Bayside

Bayside is an American punk rock band hailing from the Bayside neighborhood of Queens, New York City. Formed in 2000 by vocalist/rhythm guitarist Anthony Raneri, the group’s dynamic lineup eventually solidified around lead guitarist Jack O’Shea, bassist Nick Ghanbarian, and drummer Chris Guglielmo. Over the years, Bayside has become celebrated for their melodic yet intense style, introspective lyrics, and anthemic, heartfelt performances. Through lineup changes, label shifts, and personal hardships, the band has built a lasting presence in the punk and alternative rock communities, highlighted by nine studio albums released over two decades.

Early Formation and Initial Recordings (2000–2004)

Bayside was first conceived when Anthony Raneri (vocals) joined forces with friends Vinny Daraio (drums), Chris Jackson (bass), and Mike Kozak (lead guitar, backing vocals) in October 2000. The group derived its name incidentally: on their way to a Drive-Thru Records showcase where they hoped to hand off a demo to New Found Glory, they spotted the Bayside train station and wrote “Bayside” on the CD. The moniker stuck. Soon, they self-released a five-song demo and garnered enough buzz to sign with Dying Wish Records, resulting in the Long Stories Short EP in 2001. During early tours, they teamed up with acts such as Brand New, Hot Rod Circuit, and Don’t Look Down, gradually building their profile in the East Coast punk scene. By early 2003, the band issued a split EP with Name Taken via Dying Wish, then signed to Victory Records. Their debut full-length, Sirens and Condolences, arrived on January 27, 2004, setting the stage for the band’s subsequent breakthrough.

Mainstream Breakthrough and Tragedy: Self-Titled Album (2004–2006)

On August 23, 2005, Bayside released their self-titled follow-up album through Victory Records. Propelled by emotive songwriting and melodic punk arrangements, the record established the group within broader punk and alt-rock circles. However, while on tour in support of Bayside, tragedy struck on October 31, 2005: their tour van slipped on black ice near Cheyenne, Wyoming. Drummer John “Beatz” Holohan was killed, while bassist Nick Ghanbarian sustained severe injuries and was ejected from the vehicle. Anthony Raneri and Jack O’Shea escaped with minor wounds, though the traumatic event left lasting emotional impacts on the band. Determined to honor Holohan, Bayside released Acoustic (2006), featuring an acoustic adaptation of “Winter”—a tribute to their fallen friend—and reworked versions of previous tunes.

The Walking Wounded and Shudder (2006–2009)

With new drummer Chris Guglielmo joining the fold, Bayside began writing and recording The Walking Wounded, which arrived on February 6, 2007. Many of the lyrics referenced perseverance and personal renewal, reflecting the group’s experiences following Holohan’s loss. They packaged a “Gold Edition” reissue of the album the same year, boasting bonus acoustic tracks, music videos, and other extras. On September 30, 2008, the band released its fourth full-length, Shudder, in tandem with a live record titled Live at the Bayside Social Club. “No One Understands,” one of the new album’s singles, quickly gained traction. During these years, Bayside cemented their status in the punk rock world with frequent tours and a steadfast fanbase drawn to their honesty and introspection.

Killing Time and Further Growth (2009–2012)

In 2009, Bayside concluded their tenure at Victory Records and recorded “Beautiful Girls” (a Sean Kingston cover) for the Fearless Records comp Punk Goes Pop 2. The band’s persistent touring included their fourth Vans Warped Tour appearance and frequent spotlights at festivals like Bamboozle. Signing to Wind-up Records in 2010, the group enlisted legendary producer Gil Norton (Foo Fighters, Pixies) for their fifth album. The result, Killing Time, arrived on February 22, 2011, marking a more polished and forceful sound. “Sick, Sick, Sick,” the album’s first single, underscored Raneri’s heartfelt vocals, the interplay of O’Shea’s guitars, and the rock-solid Ghanbarian-Guglielmo rhythm section. A US co-headlining trek with Silverstein followed, along with international tours featuring Polar Bear Club, The Swellers, and Texas In July.

Label Changes and Cult (2012–2015)

After wrapping the Killing Time cycle, Bayside self-released Covers Volume #1 in 2012 via their own imprint Gumshoe Records, tackling classics by artists like Billy Joel, Elvis Costello, and The Ronettes. Over the next year, they wrote new material that led to a signing with Hopeless Records in August 2013. The band announced its sixth studio album, Cult, in November. Arriving on February 18, 2014, Cult channeled the band’s signature anthemic style, including tracks “Pigsty” and “Time Has Come.” Their year continued with an appearance on the 2014 Vans Warped Tour and a subsequent co-headlining UK run with Alkaline Trio. In 2015, to commemorate their 15-year career, Bayside launched a special anniversary tour with Senses Fail, Man Overboard, and Seaway—celebrating the loyal fan community built around their blend of personal lyrics and pop-punk gusto.

Vacancy, Acoustic Volume 2, and Interrobang (2016–2020)

The group’s seventh album, Vacancy, dropped on August 19, 2016, via Hopeless Records. Thematically, the record confronted heartbreak and displacement, delivering some of Raneri’s most direct and confessional lyrics to date. Following an extensive North American trek and then touring Australia and Japan, the band kept momentum alive by unveiling Acoustic Volume 2 in September 2018—featuring stripped-down re-imaginings of older tracks plus the new single “It Don’t Exist.” On October 4, 2019, Bayside surprised fans with their eighth record Interrobang. Defined by tighter riffs, bold production, and pointedly urgent songs like “Prayers” and the title track, the album showcased the band’s ability to refine yet preserve their melodic core. A coinciding tour placed local support acts via a “battle of the bands” approach, exemplifying Bayside’s ongoing commitment to the grassroots music scene.

There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive (2020–Present)

After pandemic-related delays, Bayside adapted to new touring realities and live-streamed performance events. In 2020, the group prepped new demos that culminated in their ninth studio effort, There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive, released in 2024. Building on the vivid honesty of past works, the album revealed an evolution in sound—bridging melodic punk with influences from alternative rock. Throughout it all, Anthony Raneri’s vocals remained the emotional anchor. In addition, 2022 and 2023 saw two short-run tours with new support acts, reaffirming Bayside’s significance in modern punk.

Anthony Raneri’s Solo Project and Additional Activities

Beyond Bayside’s primary discography, frontman Anthony Raneri has sporadically embarked on solo endeavors since 2009, hinting at a separate EP or album. Initially releasing the track “The Ballad of Bill the Saint” in December 2009, Raneri further teased personal material—none more apparent than the “New Cathedrals” EP, which arrived in early 2012 to a positive reception. In 2015, Raneri delivered the follow-up Sorry State of Mind, recorded in Nashville. He continues to explore side releases, including a newly announced 2024 EP, Everyday Royalty, reflecting a more alt-country flair.

Elsewhere within the band, drummer Chris Guglielmo launched an independent solo project in 2024, dubbed Headtrip. He unveiled an EP titled no love featuring three songs, swiftly followed by the single “Black Tongues.” Meanwhile, on November 14, 2011, the band members started Gumshoe Radio—a weekly online radio show airing Fridays—maintaining close interaction with fans beyond the stage.

Band Members

• Anthony Raneri – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar (2001–present)
• Jack O’Shea – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals (2003–present)
• Nick Ghanbarian – Bass, Backing Vocals (2004–present)
• Chris Guglielmo – Drums, Percussion (2006–present)

Former Members

• Mike Kozak – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals (2000–2002)
• Chris Jackson – Bass (2000–2001)
• Vinny Daraio – Drums (2000–2001)
• Dustin Roth – Drums (2001)
• Andrew Elderbaum – Bass, Backing Vocals (2001–2004)
• Jason Enz – Drums (2001–2003)
• JR Manning – Lead Guitar (2002)
• Jim Mitchell – Drums (2003–2004)
• John “Beatz” Holohan – Drums (2004–2005, deceased)

Discography

Studio Albums

• Sirens and Condolences (2004)
• Bayside (2005)
• The Walking Wounded (2007)
• Shudder (2008)
• Killing Time (2011)
• Cult (2014)
• Vacancy (2016)
• Interrobang (2019)
• There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive (2024)

Other Notable Releases

• Acoustic (EP, 2006)
• Live at the Bayside Social Club (2008)
• Covers Volume #1 (2012)
• Acoustic Volume 2 (2018)

Compilations and Special Tracks

• “Beautiful Girls” (Sean Kingston cover, Punk Goes Pop 2)
• “Strangest Faces,” “Good Advice,” The Red EP (2022)
• The Blue EP (2023)