William T.
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Jun 30, 2025
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William T. Biography
The Early Passion for Elvis Presley
William G.D. Telser was born in Meran, South Tyrol, on September 9, 1973. His passion for the music and life of Elvis Presley was ignited on August 16, 1977, the day the legendary singer passed away. At the age of four, William watched his father glued to the television, absorbing the news of Elvis‘ death, and he had to miss his favorite cartoons. William asked his father who the man in the white outfit was… Elvis’ death, a tragedy for millions of fans, changed William’s world forever. Years later, when his elementary school teacher asked the students to draw a picture of “how they saw themselves in ten years,” William drew himself as “Elvis.”
The First Musical Steps and His First Successful Performance
At the age of seven, William received his first guitar as a gift from his father, who then decided to enroll him in guitar lessons. However, William soon became bored, as the lessons were quite different from what he had expected. Over the years, he taught himself to play his first useful chords and began playing “Blue Suede Shoes” at the age of fourteen.
In 1993, William, now self-taught on guitar, had his first successful performance on October 28, 1993, at a young talent competition in his hometown Meran’s Stadttheater.
From there, he started performing as an Elvis impersonator in the Meran area and abroad, especially in nightclubs, pubs, hotels, après-ski venues, and resorts. In 1994, he recorded his first album My Tribute To Elvis at a studio in Meran.
Key Encounters and First International Performances
In 2003, he met South Tyrolean artist Peter Hiegelsperger, who was already well known abroad and gave him the opportunity to perform at Schloss Schönbrunn in Salzburg (Austria) at the “Mythos Sportwagen Treffen.” Just a few months later, William also performed at the Great Sports Gala in Baden-Baden (Germany) at the Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe, in front of a select audience including “Kaiser” Franz Beckenbauer, Jan Ullrich, and Hannah Stockbauer, as well as members of the German national team in their respective disciplines.
That same year, William began composing jingles for South Tyrolean radio station RADIO SUNSHINE, a collaboration that continues to this day.
The Last Performance as an Elvis Impersonator and Forming a Rock’n’Roll Band
In March 2004, William performed for the last time as an Elvis impersonator at the opening ceremony of the Women’s Ice Hockey World Championship in Sterzing. After eleven years as a solo performer and Elvis impersonator, he decided to form a Rock’n’Roll band. After a few phone calls with musicians from Meran, he met them on the evening of February 14, 2004, and formed “William T. & The Black 50’s.”
Five months later, the album That’s It was released and presented at the sold-out Dancing Club Exclusive in Lana on July 8 (exactly 50 years after Elvis‘ That’s All Right Mama was first played on the radio, marking the moment that changed the music world and laid the foundation for Rock’n’Roll).
The band toured much of Europe and performed at major festivals like Elvis Day, Elvis Lives On, and Elvis Rocking Recoaro. In 2009, they also released the EP Old Days Rock’n’Roll with four cover songs.
Band Restructuring and Rockabilly Influence
In 2010, the band underwent a complete restructuring. It ultimately aligned itself with rockabilly and the classics of the 1950s, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, and many others. William’s original songs like What I Feel and Rock’n’Roll and Sex also found their place in the live repertoire. In 2011, an album was recorded during a live radio show.
In 2012, he participated in an international rockabilly contest in Germany with his band. Despite their success, they did not win, as they primarily performed cover songs. This moment marked a turning point for William. Thanks to his wife, who was also his motivational coach and has always supported him fully, he began writing his own compositions. This new chapter allowed his musical talent to fully bloom and opened the door to a creative journey of his own.
The Development of Original Compositions and the Record Deal
With new original compositions in his repertoire, he once again competed with his band in the international rockabilly contest in 2014. Although they only reached third place, they secured the grand prize – a record deal. Following this, the album Shake It Baby was released, containing nine songs written and composed by William himself. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
Ice Hockey and Music: The Single Go On Ice
In March 2017, William released his single Go On Ice, dedicated to his favorite sport, ice hockey, which he also played himself. A funny incident occurred in the 90s when, at an ice hockey celebration where he was singing live, the president of his team told him that if he played as well as he sang, he would offer him a high-paying contract. William’s reaction was that he then hung up his skates to focus entirely on music!
New Album and new Singles, Own Festivals, and Collaborations with Other Artists
In 2018, the album Rock’n’Roll Baby was released, consisting entirely of William’s original compositions, including three songs in German. On his birthday, September 9, 2019, William released his new single Love Without Limits, and shortly after, he organized his first Rock’n’Roll festival in Meran, featuring internationally known Rockabilly/Rock’n’Roll bands. The festival attracted fans from abroad.
During the first lockdown, William wrote new songs, and by the end of June 2020, he released the single You’ll Be Mine. During the second lockdown, he released the Christmas single Blue Christmas along with a music video.
In collaboration with his friends Philipp Burger (Frei.Wild) and Chris Kaufmann (Truck Stop), he released the new single Travelman in German in January 2021, which quickly became a hit.
On February 14, 2022, Forever, a gentle ballad and his first self-produced track from his Recording Studio ’94, was released.
On October 28, 2023, to celebrate his 30th stage anniversary, William released the single Like The King along with a music video.
The second Rock’n’Roll festival he organized took place on March 23, 2024, at 2,000 meters above sea level in Reinswald at Pichlberg, South Tyrol, featuring international Rock’n’Roll/Rockabilly bands and a DJ for the aftershow party.
The Founding of TravelRebel Records and the Band’s Evolution
Just before releasing his last Christmas single, Two Faces of Christmas (which also appears as a bonus track on the upcoming album), William founded his own label, TravelRebel Records. Today, William T. is the sole focus of the entire project. After several band lineup changes and stylistic developments, the band now carries his name to emphasize the strong bond between the artist and the music. With this direction, William T. remains true to his Rock’n’Roll roots while also pushing forward and continuing to evolve the 50s tradition in a modern form.
Release of the Album Shaking Off and the Stories Behind the Songs
On December 13, William released Shaking Off, his sixth album, featuring his last five singles and eight new songs. Each song tells real stories: memories from the past, moments of joy, freedom, adventure, love, loss, and resilience. These stories are personal yet universal. They reflect his experiences, passions, and challenges. In short, it’s an invitation to let go of uncertainties and embrace life to the fullest – leaving behind both the beautiful and the less pleasant memories. That’s why he named the album Shaking Off.
Looking Ahead: New Compositions and Upcoming Rock’n’Roll Events
With this latest album, William T. has opened a new chapter in his career. In the coming years, he plans to release new compositions, exciting collaborations, and more Rock’n’Roll events that will continue to captivate fans worldwide.
Success on International Stages
Thanks to his performances at the Good Rockin‘ Tonight Festival (France), the Uferlos Festival (Germany), the Walldorf Rock’n’Roll Weekender (Germany), the Rockabilly Convention (Germany), Rockabilly on the Rocks (Switzerland), Alpenflair Südtirol, as well as various tattoo and Harley conventions, and not to mention as the support band for Frei.Wild (Dresden, stadium show), The BossHoss, Andreas Gabalier, and Anastacia’s aftershow party in Samnaun (Switzerland), William T. has made a name for himself far beyond his Italian homeland.
The Early Passion for Elvis Presley
William G.D. Telser was born in Meran, South Tyrol, on September 9, 1973. His passion for the music and life of Elvis Presley was ignited on August 16, 1977, the day the legendary singer passed away. At the age of four, William watched his father glued to the television, absorbing the news of Elvis‘ death, and he had to miss his favorite cartoons. William asked his father who the man in the white outfit was… Elvis’ death, a tragedy for millions of fans, changed William’s world forever. Years later, when his elementary school teacher asked the students to draw a picture of “how they saw themselves in ten years,” William drew himself as “Elvis.”
The First Musical Steps and His First Successful Performance
At the age of seven, William received his first guitar as a gift from his father, who then decided to enroll him in guitar lessons. However, William soon became bored, as the lessons were quite different from what he had expected. Over the years, he taught himself to play his first useful chords and began playing “Blue Suede Shoes” at the age of fourteen.
In 1993, William, now self-taught on guitar, had his first successful performance on October 28, 1993, at a young talent competition in his hometown Meran’s Stadttheater.
From there, he started performing as an Elvis impersonator in the Meran area and abroad, especially in nightclubs, pubs, hotels, après-ski venues, and resorts. In 1994, he recorded his first album My Tribute To Elvis at a studio in Meran.
Key Encounters and First International Performances
In 2003, he met South Tyrolean artist Peter Hiegelsperger, who was already well known abroad and gave him the opportunity to perform at Schloss Schönbrunn in Salzburg (Austria) at the “Mythos Sportwagen Treffen.” Just a few months later, William also performed at the Great Sports Gala in Baden-Baden (Germany) at the Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe, in front of a select audience including “Kaiser” Franz Beckenbauer, Jan Ullrich, and Hannah Stockbauer, as well as members of the German national team in their respective disciplines.
That same year, William began composing jingles for South Tyrolean radio station RADIO SUNSHINE, a collaboration that continues to this day.
The Last Performance as an Elvis Impersonator and Forming a Rock’n’Roll Band
In March 2004, William performed for the last time as an Elvis impersonator at the opening ceremony of the Women’s Ice Hockey World Championship in Sterzing. After eleven years as a solo performer and Elvis impersonator, he decided to form a Rock’n’Roll band. After a few phone calls with musicians from Meran, he met them on the evening of February 14, 2004, and formed “William T. & The Black 50’s.”
Five months later, the album That’s It was released and presented at the sold-out Dancing Club Exclusive in Lana on July 8 (exactly 50 years after Elvis‘ That’s All Right Mama was first played on the radio, marking the moment that changed the music world and laid the foundation for Rock’n’Roll).
The band toured much of Europe and performed at major festivals like Elvis Day, Elvis Lives On, and Elvis Rocking Recoaro. In 2009, they also released the EP Old Days Rock’n’Roll with four cover songs.
Band Restructuring and Rockabilly Influence
In 2010, the band underwent a complete restructuring. It ultimately aligned itself with rockabilly and the classics of the 1950s, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, and many others. William’s original songs like What I Feel and Rock’n’Roll and Sex also found their place in the live repertoire. In 2011, an album was recorded during a live radio show.
In 2012, he participated in an international rockabilly contest in Germany with his band. Despite their success, they did not win, as they primarily performed cover songs. This moment marked a turning point for William. Thanks to his wife, who was also his motivational coach and has always supported him fully, he began writing his own compositions. This new chapter allowed his musical talent to fully bloom and opened the door to a creative journey of his own.
The Development of Original Compositions and the Record Deal
With new original compositions in his repertoire, he once again competed with his band in the international rockabilly contest in 2014. Although they only reached third place, they secured the grand prize – a record deal. Following this, the album Shake It Baby was released, containing nine songs written and composed by William himself. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
Ice Hockey and Music: The Single Go On Ice
In March 2017, William released his single Go On Ice, dedicated to his favorite sport, ice hockey, which he also played himself. A funny incident occurred in the 90s when, at an ice hockey celebration where he was singing live, the president of his team told him that if he played as well as he sang, he would offer him a high-paying contract. William’s reaction was that he then hung up his skates to focus entirely on music!
New Album and new Singles, Own Festivals, and Collaborations with Other Artists
In 2018, the album Rock’n’Roll Baby was released, consisting entirely of William’s original compositions, including three songs in German. On his birthday, September 9, 2019, William released his new single Love Without Limits, and shortly after, he organized his first Rock’n’Roll festival in Meran, featuring internationally known Rockabilly/Rock’n’Roll bands. The festival attracted fans from abroad.
During the first lockdown, William wrote new songs, and by the end of June 2020, he released the single You’ll Be Mine. During the second lockdown, he released the Christmas single Blue Christmas along with a music video.
In collaboration with his friends Philipp Burger (Frei.Wild) and Chris Kaufmann (Truck Stop), he released the new single Travelman in German in January 2021, which quickly became a hit.
On February 14, 2022, Forever, a gentle ballad and his first self-produced track from his Recording Studio ’94, was released.
On October 28, 2023, to celebrate his 30th stage anniversary, William released the single Like The King along with a music video.
The second Rock’n’Roll festival he organized took place on March 23, 2024, at 2,000 meters above sea level in Reinswald at Pichlberg, South Tyrol, featuring international Rock’n’Roll/Rockabilly bands and a DJ for the aftershow party.
The Founding of TravelRebel Records and the Band’s Evolution
Just before releasing his last Christmas single, Two Faces of Christmas (which also appears as a bonus track on the upcoming album), William founded his own label, TravelRebel Records. Today, William T. is the sole focus of the entire project. After several band lineup changes and stylistic developments, the band now carries his name to emphasize the strong bond between the artist and the music. With this direction, William T. remains true to his Rock’n’Roll roots while also pushing forward and continuing to evolve the 50s tradition in a modern form.
Release of the Album Shaking Off and the Stories Behind the Songs
On December 13, William released Shaking Off, his sixth album, featuring his last five singles and eight new songs. Each song tells real stories: memories from the past, moments of joy, freedom, adventure, love, loss, and resilience. These stories are personal yet universal. They reflect his experiences, passions, and challenges. In short, it’s an invitation to let go of uncertainties and embrace life to the fullest – leaving behind both the beautiful and the less pleasant memories. That’s why he named the album Shaking Off.
Looking Ahead: New Compositions and Upcoming Rock’n’Roll Events
With this latest album, William T. has opened a new chapter in his career. In the coming years, he plans to release new compositions, exciting collaborations, and more Rock’n’Roll events that will continue to captivate fans worldwide.
Success on International Stages
Thanks to his performances at the Good Rockin‘ Tonight Festival (France), the Uferlos Festival (Germany), the Walldorf Rock’n’Roll Weekender (Germany), the Rockabilly Convention (Germany), Rockabilly on the Rocks (Switzerland), Alpenflair Südtirol, as well as various tattoo and Harley conventions, and not to mention as the support band for Frei.Wild (Dresden, stadium show), The BossHoss, Andreas Gabalier, and Anastacia’s aftershow party in Samnaun (Switzerland), William T. has made a name for himself far beyond his Italian homeland.
Read MoreWilliam G.D. Telser was born in Meran, South Tyrol, on September 9, 1973. His passion for the music and life of Elvis Presley was ignited on August 16, 1977, the day the legendary singer passed away. At the age of four, William watched his father glued to the television, absorbing the news of Elvis‘ death, and he had to miss his favorite cartoons. William asked his father who the man in the white outfit was… Elvis’ death, a tragedy for millions of fans, changed William’s world forever. Years later, when his elementary school teacher asked the students to draw a picture of “how they saw themselves in ten years,” William drew himself as “Elvis.”
The First Musical Steps and His First Successful Performance
At the age of seven, William received his first guitar as a gift from his father, who then decided to enroll him in guitar lessons. However, William soon became bored, as the lessons were quite different from what he had expected. Over the years, he taught himself to play his first useful chords and began playing “Blue Suede Shoes” at the age of fourteen.
In 1993, William, now self-taught on guitar, had his first successful performance on October 28, 1993, at a young talent competition in his hometown Meran’s Stadttheater.
From there, he started performing as an Elvis impersonator in the Meran area and abroad, especially in nightclubs, pubs, hotels, après-ski venues, and resorts. In 1994, he recorded his first album My Tribute To Elvis at a studio in Meran.
Key Encounters and First International Performances
In 2003, he met South Tyrolean artist Peter Hiegelsperger, who was already well known abroad and gave him the opportunity to perform at Schloss Schönbrunn in Salzburg (Austria) at the “Mythos Sportwagen Treffen.” Just a few months later, William also performed at the Great Sports Gala in Baden-Baden (Germany) at the Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe, in front of a select audience including “Kaiser” Franz Beckenbauer, Jan Ullrich, and Hannah Stockbauer, as well as members of the German national team in their respective disciplines.
That same year, William began composing jingles for South Tyrolean radio station RADIO SUNSHINE, a collaboration that continues to this day.
The Last Performance as an Elvis Impersonator and Forming a Rock’n’Roll Band
In March 2004, William performed for the last time as an Elvis impersonator at the opening ceremony of the Women’s Ice Hockey World Championship in Sterzing. After eleven years as a solo performer and Elvis impersonator, he decided to form a Rock’n’Roll band. After a few phone calls with musicians from Meran, he met them on the evening of February 14, 2004, and formed “William T. & The Black 50’s.”
Five months later, the album That’s It was released and presented at the sold-out Dancing Club Exclusive in Lana on July 8 (exactly 50 years after Elvis‘ That’s All Right Mama was first played on the radio, marking the moment that changed the music world and laid the foundation for Rock’n’Roll).
The band toured much of Europe and performed at major festivals like Elvis Day, Elvis Lives On, and Elvis Rocking Recoaro. In 2009, they also released the EP Old Days Rock’n’Roll with four cover songs.
Band Restructuring and Rockabilly Influence
In 2010, the band underwent a complete restructuring. It ultimately aligned itself with rockabilly and the classics of the 1950s, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, and many others. William’s original songs like What I Feel and Rock’n’Roll and Sex also found their place in the live repertoire. In 2011, an album was recorded during a live radio show.
In 2012, he participated in an international rockabilly contest in Germany with his band. Despite their success, they did not win, as they primarily performed cover songs. This moment marked a turning point for William. Thanks to his wife, who was also his motivational coach and has always supported him fully, he began writing his own compositions. This new chapter allowed his musical talent to fully bloom and opened the door to a creative journey of his own.
The Development of Original Compositions and the Record Deal
With new original compositions in his repertoire, he once again competed with his band in the international rockabilly contest in 2014. Although they only reached third place, they secured the grand prize – a record deal. Following this, the album Shake It Baby was released, containing nine songs written and composed by William himself. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
Ice Hockey and Music: The Single Go On Ice
In March 2017, William released his single Go On Ice, dedicated to his favorite sport, ice hockey, which he also played himself. A funny incident occurred in the 90s when, at an ice hockey celebration where he was singing live, the president of his team told him that if he played as well as he sang, he would offer him a high-paying contract. William’s reaction was that he then hung up his skates to focus entirely on music!
New Album and new Singles, Own Festivals, and Collaborations with Other Artists
In 2018, the album Rock’n’Roll Baby was released, consisting entirely of William’s original compositions, including three songs in German. On his birthday, September 9, 2019, William released his new single Love Without Limits, and shortly after, he organized his first Rock’n’Roll festival in Meran, featuring internationally known Rockabilly/Rock’n’Roll bands. The festival attracted fans from abroad.
During the first lockdown, William wrote new songs, and by the end of June 2020, he released the single You’ll Be Mine. During the second lockdown, he released the Christmas single Blue Christmas along with a music video.
In collaboration with his friends Philipp Burger (Frei.Wild) and Chris Kaufmann (Truck Stop), he released the new single Travelman in German in January 2021, which quickly became a hit.
On February 14, 2022, Forever, a gentle ballad and his first self-produced track from his Recording Studio ’94, was released.
On October 28, 2023, to celebrate his 30th stage anniversary, William released the single Like The King along with a music video.
The second Rock’n’Roll festival he organized took place on March 23, 2024, at 2,000 meters above sea level in Reinswald at Pichlberg, South Tyrol, featuring international Rock’n’Roll/Rockabilly bands and a DJ for the aftershow party.
The Founding of TravelRebel Records and the Band’s Evolution
Just before releasing his last Christmas single, Two Faces of Christmas (which also appears as a bonus track on the upcoming album), William founded his own label, TravelRebel Records. Today, William T. is the sole focus of the entire project. After several band lineup changes and stylistic developments, the band now carries his name to emphasize the strong bond between the artist and the music. With this direction, William T. remains true to his Rock’n’Roll roots while also pushing forward and continuing to evolve the 50s tradition in a modern form.
Release of the Album Shaking Off and the Stories Behind the Songs
On December 13, William released Shaking Off, his sixth album, featuring his last five singles and eight new songs. Each song tells real stories: memories from the past, moments of joy, freedom, adventure, love, loss, and resilience. These stories are personal yet universal. They reflect his experiences, passions, and challenges. In short, it’s an invitation to let go of uncertainties and embrace life to the fullest – leaving behind both the beautiful and the less pleasant memories. That’s why he named the album Shaking Off.
Looking Ahead: New Compositions and Upcoming Rock’n’Roll Events
With this latest album, William T. has opened a new chapter in his career. In the coming years, he plans to release new compositions, exciting collaborations, and more Rock’n’Roll events that will continue to captivate fans worldwide.
Success on International Stages
Thanks to his performances at the Good Rockin‘ Tonight Festival (France), the Uferlos Festival (Germany), the Walldorf Rock’n’Roll Weekender (Germany), the Rockabilly Convention (Germany), Rockabilly on the Rocks (Switzerland), Alpenflair Südtirol, as well as various tattoo and Harley conventions, and not to mention as the support band for Frei.Wild (Dresden, stadium show), The BossHoss, Andreas Gabalier, and Anastacia’s aftershow party in Samnaun (Switzerland), William T. has made a name for himself far beyond his Italian homeland.
The Early Passion for Elvis Presley
William G.D. Telser was born in Meran, South Tyrol, on September 9, 1973. His passion for the music and life of Elvis Presley was ignited on August 16, 1977, the day the legendary singer passed away. At the age of four, William watched his father glued to the television, absorbing the news of Elvis‘ death, and he had to miss his favorite cartoons. William asked his father who the man in the white outfit was… Elvis’ death, a tragedy for millions of fans, changed William’s world forever. Years later, when his elementary school teacher asked the students to draw a picture of “how they saw themselves in ten years,” William drew himself as “Elvis.”
The First Musical Steps and His First Successful Performance
At the age of seven, William received his first guitar as a gift from his father, who then decided to enroll him in guitar lessons. However, William soon became bored, as the lessons were quite different from what he had expected. Over the years, he taught himself to play his first useful chords and began playing “Blue Suede Shoes” at the age of fourteen.
In 1993, William, now self-taught on guitar, had his first successful performance on October 28, 1993, at a young talent competition in his hometown Meran’s Stadttheater.
From there, he started performing as an Elvis impersonator in the Meran area and abroad, especially in nightclubs, pubs, hotels, après-ski venues, and resorts. In 1994, he recorded his first album My Tribute To Elvis at a studio in Meran.
Key Encounters and First International Performances
In 2003, he met South Tyrolean artist Peter Hiegelsperger, who was already well known abroad and gave him the opportunity to perform at Schloss Schönbrunn in Salzburg (Austria) at the “Mythos Sportwagen Treffen.” Just a few months later, William also performed at the Great Sports Gala in Baden-Baden (Germany) at the Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe, in front of a select audience including “Kaiser” Franz Beckenbauer, Jan Ullrich, and Hannah Stockbauer, as well as members of the German national team in their respective disciplines.
That same year, William began composing jingles for South Tyrolean radio station RADIO SUNSHINE, a collaboration that continues to this day.
The Last Performance as an Elvis Impersonator and Forming a Rock’n’Roll Band
In March 2004, William performed for the last time as an Elvis impersonator at the opening ceremony of the Women’s Ice Hockey World Championship in Sterzing. After eleven years as a solo performer and Elvis impersonator, he decided to form a Rock’n’Roll band. After a few phone calls with musicians from Meran, he met them on the evening of February 14, 2004, and formed “William T. & The Black 50’s.”
Five months later, the album That’s It was released and presented at the sold-out Dancing Club Exclusive in Lana on July 8 (exactly 50 years after Elvis‘ That’s All Right Mama was first played on the radio, marking the moment that changed the music world and laid the foundation for Rock’n’Roll).
The band toured much of Europe and performed at major festivals like Elvis Day, Elvis Lives On, and Elvis Rocking Recoaro. In 2009, they also released the EP Old Days Rock’n’Roll with four cover songs.
Band Restructuring and Rockabilly Influence
In 2010, the band underwent a complete restructuring. It ultimately aligned itself with rockabilly and the classics of the 1950s, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, and many others. William’s original songs like What I Feel and Rock’n’Roll and Sex also found their place in the live repertoire. In 2011, an album was recorded during a live radio show.
In 2012, he participated in an international rockabilly contest in Germany with his band. Despite their success, they did not win, as they primarily performed cover songs. This moment marked a turning point for William. Thanks to his wife, who was also his motivational coach and has always supported him fully, he began writing his own compositions. This new chapter allowed his musical talent to fully bloom and opened the door to a creative journey of his own.
The Development of Original Compositions and the Record Deal
With new original compositions in his repertoire, he once again competed with his band in the international rockabilly contest in 2014. Although they only reached third place, they secured the grand prize – a record deal. Following this, the album Shake It Baby was released, containing nine songs written and composed by William himself. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
Ice Hockey and Music: The Single Go On Ice
In March 2017, William released his single Go On Ice, dedicated to his favorite sport, ice hockey, which he also played himself. A funny incident occurred in the 90s when, at an ice hockey celebration where he was singing live, the president of his team told him that if he played as well as he sang, he would offer him a high-paying contract. William’s reaction was that he then hung up his skates to focus entirely on music!
New Album and new Singles, Own Festivals, and Collaborations with Other Artists
In 2018, the album Rock’n’Roll Baby was released, consisting entirely of William’s original compositions, including three songs in German. On his birthday, September 9, 2019, William released his new single Love Without Limits, and shortly after, he organized his first Rock’n’Roll festival in Meran, featuring internationally known Rockabilly/Rock’n’Roll bands. The festival attracted fans from abroad.
During the first lockdown, William wrote new songs, and by the end of June 2020, he released the single You’ll Be Mine. During the second lockdown, he released the Christmas single Blue Christmas along with a music video.
In collaboration with his friends Philipp Burger (Frei.Wild) and Chris Kaufmann (Truck Stop), he released the new single Travelman in German in January 2021, which quickly became a hit.
On February 14, 2022, Forever, a gentle ballad and his first self-produced track from his Recording Studio ’94, was released.
On October 28, 2023, to celebrate his 30th stage anniversary, William released the single Like The King along with a music video.
The second Rock’n’Roll festival he organized took place on March 23, 2024, at 2,000 meters above sea level in Reinswald at Pichlberg, South Tyrol, featuring international Rock’n’Roll/Rockabilly bands and a DJ for the aftershow party.
The Founding of TravelRebel Records and the Band’s Evolution
Just before releasing his last Christmas single, Two Faces of Christmas (which also appears as a bonus track on the upcoming album), William founded his own label, TravelRebel Records. Today, William T. is the sole focus of the entire project. After several band lineup changes and stylistic developments, the band now carries his name to emphasize the strong bond between the artist and the music. With this direction, William T. remains true to his Rock’n’Roll roots while also pushing forward and continuing to evolve the 50s tradition in a modern form.
Release of the Album Shaking Off and the Stories Behind the Songs
On December 13, William released Shaking Off, his sixth album, featuring his last five singles and eight new songs. Each song tells real stories: memories from the past, moments of joy, freedom, adventure, love, loss, and resilience. These stories are personal yet universal. They reflect his experiences, passions, and challenges. In short, it’s an invitation to let go of uncertainties and embrace life to the fullest – leaving behind both the beautiful and the less pleasant memories. That’s why he named the album Shaking Off.
Looking Ahead: New Compositions and Upcoming Rock’n’Roll Events
With this latest album, William T. has opened a new chapter in his career. In the coming years, he plans to release new compositions, exciting collaborations, and more Rock’n’Roll events that will continue to captivate fans worldwide.
Success on International Stages
Thanks to his performances at the Good Rockin‘ Tonight Festival (France), the Uferlos Festival (Germany), the Walldorf Rock’n’Roll Weekender (Germany), the Rockabilly Convention (Germany), Rockabilly on the Rocks (Switzerland), Alpenflair Südtirol, as well as various tattoo and Harley conventions, and not to mention as the support band for Frei.Wild (Dresden, stadium show), The BossHoss, Andreas Gabalier, and Anastacia’s aftershow party in Samnaun (Switzerland), William T. has made a name for himself far beyond his Italian homeland.
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