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The video for Sum 41’s Fat Lip, alongside 9/11 news coverage and Sonia Jackson’s unexpected baby on EastEnders, is considered one of the iconic recordings from the turn of the millennium for a generation influenced by Napster and MTV. The handheld camera captures teenagers skateboarding with fireworks, girls sporting Chelsea haircuts, and crust punks provoking the police, all set to the band’s catchy pop-punk tune. Like a flashback to a typical Saturday in the early 2000s, Fat Lip showcases the merging of a subculture into the mainstream, with its enduringly infectious chorus solidifying its place in punk history.
In 1996, Sum 41 was formed in Ajax, a small town near Toronto. They were young teenagers when they signed with Island Records and followed the same path as Green Day and Blink-182, who also gained fame through their local DIY scenes. Their debut album, All Killer No Filler, was released in 2001 and its songs were widely promoted on platforms such as MTV, video game soundtracks, teen dramas, and superhero blockbusters. During the band’s peak of popularity, lead singer Deryck Whibley attracted paparazzi attention due to his relationships with Paris Hilton and Avril Lavigne, leading to constant tabloid speculation about his personal life.
Whibley, the primary songwriter and sole consistent member of the band, shares from his Los Angeles studio that he believes punk rock in the mid-90s filled the void left by Nirvana in the world.
Despite the numerous challenges that Sum 41 has faced, lead singer Whibley remains surprisingly calm. The band, known for their upbeat melodies and playful antics, has weathered through many storms. This includes a serious car accident that led to the departure of original bassist Richard Roy before the release of their album All Killer. Other members, such as lead guitarist Dave Baksh and drummer Steve Jocz, have also left and returned. Additionally, the ever-changing music landscape of the 21st century, from pop-punk to emo, grime, crunk, and new rave, threatened to outpace the band’s success. Despite achieving their “rockstar dream” with their first two albums, including wild experiences like trashing hotels while under the influence of mushrooms and sharing stages with Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, the band was reminded by Ice-T at a party in 2003 that staying on top is even harder than getting there.
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In the late 2000s, this statement proved to be true as Sum 41 faced difficulties in filling 300-person venues. As indie music with flannel and beards became more popular than punk, the band decided to embrace a heavier sound. Lead singer Whibley explains, “We made a conscious decision to play the type of music we wanted to play. We have always stayed true to our artistic vision, even if it hasn’t always been successful financially.”
Whibley has faced serious health challenges, including being attacked in a Japanese bar in 2010 which worsened a previous back injury. He turned to heavy drinking to cope and was hospitalized multiple times, almost dying from liver and kidney failure due to alcoholism. In September 2023, he was hospitalized again for pneumonia and faced the risk of heart failure. He was released shortly before the release of Sum 41’s eighth and final album, Heaven :x: Hell. The word that comes to mind is tiring.
Whibley nonchalantly acknowledges the situation, displaying a combination of resilience and rockstar confidence. He reflects, “These things happen and you move on. I never questioned whether I should change my approach. It was always a matter of accepting what happened and focusing on the future. I’m naturally forward-thinking, so when something occurs, I just focus on figuring out today and tomorrow.”
After 28 years as a band, Sum 41 has decided to disband with the release of their double album, Heaven :x: Hell, which brings together their two main influences of skate-punk and heavy metal. The album consists of 20 fast-paced tracks that showcase the band’s determination, although they were not aware that it would be their final record. Lead singer Whibley felt rejuvenated after taking a break due to the pandemic.
“When the pandemic began, I thought to myself, thank goodness I can have a break from this damn band!” he chuckles. “It’s constantly on my mind.”
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At the same time, he was receiving requests to write music for other musicians. TikTok had become a hub for a new wave of alternative music, while the When We Were Young festival honored emo and pop-punk legends. Even mainstream artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Willow, and Machine Gun Kelly began incorporating elements of this style into their work. Suddenly, there was a high demand for 00s pop-punk music once again. Sum 41’s lead vocalist, Deryck Whibley, reflects on the genre’s initial dismissal as a shallow trend, but believes that taking a break from it allowed people to recognize its artistic depth.
Whibley had not written in that particular style in more than 10 years, and he was uncertain if he could still do it. However, as a test, he decided to sit down and attempt to write some material. Surprisingly, he was able to write it with ease and speed.
The album gained momentum from two significant occurrences. In April 2020, his son, Lydon Idby, was born, making him and his wife Ari new parents. Surprisingly, the only music that could calm their baby was semi-old school punk from bands like NOFX and Pennywise. “It took becoming a father to remind me of the greatness of that music,” he reflects, finding a deeper significance beyond the nostalgia of his high school days.
A few months later, the chance to offload his collection arose. Initially, he declined, but during a different contemplation, he reflected, “What if I suddenly had nothing? Would that be thrilling or disheartening? Imagine starting from scratch.” He ultimately sold in August 2022 for an undisclosed amount. “And my creative drive skyrocketed immediately. I felt compelled to write purely for myself once more.”
The initial releases, which featured the catchy lead track Landmines – their most successful song in the US since Fat Lip – saw Whibley channeling the same youthful energy he had while writing All Killer No Filler in his teenage years. “When were those songs written? It was during a time when I had nothing and I had to take charge of my life. I had to go out there and ensure the band was heard,” he explains.
The conversation about ending the relationship did not occur until the completion of the album, however hints of the impending breakup can be found in the lyrics. The album begins with the line “Time is just a fuse / It’s burning fast, nothing lasts.” Subconsciously, Whibley was aware of what was to come and had been suppressing thoughts of dissolving the band for years. It came as a surprise when he finally brought it up with his bandmates. Whibley explains, “My life is consumed by the band, so everyone assumed: ‘He must love it because that’s all he does!’ But in my mind I’m thinking: ‘They must know that I’m burning out because it’s all I do!'”
He believes that persistent determination is a common characteristic in the Whibley family, and one that has benefited them all. He explains, “I come from a long line of blue-collar individuals. No one has a extravagant career, but everyone remains optimistic.” At the age of 43 and sober since 2014, he is content with allowing life to guide him on his path. He admits to making mistakes, but acknowledges that they often occur when he tries to control the outcome. He has found that accepting and embracing the direction of his life has led to positive outcomes.
Considering the frequent instances of rock bands coming out of retirement, I contemplate the likelihood of a potential reunion in the future. Lead singer Whibley remarks on the unusual nature of their breakup, as they still enjoy performing together and value each other’s company. However, he also expresses his desire to end on a positive note. While the future is uncertain, he is determined to move forward and potentially not look back on this decision.
Source: theguardian.com
