Print
Punk rock retirement: MxPx packs Wasted Space for drummer sendoff
Mon, Jul 19, 2010 (12:45 p.m.)
MxPx performs at Wasted Space on Sunday, July 18, 2010
Photo: April Corbin
It's only minutes before MxPx takes the stage at Wasted Space, but the crowd at this sold-out show is beyond restless. Fans in the front row are trying to interpret the initials at the end of the setlist — obviously, the songs to be played during the encore.
"P.R.S. is obviously 'Punk Rock Show.' They always end with that," says one fan, who's stuck on S.W. A nearby fan pulls out his smart phone and Googles a list of song titles. "Are you cheating?" someone asks him. "Yes," he replies without shame. Knowing beforehand is just that important.
Tonight is not about surprises. Indeed, it seems the majority of attendees have seen the 18-year-old pop-punk band multiple times — some dozen of times. Many have flown or driven to Vegas from other states and countries just to be a part of this memorable affair. It's the last concert for drummer Yuri Ruley, who has decided after 18 years to retire from touring and get a steady job so he can spend more time with his family.
To commemorate the evening, MxPx performs Life in General in its entirety — something they've never done before. It's a nod to the album that brought them most of their fans, one appreciated by the packed house, whose excitement is nearly palpable and ready to explode. Lead singer Mike Herrera references local venue Huntridge Theatre, noting nostalgically, "That place had no rules," before cautioning the excited fans at Wasted Space to behave and not get escorted out the show.
More
- From the archive
- MxPx's Yuri Ruley to retire, play farewell show at Wasted Space (7/16/10)
A lot has changed since the rowdiness of that now-defunct all-ages venue. During "Responsibility," the now 33-year-old Herrera concedes, "I'm not sure how much longer I can sing this line: [I'm still young, and I'd like to stay that way.]"
Still, the passion is evident, and the group's as polished as a punk band can be. Though this is farewell, it isn't a funeral. Herrera and guitarist Tom Wisniewski will continue the band with another drummer, and Ruley is always welcome back. "We'll be back for a reunion tour, like The Who, when we're forty," Herrera jokes with the crowd.
"There is no such thing as retirement from punk rock."
Arguably one the coolest joints in town, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino houses some of Vegas' best entertainment, restaurants and nightlife.
At Hard Rock, it's all about the music. From the light fixtures made out of drum cymbals and guitar shaped door handles to stage costumes and tools of the trade of legendary musicians displayed on the walls, the hotel screams rock and roll. The Hard Rock's Joint has hosted some the biggest names in music — from The Who to Bob Dylan to hometown heroes, The Killers.Aside from the music venues, the pool at the Hard Rock is one of its biggest attractions. Spread out over 4.7 acres, the pool area features swim-up blackjack, a bar and grill, private cabanas, a bevy of secluded nooks, a waterfall and an extensive live music venue with a dance floor. During the summer, the pool transforms into the Rehab club on Sunday afternoons.
The resident nightclub Body English fuses European elegance with a rock star bachelor pad and it often a hot spot for visiting celebs and popular DJs. Vintage rock memorabilia lines the walls at Wasted Space, Hard Rock's anti-club.
Restaurants at Hard Rock are just as hip as the rest of the casino. Pink Taco serves up Mexican dishes, as well as a Central American and Caribbean menu. Nobu, one of five worldwide Japanese-specialty restaurants from famed Nobu Matsuhisa, satisfies a different taste. For round-the-clock cuisine, Mr. Lucky's 24/7, is sure to ease your appetite even after a Vegas-all-nighter.
digg
reddit
Newsvine
Fark
E-mail
Discussion:
In an effort to increase the dialogue on our stories, we will be requiring Facebook accounts to leave comments on lasvegasweekly.com stories. We believe that Weekly readers are likely to have Facebook accounts already and more apt to comment on this site with that account rather than have to create an account with us. If, however, you do not have a Facebook account, click here to sign up for one. If you have questions, comments or concerns about this new commenting policy, please let us know.
For any other questions related to commenting on Weekly stories, please read our full policy.