If you frequent MTV, or even TV in general, you’ve seen or heard of MxPx. You probably know them from their mid- 90s hit, “Chick Magnet,” or perhaps their more recent Pepsi commercial.
In their 11 1/2 years of existence, MxPx has done a lot to get their name out.
MxPx was formed in Bremerton, Wash., when its members were only 15. Guitarist Tom Wisniewski said the band was intended to be a full time endeavor from the very beginning.
“We really all were committed to doing it, basically,” Wisniewski said. “We all wanted to do this full time.”
The irony of the band’s early existence, according to Wisniewski, was that the Washington scene, (primarily grunge at the time), was based mostly on 21 and over shows. Because of this, the band played shows they wouldn’t even have been able to attend.
The band has continued full force ever since, releasing several independent records, three major label efforts, and embarked on countless tours.
When asked to remember some favorite MxPx gigs, Wisniewski names their stint opening for the Sex Pistols on the Filthy Lucre Tour.
A show with Joe Strummer, prior to his passing, is also on MxPx’s list of memorable shows.
It would seem that performing with these elder statesmen of rock has rubbed off on MxPx.
Their newest record, Before Everything And After is a mature and diverse effort – a far cry from their older material.
Wisniewski makes it obvious that he takes great pride in the band’s new record and believes it is their most solid offering to date.
The newfound maturity can be seen simply as the three members, (Wisniewski, bassist/vocalist Mike Herrera, and drummer Yuri Ruley), growing up and entering new stages in life, (all three are now married).
The new record also features guest vocal appearances by, “a bunch of our friends,” according to Wisniewski.
MxPx must hang with a very exclusive crowd, because they have an impressive group of friends. The guest list includes such pop-punk heavyweights such as Good Charlotte’s Benji Madden and The Ataris’ Kris Roe.
The band also cultivated several other important relationships over the years, including one with their current drum roadie, legendary Descendents/All guitarist Stephen Egerton.
When asked what he wants fans to take away from his band, the word Wisniewski stresses is, “fun.” He states that they want their music to be fun to listen to at home and enjoy live.
He hopes fans at an MxPx show can, “jump around, have fun, not get hurt, and forget about their problems.”
Fans in Philadelphia will get a chance to do just that. MxPx will be playing The Electric Factory Feb. 9, with opening acts Simple Plan and Sugarcult.
Wisniewski promises fun for all at this and every engagement on the tour. Like them or not, due to their hard work and perseverance, MxPx is here to stay.
This is one band that just keeps rolling along, and making even more new fans along the way.
Chuck DelRoss can be reached at cdelross@temple.edu
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