Deryck Whibley Reflects on the Conclusion of Sum 41: Embracing New Beginnings and Future Adventures (Exclusive)

Feature Deryck Whibley Reveals Why It Was Time to End Sum 41

Deryck Whibley of Sum 41 performs during the “Does This Look All Killer No Filler” tour on October 21, 2022 in London, England. Burak Cingi/Redferns

It doesn’t feel like the end for Deryck Whibley.

The Sum 41 frontman exclusively tells We he feels “really good” ahead of the band’s farewell tour, The Tour of the Setting Sum.

Whibley, 43, shares with Us that despite the band's decision to disband after their upcoming world tour in support of their last album, Heaven :x: Hell, everything still feels like a fresh start rather than an ending. Sum 41, the punk band that has been around since 1996, will bid farewell to their fans with a final tour in 2024.

As the tour progresses, Whibley acknowledges that emotions may shift as they approach the tour's conclusion. The band's farewell journey will come to an end with a final performance in their hometown of Toronto, at the Scotiabank Arena on January 30, 2025.

"I'm really excited about the end of the tour for the band I've led for nearly 30 years," he adds. "I'm not just looking to move on from Sum 41, but I'm eager about the future. I want to try new things, grow creatively in different ways, and see where life leads me."

Before diving into this new chapter, Whibley will bid farewell to Sum 41 with the release of Heaven :x: Hell, their eighth and final studio album, available on March 29 through Rise Records.

Whibley, Dave Baksh, Jason McCaslin, Tom Thacker, and Frank Zummo have beautifully captured the essence of Sum 41 during the pop-punk boom of the early 2000s. The double album tells the story of the band's evolution: Heaven showcases the pop-punk sound that defined their initial success, while Hell showcases their passion for heavy metal that influenced their later music.

Whibley didn't go into the recording sessions with the intention of making his last Sum 41 record. After it was completed, he felt a connection to it. "Once it was finished, it just spoke to me," Whibley tells Us. He had been having thoughts for a few years, but usually pushed them aside. "I thought, 'You know what? I've been having these thoughts for a few years now,' and I usually just bury them and say, 'Quit thinking like that. You're in Sum 41, and this is all you're supposed to do, and what a great life, so stop thinking about doing anything else.'"

“When I stopped to just listen to the music,” he shared, “I realized that this could be our final album. It feels like we have accomplished everything we set out to do.”

Sum 41 considers their new album a “full-circle moment.” According to Whibley, it represents the complete evolution of the band. He believes that it is a perfect way to conclude their journey. Additionally, he thinks that this record is truly unique to them. It showcases their signature style that they have developed over time, blending pop punk with metal influences.

Sum 41 embraced their influences without hesitation. Their hit song "Fat Lip" boldly declared their love for heavy metal and mullets, stating that bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest were their idols.

Whibley shares that initially, the band faced some challenges in blending the explosive irreverence of pop punk with the hardcore headbanging of heavy metal. It also took time for fans to embrace a punk band influenced by Mercyful Fate as much as Minor Threat.

According to Whibley, they have finally reached a point where everything feels right. It no longer feels strange but rather quite normal. He believes they have accomplished their goal and now feels that it is the right time to move on.

If we consider Sum 41 not just as a group of musicians creating art, but as a piece of art in itself, then it's understandable why Whibley decided to disband. The band's journey can be seen as a completed painting, with "Heaven :x: Hell" serving as the final brushstroke after nearly three decades of hard work.

Whibley reflects on the final album, saying, "Once I listen to it back, I’m like, ‘This is Sum 41, the whole thing." The title, "Heaven and Hell," may seem simple, but it represents more than just the music. It symbolizes the light and dark aspects of the music and the band's journey. Sum 41 has experienced extreme highs and lows, and there's no better way to describe their journey than as a mix of heaven and hell.

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Tom Thacker, Jason McCaslin, Deryck Whibley, Frank Zummo and Dave Baksh of Sum 41. Araya Doheny/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

Whibley reveals that his decision to leave Sum 41 was gradually forming over the last "four to five years." Initially, he would push aside thoughts of exploring other opportunities or moving on from the band. However, these thoughts began to resurface more frequently, eventually becoming a constant presence in his mind. He noticed that his mindset was shifting towards considering a different path.

Whibley admits feeling guilty about considering trying something new because it would mean the end of Sum 41. He always puts the band first, and his strong work ethic prevents him from focusing on multiple projects simultaneously. Balancing a solo career with a successful metal-inspired pop-punk band seemed out of reach.

Finally, he came to terms with the idea that it's natural to desire new opportunities. He realized that wanting to explore different paths is not a negative thing. For Whibley, it's all about personal growth, embracing change, taking risks, and gaining life experiences.

The punk singer mentions that his health and age are also reasons for the change. He explains, "I feel like it's time for a new chapter. I've been performing for nearly 30 years, starting back in high school."

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Jason McCaslin, Tom Thacker, Dave Baksh, and Deryck Whibley from Sum 41 rocked the stage at the 2024 iHeartRadio ALTer EGO event in Anaheim, California on January 13, 2024. Harmony Gerber/Getty Images

The toll was heavy. Whibley faced hospitalization in 2014 due to severe kidney and liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Following this frightening experience, he chose to get clean. However, in September 2023, he found himself back in the hospital battling pneumonia. Despite being discharged shortly after, he continued to struggle with lingering health issues.

Whibley assures us that he is in good health and mentions that the band is doing well. He also states that their relationships are strong and they truly enjoy what they do. This is one of the reasons why they have decided to end on a positive note.

Reflecting on their journey, Whibley acknowledges that the band has faced challenges. There were times when they struggled to be in the same room or had to undergo group therapy just to communicate. Despite the hardships, they have worked through it all and are now in a great place, which is why he feels it's the right time to move on.

"It's funny to think that despite all the times we almost broke up, we're finally deciding to do it now," he says. "Even during the darkest moments when we hated each other, I realized I couldn't walk away from the band because of the love I have for it."

Now, it's time to say goodbye to the band out of love for it. Whibley explains, "Sum 41 has reached a point where it's more successful than ever before. We've achieved our goal, and now it's time to move on."

Editor's P/S:

The article provides an insightful glimpse into Deryck Whibley's decision to disband Sum 41 after nearly three decades. While the news may come as a surprise to fans, it's clear that Whibley has given this decision much thought and is ready for a new chapter in his life. It's admirable that he acknowledges his desire for personal growth and change, even though it means leaving behind a beloved band.

The article also highlights the evolution of Sum 41, from their early days as a pop-punk band to their later embrace of heavy metal influences. Whibley reflects on this journey with nostalgia and pride, recognizing that the band has achieved everything they set out to do. It's clear that the band's final album, "Heaven :x: Hell," is a culmination of their musical journey, showcasing both their pop-punk roots and their passion for metal. my life for over two decades. Their infectious pop-punk anthems and their heavier metal-influenced songs have provided me with countless hours of enjoyment. I'm grateful for the memories that their music has created and I wish them all the best in their future endeavors. While it's the end of an era for Sum 41, I'm excited to see what the future holds for Deryck Whibley and the rest of the band.