Rupp’s Drums Announces Closure

Rupp’s Drums, a drum-only retailer in Denver, announced it will be closing its door. It’s last day in business is tentatively August 31.

Started in 1984, by drummer Bob Rupp, the retailer changed hands several times in its nearly 41 years in business, with customer-turn-owner Alex Simpson most recently owning the business for the last seven years.

Simpson released a statement on the store’s closure which is included below:

“When I purchased Rupp’s Drums in 2018, my goal was to revitalize this legendary business and re-energize the Colorado drumming community. After seven years of financial success, over 120 unforgettable live events, four Top 100 Dealer Awards from the National Association of Music Merchants, a recognition from the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, and more than 15,000 new customers served, I’m very proud to say those goals have been achieved.

“However, I regret to announce that the remarkable story of Rupp’s Drums, after nearly 41 vibrant years, has reached its final chapter. Effective immediately, we will begin liquidating our inventory, with a tentative final closure date of August 31st, 2025. We hope you’ll consider showing your support in these final weeks as we work to end the improbable run of one of America’s most energetic destination drum shops on a high note.

“As a lifelong customer whose own life and career have been deeply shaped by this business and the passionate people behind it, I share wholeheartedly in the sorrow you may feel upon hearing this news. But I urge you to remember this: the depth of our grief reflects the depth of the joy and love this special place brought to our lives. In that spirit, I hope this news inspires reflection on the many cherished memories Rupp’s Drums has created for generations of Colorado drummers. Please reach out and share your stories with us—we’d love to hear them.

“Of our beloved founder, Bob Rupp, I wish to say that there are people in this world who seem perfectly fit for the times and who possess a rare gift for making other people feel seen, welcomed, and inspired. Bob is one of those people. His influence runs deep in the drumming world and will continue to echo through every groove laid down by the many thousands of drummers this store has served since 1984. On behalf of the entire community, thank you, Bob, for the gift you gave so many of us: the gift of belonging.

“To our devoted customers and friends: thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You chose to support a small, local business despite the convenience that the internet has afforded for many years. You stood by your values, and ours, even when it meant spending a few extra dollars or driving a few extra miles. Your loyalty carried us, and we wouldn’t have made it this far without you.

“I can’t imagine a world where a young drummer can’t walk into a pro drum shop to be inspired, to learn from working drummers, or to dream about their future. My greatest hope is that, despite all odds, we’ve made a positive, lasting difference in the lives of drummers here in Colorado and across the country.“

ruppsdrums.com