Riff-first. Hook-heavy. Pure rock that reminds you why you fell in love with loud music.

That’s FUZZRD.

Born in Minneapolis and built to be played loud, FUZZRD is a hard rock band driven by one simple idea: great rock songs never go out of style.

With a sound built around massive riffs, powerful guitars, memorable melodies, and hooks that stay with you long after the last note fades, FUZZRD delivers the kind of rock music that connects immediately. The band draws from the timeless elements that have defined generations of great rock while bringing fresh energy and a modern edge to every song.

FUZZRD was built on a foundation of chemistry and shared history. Founding members Brett Petrusek and Robert Berg reconnected after their time together in the Minneapolis rock group Downtread, creating the foundation that would become FUZZRD. The band’s story also traces back to its earliest days, when Brett, Robert, and drummer Steve Soderstrom first began playing shows and recording music together.

Over the years, each musician followed different paths, but the connection never disappeared. Now, with Steve returning to the fold — whose credits include the Rickey Medlocke Band, led by Lynyrd Skynyrd/Blackfoot guitarist Rickey Medlocke, as well as a host of bands in the Minneapolis area, including Scream Parade with Petrusek and Berg — their first legit group — and Man Alive with Petrusek — three musicians who helped start this journey are reunited once again. The addition of guitarist Ben Bantam completes the current FUZZRD lineup, bringing a second guitar voice that adds depth, power, and new dimension to the band’s sound. His playing helps define the band’s dual-guitar dynamic, adding another layer of energy and creativity as FUZZRD moves into its next chapter.

The result is a lineup built not only on talent, but on years of shared experience, musical chemistry, and an undeniable connection that can be felt both in the studio and on stage.

FUZZRD’s debut album, Near Life Experience (2021), introduced the band’s signature approach—music built on attitude, melody, and songwriting first. Produced and engineered by Jeremy Tappero of Soul Asylum, the album showcased FUZZRD’s ability to balance heavy guitar-driven rock with unforgettable choruses and songs designed to stand the test of time.

Featuring standout tracks including “Monster Carnival,” “Pins & Needles,” and “Life Turned Black,” the album helped establish FUZZRD as one of the Midwest’s standout independent rock acts. Each single was supported by an official music video, expanding the band’s reach and bringing the energy and identity of the music to life visually.

Beyond the studio, FUZZRD has built a reputation as a powerful live rock act. The band has performed on the main stage at Minnesota Lakes Jam twice and has shared the stage in direct support roles with national touring acts including Buckcherry and Hinder. From festival stages to theaters, clubs, and independent venues throughout the Midwest, FUZZRD delivers the same promise every time: big guitars, bigger hooks, and a live experience built to be remembered.

In 2026, FUZZRD enters its next era with renewed energy and momentum. With guitarist Ben Bantam and drummer Steve Soderstrom joining Brett Petrusek and Robert Berg, the band is preparing its highly anticipated second full-length album while releasing new music throughout the year.

Whether you’re discovering FUZZRD for the first time or have been there from the beginning, the mission remains the same: write great rock songs, play them with everything you’ve got, and remind people why they fell in love with rock music in the first place.

FUZZRD is:

Brett Petrusek — Lead Vocals / Guitar

Robert Berg — Bass / Vocals

Ben Bantam — Guitar

Steve Soderstrom — Drums