With deep hearts, we announce the death of Mark Van Winkle, the legendary former leader of the Toledo punk rock band London Boys Calling. Mark, 65, was a legendary character in Toledo’s music scene throughout the 1980s, noted for his dramatic stage presence and punk rock energy. Their controversial tunes and exciting performances rapidly earned them a following, and they played numerous shows around the Rust Belt, including opening for MC5’s Dennis Thompson and performing in Windsor, Canada.
Who was Mark VanWinkle?
Mark’s music career began in Sylvania High School, where he graduated in 1974. Although he lived a tranquil childhood as the Boy Scout son of a trucking company vice president, his love of music was sparked by classic 70s rock ‘n’ roll, with Aerosmith’s “Get Your Wings” album being especially influential. However, the raw sounds of the New York Dolls and Iggy and the Stooges had a profound influence on him.
Mark created the London Boys in the fall of 1979, and the band quickly became Toledo’s first true punk superstars. The original lineup was Vince Majewski, Jeff Christ, Jeff Johnson, and Bill Mandell, with Mark going by the stage name Syl Sylvania.
In Loving Memory of Mark VanWinkle
Mark left a legacy of honesty, hard rock, and an unwavering commitment for music. Despite having to stop performing in 2019 owing to health difficulties, he remains a popular character in the local music scene. His anecdotes of wild performances and the punk rock energy continue to inspire. Our thoughts are with Mark’s family, friends, and everyone who has been impacted by his music. His contributions to Toledo’s music scene, as well as his outstanding concerts, will be remembered forever.
Mark Van Winkle, you will be deeply missed, but your punk rock legacy will continue. Mark’s influence went beyond his music. Bob Davenport, the current drummer for the Palatinos, thanked Mark and the London Boys with encouraging him to become a musician. The band’s combination of punk and glam elements established them as pioneers in Toledo’s music scene, igniting the passions of many aspiring musicians.
