[1][2] He notably performed in such hardcore and metalcore bands as Timescape Zero, Culture, Blood Has Been Shed, Until the End, Diecast, Terror, Walls of Jericho, On Bodies and As Friends Rust.

[3] He is a multi-instrumentalist musician and vocalist, having performed guitar, bass and drums in addition to vocals in several of his bands.

[4][5] Thurston has lived in and performed with bands from Florida, Virginia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, California, Michigan and Ohio, the latter of which has been his home since 1997.

[4][8][9][10] Thurston was born in Boston, Massachusetts, but moved to Florida in his late teens.

[11] During his inaugural amateur fight on November 5, 2004, he dislocated his elbow while against opponent Joshua Blanchard.