Thommy played guitar for Stevie Stellito, one of Jacksonville’s first punk bands in the 1980s.

Thommy Berlin is a seminal figure in Jacksonville’s punk rock history—a guitarist, songwriter, and survivor whose story is as raw and unfiltered as the music he helped shape.

🎸 Early Life & Punk Awakening

Born in Miami, Berlin picked up drums in junior high, playing Black Sabbath and Deep Purple covers. By the late ’70s, he had transitioned to guitar and immersed himself in the punk scene. After a stint in New York City, where he encountered heroin, Berlin relocated to Jacksonville in the early ’80s, drawn by a punk rock romance. He joined the band The Puns and penned “Punishment” for his muse. (Jacksonville punk rocker comes back to the music after drug struggles, Jacksonville punk rocker comes back to the music after drug struggles)

⚡️ The Stevie Stiletto Years

In 1985, Berlin joined Stevie Stiletto and the Switchblades, contributing to the band’s reputation as a formidable force in the punk scene. They toured extensively, sharing stages with icons like the Ramones, Dead Kennedys, and Iggy Pop. Berlin’s tenure included the release of the EP It’s a Bogus Life and the album Food for Flies, both considered classics in the genre. (A Story from the Vault: Stevie Stiletto Is Dead – Folio Weekly)

🎶 Beyond Stiletto: Bands & Projects

Berlin’s musical journey extended beyond Stevie Stiletto. He fronted and played in several bands, including: (RoyPeak.com–Who Is This Roy Peak Anyway?)

• Radio Berlin: A project that showcased his songwriting and guitar skills.
• Thommy Berlin and His Big Head: A band reflecting his unique artistic vision.
• Big Velvet Elvis, Evil Maracas, and Powerball: Groups that further cemented his status in Jacksonville’s punk and alternative scenes. (In Memory of Ray McKelvey, aka Stevie Ray Stiletto – Razorcake, Stream Evil Maracas- Long Long Time by Palmer B. Wood | Listen …)

🌑 Struggles & Redemption

Berlin’s life was marred by addiction, leading to periods of homelessness and estrangement from music. He sold his instruments to support his heroin habit and disappeared from the scene. A turning point came in 2006 when he decided to reclaim his life and music. Through methadone treatment and sheer determination, he overcame his addiction, returning to the stage with renewed vigor. (Jacksonville punk rocker comes back to the music after drug struggles)

🎨 Artistry & Legacy

Beyond music, Berlin is also a visual artist, channeling his experiences into paintings. His resilience and contributions to the punk scene have inspired many, and he remains a respected figure in Jacksonville’s cultural landscape. Berlin’s story is one of passion, downfall, and redemption—a true embodiment of punk ethos.

📣 Connect with Thommy Berlin

• ReverbNation: Thommy Berlin’s Music
• Facebook: Thommy Berlin (Thommy Berlin – ReverbNation, Profile for Thommy Berlin – Facebook)

For a deeper dive into Thommy Berlin’s journey and his impact on Jacksonville’s punk scene, explore the Jacksonville Area Music Museum’s feature. (Stories | The Casket Factory)

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