Complete List Of Bad Wolves Band Members

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When five seasoned metal veterans decided to pool their collective firepower in 2017, nobody predicted they would accidentally stumble into one of the most emotionally charged cover songs in rock history. Bad Wolves transformed from ambitious side project to platinum-selling phenomenon overnight when their version of “Zombie” became an unexpected tribute to the late Dolores O’Riordan, who had planned to collaborate on the track before her sudden passing. This lightning-in-a-bottle moment launched a band that would rack up four studio albums, multiple Billboard Mainstream Rock number ones, and enough lineup drama to fuel a soap opera.

Bad Wolves was founded in 2017 by drummer John Boecklin (ex-DevilDriver), vocalist Tommy Vext (ex-Divine Heresy, ex-Westfield Massacre), lead guitarist Doc Coyle (ex-God Forbid), rhythm guitarist Chris Cain (ex-Bury Your Dead, ex-For the Fallen Dreams), and bassist Kyle Konkiel (ex-In This Moment, ex-Scar the Martyr, Vimic). The band underwent significant lineup changes throughout its career, particularly after original vocalist Tommy Vext left in January 2021. On April 2, 2025, guitarist Doc Coyle and bassist Kyle Konkiel departed, with Chris Cain briefly returning and Kevin Creekman joining on bass. Another major rebuilding followed, and by 2026 Bad Wolves featured John Boecklin on drums, AJ Rebollo on guitar, Sara “Killboy” Skinner on vocals, and Derek Bolman on bass.

The band achieved remarkable commercial success with their debut album Disobey reaching number 23 on the Billboard 200, driven largely by their cover of “Zombie,” which eventually earned triple-platinum status. Despite numerous personnel changes, Bad Wolves maintained their momentum with subsequent releases, demonstrating resilience through multiple eras defined by different vocalists and guitarists. By 2026, Boecklin was the sole original member in the active lineup. The arrival of Skinner opened another chapter with the 2026 single “Paint It Red,” while Rebollo and Bolman completed the touring lineup.

Tommy Vext

Tommy Vext served as Bad Wolves’ original lead vocalist from the band’s formation in 2017 until his departure in January 2021. Thomas Cummings (born April 15, 1982), better known under the stage name Tommy Vext, is an American heavy metal singer known as the former lead vocalist of Bad Wolves, Divine Heresy, and Westfield Massacre. During his tenure with Bad Wolves, Vext contributed vocals to the band’s first two studio albums, Disobey (2018) and N.A.T.I.O.N. (2019), which established the group’s commercial foundation.

Of the thirteen songs in Disobey, ten were written and recorded before Vext joined the band, yet his vocal performance on tracks like “Zombie” became instrumental in the band’s early success. The cover of The Cranberries’ “Zombie” achieved platinum certification and became a defining moment for both Vext and the band. Bad Wolves reached platinum status in 2018 for their cover song “Zombie”. His powerful vocal delivery helped establish Bad Wolves’ identity during their breakthrough period.

Vext parted ways with Bad Wolves on January 9, 2021. Although he originally said he was “forced out by his former bandmates and record label,” Vext issued a public statement on January 11, 2021, saying the choice to leave was his. The departure was surrounded by controversy over political statements and allegations of personal misconduct. Outside Bad Wolves, Vext worked with Divine Heresy and Westfield Massacre, and he notably served as a touring replacement vocalist for Five Finger Death Punch during their 2017 European tour when Ivan Moody entered rehabilitation. He later performed with Ill Niño and in 2026 reunited with former Bad Wolves guitarist Chris Cain in the band With A Vengeance. Vext has also been involved in addiction recovery advocacy work, founding a non-profit organization in 2014 to help others struggling with substance abuse.

Daniel “DL” Laskiewicz

Daniel “DL” Laskiewicz became Bad Wolves’ lead vocalist in 2021, replacing Tommy Vext and ushering in a new era for the band. Daniel “DL” Laskiewicz, who played guitar with metalcore outfit The Acacia Strain from 2001 until 2013, brought extensive experience as both a guitarist and songwriter to his new role as frontman. His transition from instrumentalist to vocalist represented a significant career evolution and demonstrated his versatility as a musician.

Bad Wolves welcomed Laskiewicz as lead vocalist in 2021 while completing their third studio album, Dear Monsters, which was released that October. Laskiewicz’s debut album with the band showcased his ability to adapt Bad Wolves’ established sound while bringing his own creative input. The lineup of John Boecklin on drums, Doc Coyle on lead guitar and backing vocals, Chris Cain on rhythm guitar, and Kyle Konkiel on bass and backing vocals entered a new chapter with Laskiewicz at the microphone. Dear Monsters demonstrated the band’s continued evolution and Laskiewicz’s integration into their creative process.

Following Dear Monsters, Laskiewicz continued to establish his presence with the band on their fourth studio album, Die About It, released in 2023. His vocal contributions helped maintain Bad Wolves’ commercial momentum while allowing them to explore new musical territories. During his time with The Acacia Strain, Laskiewicz was part of a pioneering metalcore act, gaining experience that proved valuable in his role with Bad Wolves. His background as a guitarist also contributed to the band’s songwriting process. The Die About It deluxe edition followed in September 2025, and by 2026 Bad Wolves had moved into another era with Sara “Killboy” Skinner as lead vocalist.

John Boecklin

John Boecklin stands as Bad Wolves’ founding drummer and longest-serving member, having co-founded the band in 2017 and remaining through all lineup changes. John Boecklin (ex-DevilDriver) founded Bad Wolves in 2017. Boecklin’s extensive experience with metal heavyweight DevilDriver provided the foundation for Bad Wolves’ rhythmic power and professional approach to touring and recording.

My name is John Boecklin, and I play drums for the band Devildriver. I started playing drums at fourteen and never looked back. Since 2003, I have toured the world and, at thirty-three, have six records under my belt. His twelve-year tenure with DevilDriver included participation in major festivals and tours. That summer, to this day, was the best of my life: Ozzfest 2004, where he performed alongside metal legends like Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Slayer. On October 28, 2014, Dez Fafara announced that drummer John Boecklin and guitarist Jeff Kendrick left the band, the former going on to form the band, Bad Wolves.

Boecklin has appeared on all four Bad Wolves studio albums: Disobey (2018), N.A.T.I.O.N. (2019), Dear Monsters (2021), and Die About It (2023). Beyond drumming, he serves as a key songwriter and producer for the band. As drummer, songwriter, and producer for Bad Wolves, John Boecklin wears many hats. His production work has been particularly notable on recent albums, helping shape the band’s evolving sound. After leaving DevilDriver, Boecklin underwent extensive drum training with renowned instructor David Elitch, spending two and a half years rebuilding his technique from the ground up. His career overhaul involved far more than assembling a new band. He spent two-and-a-half years under the tutelage of renowned drummer and instructor David Elitch, formerly of The Mars Volta, who began by taking him back to the foundations, including posture, breath, stick position, and attack. This dedication to improvement has contributed to his continued relevance and effectiveness as Bad Wolves’ rhythmic anchor.

Doc Coyle

Doc Coyle served as Bad Wolves’ lead guitarist from 2017 until his departure in April 2025, contributing to the band’s sound during their most commercially successful period. Doc Coyle began his foray into the music industry with New Jersey metal band God Forbid. What began as humble roots in the late ’90s DIY hardcore scene grew into a 15-year professional career with God Forbid, releasing 6 full-length albums on Century Media and Victory Records with sales of over 300,000 globally. His extensive background with God Forbid provided him with significant touring and recording experience that proved invaluable to Bad Wolves.

God Forbid participated in the Rockstar Mayhem Festival along with Trivium, Bullet for My Valentine, Cannibal Corpse, All That Remains, Slayer, Marilyn Manson and many others, demonstrating Coyle’s experience with major festival performances. With God Forbid, Coyle established himself as a skilled guitarist and songwriter, contributing to multiple Billboard 200 charting albums before the band’s dissolution in 2013. I am sorry to say that I am indeed leaving God Forbid. I started playing with these guys since I was 16 years old. Now I’m 32, marking the end of a significant chapter in his career.

Coyle appeared on all four Bad Wolves studio albums during his tenure: Disobey (2018), N.A.T.I.O.N. (2019), Dear Monsters (2021), and Die About It (2023). Co-founding guitarist Doc Coyle shared the “bittersweet news” that he had quit the Los Angeles heavy metal outfit after nearly a decade. In his update, he wrote: “It was not an easy decision to make”. His departure in April 2025 marked the end of an eight-year association with the band. Beyond Bad Wolves, Coyle has maintained an active career as a musician and media personality, hosting “The Ex-Man with Doc Coyle” podcast and serving as a touring musician for various acts. Doc’s professional career experience expanded performing as a fill-in and touring guitarist for heavyweights Lamb of God on a tour opening for Metallica in 2009, as well as stints on bass guitar, filling in with Trivium in 2009, Unearth in 2012, lead guitar duty for Darkest Hour in 2017, 2nd guitar with Mark Morton of Lamb of God’s solo band in 2019.

Chris Cain

Chris Cain has served two separate tenures as Bad Wolves’ guitarist, first as an original member from 2017-2022, and again returning in 2025. Bad Wolves was founded in 2017 by drummer John Boecklin (ex-DevilDriver), vocalist Tommy Vext (ex-Divine Heresy, ex-Westfield Massacre), lead guitarist Doc Coyle (ex-God Forbid), rhythm guitarist Chris Cain (ex-Bury Your Dead, ex-For the Fallen Dreams), and bassist Kyle Konkiel. His background includes significant work with metalcore acts Bury Your Dead and For the Fallen Dreams, bringing hardcore and metalcore influences to Bad Wolves’ sound.

During his first tenure, Cain appeared on the band’s first three studio albums: Disobey (2018), N.A.T.I.O.N. (2019), and Dear Monsters (2021). On April 14, 2022, guitarist Chris Cain announced his departure from the band via Instagram, stepping away from touring and recording activities. His departure created an opening that returning member Max Karon filled; he had been involved in the band’s early formation but had stepped back from active membership.

In a twist of fate, the band announced that former guitarist Chris Cain would rejoin Bad Wolves in 2025 to replace Coyle. Cain exited the group in 2022, making his return a form of “homecoming,” as the band’s members noted. The return proved to be another transitional chapter. By 2026, Cain was no longer part of the active Bad Wolves lineup and had reunited with former vocalist Tommy Vext in the new band With A Vengeance. Before joining Bad Wolves, Cain’s work with Bury Your Dead helped establish him in the metalcore scene, where he developed the heavy, rhythmic guitar style that became part of Bad Wolves’ signature sound.

Kyle Konkiel

Kyle Konkiel served as Bad Wolves’ bassist from the band’s formation in 2017 until his departure in April 2025, contributing to all four of the band’s studio albums. Bad Wolves was founded in 2017 by drummer John Boecklin (ex-DevilDriver), vocalist Tommy Vext (ex-Divine Heresy, ex-Westfield Massacre), lead guitarist Doc Coyle (ex-God Forbid), rhythm guitarist Chris Cain (ex-Bury Your Dead, ex-For the Fallen Dreams), and bassist Kyle Konkiel (ex-In This Moment, ex-Scar the Martyr, Vimic). His extensive resume included work with notable metal acts In This Moment, Scar the Martyr, and Vimic, bringing considerable touring and recording experience to Bad Wolves.

Konkiel’s bass work appeared on Disobey (2018), N.A.T.I.O.N. (2019), Dear Monsters (2021), and Die About It (2023), providing the low-end foundation for the band’s evolving sound across multiple eras. His experience with In This Moment, a band known for their theatrical live performances and commercially successful albums, contributed to Bad Wolves’ professional approach to both studio work and live performances. The partnership with different vocalists and guitarists throughout his tenure demonstrated his adaptability as a bassist and bandmate.

Shortly after it was revealed that Coyle was leaving the group, it was also announced that bassist Kyle Konkiel was leaving the group as well. His departure in April 2025, coinciding with Doc Coyle’s exit, marked the end of an eight-year association with the band. After eight incredible years, I’ve decided to step down from Bad Wolves. This wasn’t an easy choice, but after much reflection, i know in my heart that I can no longer give this band 100%. And anything less wouldn’t be fair to the music, my bandmates, or the fans. Konkiel cited his inability to give full commitment to the band as the primary reason for his departure, expressing gratitude for his time with the group while acknowledging his need to pursue other creative directions.

AJ Rebollo

AJ Rebollo joined Bad Wolves as rhythm guitarist in 2024, initially touring with the band in 2023 before becoming a full-time member. Bad Wolves released a new song, “Knife,” alongside a lyric video. The song is out via Better Noise Music and features screaming vocals from AJ Rebollo. The song is significant for the band’s growth as Rebollo, formerly of Issues, was announced as a full-time member. His background with the progressive metalcore band Issues brought a different musical perspective to Bad Wolves’ established sound.

Rebollo is known for his work in Issues, whom have been on hiatus since firing their frontman in 2020 amid several concerning allegations. Max Karon had most recently been serving as Bad Wolves’ rhythm guitarist, but departed the lineup earlier this year. His addition to Bad Wolves filled the void left by Max Karon’s departure from touring duties, though Karon remained as a songwriter. Near the end of January 2024, Bad Wolves officially welcomed former Issues guitarist AJ Rebollo into the band, with Rebollo having toured with the band in 2023 following the departure of Max Karon.

Rebollo’s first recorded contribution with Bad Wolves was the single “Knife,” where he provided both guitar work and screaming vocals, demonstrating his versatility as a musician. Rebollo said the song and his work with the band meant a lot to him, having followed his new bandmates over the years. “I’m very stoked that I’ve been given the opportunity of joining up with the legends in Bad Wolves. I’ve been a fan of each of their bands since my early teens, so to say I’m honored to be playing with them would be an understatement.” His enthusiasm for joining the band reflects both his respect for his bandmates’ previous work and his commitment to contributing to Bad Wolves’ continued evolution. Rebollo remained in the active 2026 lineup alongside John Boecklin, Sara “Killboy” Skinner, and Derek Bolman.

Max Karon

Max Karon holds a unique position in Bad Wolves history as both a founding member and returning guitarist who served in different capacities throughout the band’s evolution. Max Karon, known as the band’s original guitarist, has rejoined the band. Karon replaces Chris Cain, who played with the band from 2017 to 2022. According to the band’s press release, Karon founded the band in 2014 with drummer John Boecklin. His early involvement in the band’s formation predates their official 2017 launch and commercial breakthrough.

In addition, Karon has been involved in each of the band’s three studio albums as a composer and/or player. “It’s with great excitement that we announce our new permanent guitar player: Max Karon. The funny thing is that Max isn’t new to us, he started the band with founder John Boecklin in 2014 and was a major writer/player on all three Bad Wolves albums”. Despite not being a full-time touring member during the band’s initial commercial success, Karon’s songwriting contributions were instrumental in developing Bad Wolves’ musical identity across their first three albums: Disobey (2018), N.A.T.I.O.N. (2019), and Dear Monsters (2021).

Just a little over a year ago, original guitarist Max Karon rejoined Bad Wolves after Chris Cain exited the group. However, a few weeks ago, Karon released a statement informing fans that he would step down from touring duties but remain on as a songwriter. His decision to step back from touring while maintaining his songwriting role reflects his continued investment in the band’s creative process despite personal circumstances that made touring difficult. I have decided to step down as a touring member of Bad Wolves. I am still on board as a songwriter. I made this decision on my own, after a great deal of soul-searching and self-reflection. My priorities are different and, for better or worse, I had to find that out in practice. This arrangement allowed the band to benefit from his creative input while accommodating his personal needs, leading to AJ Rebollo’s recruitment as the touring replacement guitarist.

Kevin Creekman

Kevin Creekman became Bad Wolves’ bassist in April 2025, replacing Kyle Konkiel as part of the significant lineup changes that also saw Chris Cain’s return to the band. Former guitarist Chris Cain returned to the band, while Kevin Creekman, who appeared in the band’s music video for the song Killing Me Slowly was announced as the band’s new bassist. Creekman also played bass with Vext’s solo band. His prior connection to the Bad Wolves universe through both the music video appearance and his work with former vocalist Tommy Vext’s solo project provided familiarity with the band’s musical approach.

In their own joint statement, the remaining members of Bad Wolves said: “Bad Wolves officially announce the departure of longtime guitarist Doc Coyle and bassist Kyle Konkiel as they step away to pursue new creative endeavors. In light of this change, original guitarist Chris Cain is rejoining Bad Wolves. His return marks a homecoming, bringing Cain’s signature energy and musicianship back into the fold for the first time since 2022. Additionally, the band welcomes Swiss-born Kevin ‘The Creekman’ Creekman as the new bassist, stepping in for Kyle Konkiel. His Swiss background adds an international element to the band’s lineup, though public information about his musical background before joining Bad Wolves remains limited.

Creekman’s appointment represented another effort to move Bad Wolves forward during a period of major change. His work with Tommy Vext’s solo band gave him familiarity with the heavy rock and metal style associated with the Bad Wolves circle. His tenure was short, however, and he was no longer part of the active Bad Wolves lineup by 2026. Creekman subsequently joined Vext and Chris Cain in With A Vengeance as that group prepared new music and touring plans.

Sara “Killboy” Skinner

Sara “Killboy” Skinner became Bad Wolves’ lead vocalist in 2026, opening a new chapter after Daniel “DL” Laskiewicz’s tenure. Before joining the band, Skinner had established herself independently as KILLBOY, blending alternative, electronic, punk, and pop influences while building an audience through her own recordings. Her connection with Bad Wolves predated her membership, as she appeared on “It’s You (2 Months)” from the band’s 2023 album Die About It.

When Bad Wolves began rebuilding again, John Boecklin identified Skinner as a vocalist who could move the band forward rather than simply recreate its earlier eras. She made her official debut as the band’s new singer on the June 2026 single “Paint It Red.” Her arrival brought both clean and aggressive vocal possibilities to Bad Wolves’ sound while adding a different songwriting perspective to the band’s established mix of melody and heaviness.

Skinner entered the live lineup alongside Boecklin, AJ Rebollo, and Derek Bolman for the band’s fall 2026 tour with Skillet and Escape the Fate. The new lineup marked one of the most substantial personnel changes in Bad Wolves history, with Boecklin remaining the group’s founding anchor while Skinner became the voice of its next era.

Derek Bolman

Derek Bolman joined Bad Wolves on bass as part of the band’s 2026 rebuilding. A former member of Sworn In, Bolman brought metal and hardcore experience to a lineup that had undergone another major transition after several previous members left. His arrival followed Kevin Creekman’s brief 2025 tenure on bass.

Bolman was publicly identified as Bad Wolves’ bassist in the band’s 2026 touring lineup with Sara “Killboy” Skinner on vocals, AJ Rebollo on guitar, and John Boecklin on drums. This four-piece configuration took the band’s new material to the stage during the fall 2026 tour cycle and established the active Bad Wolves lineup heading into the group’s next recording chapter.