Sum 41

The year 2001 marked a significant turning point with the release of their debut album, All Killer No Filler. The album’s lead single, “Fat Lip,” became a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and propelling the band into mainstream consciousness. Subsequent singles like “In Too Deep” and “Motivation” further contributed to the album’s success, which was certified platinum in the United States and the United Kingdom, and triple platinum in Canada.

Following extensive touring throughout 2001, Sum 41 released their second album, Does This Look Infected?, in 2002. This album featured singles such as “The Hell Song” and “Still Waiting,” which also charted on modern rock radio. The band’s growing influence was recognized in 2003 when they won a Juno Award for Group of the Year.

In 2004, Sum 41 released Chuck, an album that showcased a heavier, more metal-influenced sound, diverging from their earlier pop-punk style. The album was partially inspired by a near-death experience the band had in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Chuck earned the band their second Juno Award in 2005 for Rock Album of the Year.

A significant change occurred in 2006 when lead guitarist Dave Baksh departed to pursue other musical interests, citing creative differences. The band continued as a trio for their 2007 release, Underclass Hero, which became their highest-charting album to date. Tom Thacker joined as a touring guitarist and later became an official member in 2009. Their fifth studio album, Screaming Bloody Murder, was released in 2011 and earned a Grammy Award nomination for “Blood in My Eyes” in the Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance category. In 2013, drummer Steve Jocz announced his departure, leaving Deryck Whibley as the sole founding member.

Following Jocz’s departure, frontman Deryck Whibley faced significant health issues in 2014, including liver and kidney damage due to alcoholism. He subsequently focused on recovery and resumed working on new music. In 2015, Dave Baksh rejoined the band, and Frank Zummo was introduced as the new drummer, forming the final lineup.

This revitalized lineup released 13 Voices in 2016, marking their return after a five-year hiatus. They followed this with Order in Decline in 2019. In 2023, Sum 41 announced their decision to disband after 27 years. Their final double album, Heaven :x: Hell, was released in March 2024, designed to encapsulate both their pop-punk origins and heavier later sound. The band embarked on a final worldwide headlining tour, scheduled to conclude in early 2025, culminating in their induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in March 2025.