Wolves plans to honor her through the release while directing proceeds to her Imagination Library.
For fans trying to understand the latest developments, the most important distinction is clear: Sara Skinner is the current Bad Wolves lead singer, while AJ Rebollo is the guitarist who recently left the band.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is the Bad Wolves lead singer in 2026?
A: Sara “Killboy” Skinner is the current lead singer of Bad Wolves. She made her official debut with the band on “Paint It Red.”
Q: Did the Bad Wolves lead singer leave the band?
A: No. The recent departure involved guitarist AJ Rebollo. Skinner remains the band’s current vocalist.
Q: Why did AJ Rebollo leave Bad Wolves?
A: Rebollo said disagreements with the band’s label over the release of the Dolly Parton “Jolene” cover played a major role in his decision to leave.
Q: Was Dolly Parton supposed to appear on Bad Wolves’ “Jolene”?
A: Yes. According to Bad Wolves founder John Boecklin, Parton had heard the band’s version and planned to contribute vocals before her death.
Q: When is Bad Wolves releasing “Jolene”?
A: Bad Wolves scheduled the cover for release on August 31, 2026.
Q: Where will proceeds from “Jolene” go?
A: Bad Wolves says proceeds from the song will benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Q: What was Sara Skinner’s first Bad Wolves song as lead singer?
A: “Paint It Red,” released in June 2026, marked Skinner’s first official release as a full-time Bad Wolves vocalist.
A New Vocalist, a Tribute and Another Major Lineup Change
Bad Wolves is entering another uncertain period. Sara “Killboy” Skinner has taken over as the band’s lead singer, but AJ Rebollo’s departure has created another significant change.
At the same time, the planned “Jolene” tribute has become one of the band’s most discussed releases. What began as a possible collaboration with Dolly Parton turned into a posthumous tribute after her death, while disagreement over the release led to Rebollo’s exit.
The band’s next moves will determine how this latest chapter develops.
What do you think about Bad Wolves’ latest lineup changes and the “Jolene” controversy? Share your thoughts and stay updated on the latest music news.