Meet the Silverteens
The Silverteens, a Minneapolis-based garage/power-pop band, began rehearsing in 2011 in Mark Engebretson’s basement in 2011 and had their first gig at the Amsterdam in 2012, featuring Engebretson on vocals, Johnson on drums, Tom “Tippy” Roth on guitar, and David Moe on bass. Eric Pierson replaced Tippy in 2014 and Steve Olson replaced Moe in 2017. During the COVID pandemic, Terry Isachsen took over as guitar player.
Long known for their eclectic mix of cover songs — ranging from obscure 1960s garage rock to late 1970s punk and power pop — the Silverteens began focusing on original material in 2022, due in part to Isachsen’s urging.
“TV on Fire” — a four-song EP with a national street date of July 10, 2026 — represents the band’s third release. In November 2023, the Silverteens release a full-length self-titled LP on vinyl, featuring 10 originals. In January 2024, the band released “The Silverteens Present: Now — Right Now,” a tribute to the Plimsouls. The EP was recorded live at the Parkway Theater in Minneapolis.
With the release of the “TV On Fire” EP, the Silverteens firmly establish their own unique sound — still rooted in garage and power pop — but reflecting a modern aesthetic, emphasizing strong harmonies that remain grounded by crunching/searing guitars and a hard-driving rhythm section.
Mark Engebretson
Vocalist Mark Engebretson performed at Jay’s Longhorn in the late 1970s with the MORs and at the 7th St. Entry/First Avenue with The Whole Lotta Loves in the 1980s.
The MORs released two vinyl 45s (1979 and 1980) and were featured on “The 12×8 Showcase,” a 1981 compilation of Minnesota bands. The Whole Lotta Loves released “The Recline & Fall Of Rock & Roll (Part 2)” in 1985 and were featured on “Big Hits of Mid-America Volume IV” in 1986 on the Twin/Tone label.
Engebretson was the director of the 2019 documentary film, “Jay’s Longhorn.” A former journalist and communications/marketing professional, Engebretson retired from the University of Minnesota in 2025.
Terry Isachsen
Guitarist Terry Isachsen is a familiar face on the Minneapolis scene, also performing with the Flamin’ Oh’s, Lolo’s Ghost, Gini Dodds and the Dahlias, and many others. Isachsen’s band Nip and Tuck gigged regularly in the 1970s at Minneapolis’ legendary Punk/New Wave nightclub, Jay’s Longhorn.
Jerry Johnson
Drummer and backing vocalist Jerry Johnson played bass and drums in several Minneapolis bands in the 1980s through the 2000s, including Mezzo Fist, No Apparent Reason, Pushpause, Splat, Helen Killer, and Evaporated Family.
Steve Olson
Bassist and backing vocalist Steve Olson was a member of 1980s Laughing Stock, a post-punk band that often played at Minneapolis’ 7th St. Entry and First Avenue. Olson also is a member of the Minneapolis band Hot Pastrami!
Photos by Michael Hardwick.
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