William T.

About William T.

William (expired link). Telser was born in Merano (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. William was just four years old when his father watched the news on television, and the young boy had to give up his beloved cartoons. William asked his father who the singing man in the white outfit was.

Elvis’s death, a tragedy for millions of fans, changed William’s world. Years later, when his elementary school teacher assigned the task of drawing a picture with the theme „How do you see yourself in ten years?“ William depicted himself as „Elvis.“

At the age of seven, he received his first guitar as a gift from his father, who then decided to enroll him in a guitar course. However, William quickly grew bored as the lessons were different from what he had expected. Years went by, and at the age of fourteen, he learned his first useful chords to play „Blue Suede Shoes.“

In 1993, having taught himself to play the guitar, William had his first successful performance on October 28, 1993, at a talent competition in the city theater of his hometown, Meran. After that, he started performing as an Elvis impersonator in the Meran area and even abroad, especially in discos, pubs, hotels, après-ski venues, and resorts. In 1994, he recorded his first album, „My Tribute To Elvis,“ in a Meran-based recording studio.

In 2003, he met South Tyrolean artist Peter Hiegelsperger, who was already well-known abroad. Peter gave him the opportunity to perform at Schloss Schönbrunn in Salzburg, Austria, during the „Mythos Sportwagentreffen,“ and just a few months later at the grand Sports Gala in Baden-Baden, Germany, at Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe. He performed in front of a select audience, including „Kaiser“ Franz Beckenbauer, Jan Ullrich & Hanna Stockbauer, the Sports Gala winners, and members of the German national teams in their respective disciplines.

After eleven years as a solo artist, in early 2004, he decided to form a Rock ’n‘ Roll band, which led to the creation of „William T & The Black 50’s“ after a meeting with local musicians in Meran on the evening of February 14, 2004.

In March 2004, he had his last solo performance at the opening ceremony of the Women’s Ice Hockey World Championship in Sterzing.

Five months later, the album „That’s It“ was released, presented on the evening of July 8, 2004 (exactly 50 years after Elvis’s „That’s All Right Mama“ first aired on the radio, changing the world of music and setting the course for Rock ’n‘ Roll). The band toured extensively throughout Europe and participated in major festivals like Elvis Day, Elvis Lives On, and Elvis Rocking Recoaro. In 2009, they released an EP with four cover songs.

In 2010, the band underwent significant changes, with the addition of Roland Novak (guitar), Patrick Prasch (drums), and Alberto Macconi (double bass). They focused on the classics of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, and many others from the 1950s. They began rehearsing and performing William’s songs, „What I Feel“ and „Rock’n’Roll and Sex,“ which he had written and composed a few years earlier.

In 2012, they entered an international Rockabilly contest in Germany. Despite their success, they did not win, mainly due to their focus on cover songs. This marked a turning point for William. Encouraged by his wife, who was both his motivational mentor and coach, he started writing his own compositions. The close relationship and support of his wife played a central role in his creative process, enabling him to fully explore his musical talent. This step opened the door to a new musical journey and allowed his creative potential to flourish.

Meanwhile, for personal reasons, Alberto left the band, and experienced musician Mike Bottiglieri joined as a permanent member. With their new compositions in the repertoire, they once again participated in the International Rockabilly Contest in 2014. Although they secured third place, they won the main prize—a record contract. Subsequently, they released the album „Shake It Baby,“ featuring nine songs written and composed by William and the remaining tracks by Roland. This opened doors to the scene.

In March 2017, William released his single „Go On Ice,“ dedicated to his favorite sport, ice hockey.

In 2018, the album „Rock ’n‘ Roll Baby“ was released, featuring exclusively original compositions by William and Roland, including three songs in German. Soon after, the band members faced personal challenges. Patrick had to step down for personal reasons, while Mike broke his wrist and had an extended absence. Following a rehearsal, Marco Vicentini joined on drums, and Lukas Reich on double bass.

On his birthday, September 9, 2019, William released his new single „Love Without Limits,“ followed shortly by the organization of his first Rock ’n‘ Roll Festival in Meran. The festival featured various internationally renowned Rockabilly/Rock ’n‘ Roll bands and attracted numerous fans from abroad.

During the lockdown, he composed new songs and released the single „You’ll Be Mine“ at the end of June 2020.

In collaboration with his friends Philipp Burger ((expired link)) and Chris Kaufmann (Truck Stop), the new single „TRAVELMAN,“ in the German language, was produced and released in January 2021, quickly becoming a catchy tune.

„Forever,“ a gentle ballad and his first independent production from his studio „Recording Studio ’94,“ was released on February 14, 2022.

On October 28, 2023, the new single „Like The King“ along with a music video was released to celebrate William T’s 30th stage anniversary.

Since September 2024, the band has been performing at larger festivals and events as a five-piece with William, Roland, Mike, Marco, and Lukas (as the second guitarist), while Patrick is still part of the band and willing to help when needed.

Thanks to their performances at the Good Rockin‘ Tonight Festival in France, the Uferlos Festival in Freising (Germany), the Rock ’n‘ Roll Weekender in Walldorf (Germany), the Rockabilly Convention in Pullmancity (Germany), Rockabilly on the Rocks (Switzerland), the Alpenflair Südtirol, and various tattoo and Harley conventions, as well as their role as a support band for (expired link) (Dresden, stadium show), THE BOSS HOSS, ANDREAS GABALIER, and ANASTACIA’s Aftershow Party in Samnaun (Switzerland), WILLIAM T has long made a name for themselves beyond the borders of their Italian homeland.