MxPx’s Yuri Ruley to retire, play farewell show at Wasted Space

By April Corbin

Friday, July 16, 2010 | 12:30 p.m.

This Sunday at Wasted Space inside the Hard Rock, influential pop-punk band MxPx performs an epic farewell show for longtime drummer Yuri Ruley, who has decided to retire at the ripe old age of 34.

You can thank Brodie Knight Vans for that.

Not for the retirement. That decision, according to a release from the band, came because, after 18 years of playing and constant touring with MxPx, Ruley decided he wants to spend more time at home, raising his family.

However, you can thank Vans for bringing the Bremerton, Wash.-based band down to Vegas.

The promotions manager for Wasted Space pitched an idea to have his local band, Sprockets, host and play a monthly concert where they bring in known out-of-town acts. He reached out to MxPx vocalist/bassist Mike Herrera, who'd produced a Sprockets' album, because he wanted a familiar face for the monthly night's kick-off. What he wound up stumbling on was something bigger.

"It's really cool to be a part of this," Vans says. "It's history, 18 years in the making. The last hurrah for Yuri."

MxPx will perform in-full Life in General, their most commercially successful album, which celebrates its 14-year anniversary this year. Devoted fans from across the country are flying and driving in, determined to be a part of the sure-to-be sentimental send off.

Ruley's departure means the end of MxPx as most fans have known it, but not forever. Remaining members Herrera and guitarist Tom Wisniewski say they will continue to perform in festivals and one-off dates. Chris Wilson of The Summer Obsession will fill in on drums. Meanwhile, Herrera will join The Ataris' Kris Roe and Wilson for an Australia tour with MxPx All-Stars, as well as continue with side projects Tumbledown and Arthur.