Best thing I noticed when I went sugar free is that I smelled a lot more pleasant, both in my mosh pits and at the lower end of things.

Going cold turkey is hard, and I don't think it's sustainable. That said, once a year I do cut sugar and refined carbs for 6 weeks, and feel amazing. The cravings for it tend to wane, and I know when I'm going overboard because I start turning into a sugar hound and looking for it everywhere.

Good luck! Sounds great.