Norwegian “Despots of Deathpunk” Turbonegro have called upon old friend, legendary Londoner and former Dukes Of Nothing frontman Tony Sylvester to step in as their new vocalist.

Tony Sylvester cuts a formidable figure. A longtime stalwart of the British hardcore punk scene and music industry veteran, he was the President of the London chapter of the Turbojugend fan club and has previously worked with the band as their UK press officer. 

Tony is a connoisseur of the finer things in life, especially music of all genres and 19th century English literature, in addition to being a part time plus-size model (for amongst others Burberry) and member of the men’s fashion editorial staff at GQ Style magazine.

Turbonegro has been on a 2 year hiatus since the split with former vocalist Hans Erik “Hank Von Helvete” Dyvik Husby in 2009, after his decision to pursue a career in acting, the Church of Scientology and goth rock.

Lead guitarist Euroboy:

Well into the second song we played with Tony, I stopped thinking this was an audition - it was just a great sound! We ran through a bunch of songs and had a lot of fun, he knew all of them! Tony pulled off the songs with a raw yet elegant attitude to his performance that makes him an obvious choice as the new singer of our band. We had a list with a few other names on, which we ripped in two and left on the floor of our rehearsal place. 

Bass player Happy-Tom: 

Tony is the fan who we in turn became fans of early on, before becoming close friends. He has the powerful, soulful voice and the presence we have always been looking for in a singer and we are STOKED to have this magical gentleman or gentle THUG aboard!

Tony Sylvester himself: 

I was incredibly honoured to get the call up and blown away by the way the sound came together so quickly. It’s going to be different for sure - there’s a little more filth in my pipes, but as a longtime jugend, I want to assure the Turbojugend that the legacy is in safe hands.

The new line-up are already working on songs for a new album.

Last night was our first night in Austin for SXSW. Keeping in mind that I’ve never been before, I’m sticking close to everyone from Vans- espeically Kurt since we’re the music duo. Team Soto-Mink ftw!

We pick up all of our badges and caught up with our friends from Epitaph which is always a good time. Since the music section of SX didn’t start until the following day, I was surprised that we were already to some shows!

Our first was Motorhead. How’s that for an opening night? The place was packed and the show kicked ass. Of course.

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Afterward, Kurt and I spent the rest of the night at Red 7. Our friends True Widow were on the stage when we got there. Mike Herrera’s newest project Tumbledown played not too long after. Holy. Crap. So good! Oliver Peck even jumped on stage to sing a little.

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But after Tumbledown was when it got really crazy. Mike Herrera of MXPX, Zach Blair of Rise Against, Luke Abbey from Gorilla Biscuits, members from Riverboat Gamblers and Scott Renyolds of All banded together to play an entire Descendants cover set. Yes, you read that correctly. The crowd was gnarly! I got thrashed around a bit while taking some footage for you guys, but it’s all in the name of reporting, music and freaking punk rock. Enjoy!

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