Ann Beretta

Ann Beretta was a punk rock band from Richmond, Virginia, formed in 1996 by Rob Huddleston, Leer Baker, Chris Rupp, and Russ Jones. Known for their straightforward punk sound with influences of rockabilly and country, the band quickly made a name for themselves on the punk rock circuit. Throughout their career, Ann Beretta toured extensively with bands such as Hot Water Music, ALL, The Bouncing Souls, Less Than Jake, and Richmond’s own Avail. Their sound resonated with fans who were drawn to their energetic style and emotionally driven lyrics.

History

After forming in 1996, Ann Beretta began playing local shows in Richmond before embarking on longer tours across the U.S. and beyond. Their early success came from their 1998 debut album Bitter Tongues released through Fueled by Ramen, and the band soon garnered attention within the punk scene. The band followed up with more releases, including The Other Side of the Coin and To All Our Fallen Heroes on Lookout! Records.

In 2001, Ann Beretta left Lookout! and signed with the Canadian label Union Label Group, where they released New Union Old Glory. Despite their continued growth and success, the band disbanded in late 2004, only to reunite briefly in 2012 to tour Europe and the UK in support of Wild, Young, and Free, an album made up of demos and outtakes that was released exclusively in Europe.

Following their brief reunion, the band would only play occasional festival dates or local shows in Richmond until releasing Old Scars New Blood in 2017, an album that featured re-recorded songs from their entire discography. In 2020, Ann Beretta began working on new material for their first original album in over a decade, which culminated in the self-released album Rise in 2022. The band played their final show in June 2023, marking the end of a long and impactful career in the punk rock world.

Band Members

Rob Huddleston – guitar, vocals
Donovan Greer – bass
Russ Jones – drums
Pedro Aida – lead guitar

Former Members

Danny Vandiford – bass
Leer Baker – guitar, vocals
Chris Rupp – bass
Matt Bedford – bass
Andrew Clarke – keys

Discography

Studio Albums

Bitter Tongues (Fueled by Ramen, 1998)
The Other Side of the Coin (Whitehouse Records, 1999)
To All Our Fallen Heroes (Lookout!, 1999)
New Union Old Glory (Lookout!, 2001)
Three Chord Revolution (Union 2112 Records, 2003)
Wild, Young and Free (Outtakes, Demos, Rarities 1997–2012) (Gunner Records, 2012)
Old Scars, New Blood (Say 10 Records, 2017)
Rise (self-released, 2022)

Live Albums

…And the Band Played On – Live at Home (Raw Power Records, 2000)
Live from CBGB’s – July 5, 2003 (digital-only self-released, 2020)
Like a Riot!: Live from the Broadberry (Acoustic) (digital-only self-released, 2020)

EPs

Nobody’s Heroes EP (self-released, 1996)
Burning Bridges EP (Fueled by Ramen, 1999)
New Union… Old Glory (split with Newtown Grunts – Wakusei Records/Speedowax Records, 2001)
In ReCOVERy (split with Blacklist Royals – self-released, 2022)

Singles

“Burning Bridges” (Fueled by Ramen, 1998)
“The Shakes/Wild, Young, and Free” (Speedowax Records, 2015)
“The Shakes (Kill the Lights)” (Say 10 Records, 2017)

History