Drumming News :
After more than four decades of inspiring and supporting the Colorado drumming community, Rupp’s Drums, a beloved institution in Denver, is closing its doors for good. The store, located at 2045 South Holly Street, announced the news on its social media on July 18, confirming that its last day of business will be tentatively scheduled for August 31, 2025.
Founded in 1984 by Bob Rupp, the store quickly became a cornerstone of the local music scene, providing a dedicated space for drummers to find quality gear, connect with fellow musicians, and attend unforgettable events. Under Rupp’s leadership, the store attracted drum royalty from across the world, including legendary figures like Ginger Baker, Chad Smith, Mike Mangini, and Terry Bozzio. But it wasn’t just famous names that filled the shop—Rupp’s Drums became a haven for drummers from all walks of life, earning a reputation for fostering creativity and community.
In 2018, Alex Simpson, a lifelong customer and drummer himself, took over the business with a goal of revitalizing the store and re-energizing the Colorado drumming community. Simpson, who had many personal connections to the store, remembers driving from Cheyenne, Wyoming, as a child to visit the shop, a journey he referred to as a “pilgrimage.” Simpson’s connection to Rupp’s was deep—his first drum kit came from the store, and it played a formative role in his drumming career.
Simpson succeeded in revitalizing the store’s reputation, achieving financial success and hosting over 120 drum clinics, masterclasses, and competitions in just seven years. Big names like Dennis Chambers, Todd Sucherman, Mike Mangini, and Hannah Welton were among the many artists who graced the shop, further solidifying Rupp’s Drums’ status as a central hub for drumming culture.
However, despite these successes, Simpson announced that the time had come to close the store after struggling to find a buyer who could take on the risks associated with small retail businesses in a challenging economy. Simpson attributed the closure to factors like the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, inflation, and the increasingly conservative nature of bank lending.
Rupp’s Drums’ closure marks the end of an era for local drummers who fondly remember the shop as a place of inspiration, camaraderie, and professional guidance. The store’s influence has spanned generations of drummers, from beginners to professionals, and it’s a legacy that won’t soon be forgotten.
In his farewell statement, Simpson reflected on the joy and memories that Rupp’s Drums brought to so many, acknowledging the unique sense of belonging that the shop provided to the drumming community. He also paid tribute to Bob Rupp, whose vision and welcoming spirit made the store a sanctuary for drummers of all levels.
As the store enters its final weeks of operation, the community has rallied to support the business in its last chapter, with customers pouring in to take advantage of liquidation sales and share memories with staff. For many, Rupp’s Drums wasn’t just a place to buy equipment—it was a place that shaped their lives and careers.
Although the store will close, its impact on the drumming world will live on in the hearts of those it served. As Simpson put it, “The depth of our grief reflects the depth of the joy and love this special place brought to our lives.”
