The Mavericks (from left) Eddie Perez, Paul Deakin, Raul Malo and Jerry Dale McFadden. Photo by Haris Nukem

As The Mavericks’ 30th anniversary world tour reaches its midway point, guitarist Eddie Perez tells the Pulse about joining up in 2003, when the founding band members were beginning to burn out.

“Before I knew it, it was already over and done with,” says Perez, who’s still thrilled with the second chance he received when The Mavericks reformed in 2013. For this commemorative tour, which hits the Ryman Auditorium on Friday, Sept. 13, the band will be “diving deep into the catalogue” to celebrate the 30 years that have passed since releasing its self-titled debut.

“It’s pretty surprising and remarkable that all those years of music,
no matter how you mix them up in a set list, all seem to jell and really play nice together, you know?” says Perez, adding that the tour “has allowed us to go back and remember all the stories about where the band has
been musically.”

Eddie Perez. Photo by Ray Lewis

Latecomer Perez’s stories include learning about the band from his musician father and embracing The Mavericks’ early recordings to the extent that he feels a sincere connection to material far predating his membership.

“When I approach that music now, it’s a joy to approach it with the respect I’ve always had for it.” Of the Ryman show, Perez promises, “There’s gonna be lots of surprises. It’s always special to do a hometown gig.”

For more on The Mavericks, visit themavericksband.com.