Pennywise Names New Singer

Veteran Southern California punk troupe Pennywise, known for anthems like 'F--- Authority' and 'The Western World,' has named an official replacement for frontman Jim Lindberg, who exited the band in 2009 after 19 years. Zoli Teglas, formerly of Orange County outfit Ignite, has permanently stepped into the spot.

After a series of successful trial shows that included the 2009 Smokeout Festival and a sold-out Amnesty International Benefit at Long Beach Arena in December, Teglas was offered and accepted the position. In a statement, guitarist Fletcher Dragge -- who co-founded the band in 1988 -- cites the singer as a "natural choice" for Pennywise.

Meanwhile, Zoli is clearly enthusiastic about his bump from temporary to permanent status in the band, adding, "I'm stoked to be singing with Pennywise. I'm a huge fan of the band and am super grateful to share the stage with [them]."

In advance of an April tour through Europe, the Hermosa Beach-based foursome will play a run of three West Coast shows, beginning in San Diego at the House of Blues on March 17. The band will also play the Ventura Theatre and the Senator Theatre in Chico on March 18 and 19, respectively.

In the meantime, Pennywise says it is hard at work on the follow-up to its last album with Lindberg. That disc, 'Reason to Believe,' was released via MySpace Records in 2008. Offered as a free download, it was distributed to over 500,000 fans.