Australian leg of the band’s final tour had dates compromised after Deryck Whibley was diagnosed with pneumonia
The fans of Sum 41 in Australia must miss the band’s farewell tour, Tour of the Setting Sum. The sequence of shows that would take place in the country between this week and next, including participation as a headliner at the festival Good Thingshad to be cancelled.
The reason is the health of Deryck Whibley. The vocalist was diagnosed with pneumonia and could not keep his commitments. Both he and his colleagues — Dave “Brownsound” Baksh (guitar), Jason “Cone” McCaslin (low), Tom Thacker (guitar) and Frank Zummo (drums) — they even traveled to the country in Oceania.
In a note published on social media, the Canadian pop punk group regrets the cancellation, but emphasizes that Good Things will still happen with the other attractions. The text states:
“It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce that our 2024 Australian tour will not be able to go ahead. We were beyond excited to take this tour from December 4th to 12th and connect with our Australian fans once again. Now that we are here, and under the guidance and direction of several Australian doctors, it is clear that Deryck is too unwell to perform. We understand and appreciate your disappointment — we are devastated too.”
This isn’t the first time Whibley has suffered from pneumonia. In September 2023, he was hospitalized to treat the diagnosis, and was subsequently discharged.
As recalled by Blabbermouthhis health became a point of attention after, in 2014, he suffered a fainting spell in the kitchen at home. With liver and kidney problems, Deryck was placed in a medically induced coma for a week. The measure was intended to help your body detox from alcohol. Since then, the singer has given up drinking and changed his lifestyle.
The end of Sum 41
Founded in 1994 (under the name Kaspir), Sum 41 caused surprise when they announced that they would go on a farewell tour and end activities. All of its members are between 44 and 46 years old, with the exception of the also young Tom Thacker, who is 50.
In a radio interview CJAY 92 (via Igor Miranda website), Deryck Whibley explained the motivation behind the ending. He also took the opportunity to celebrate the final album Heaven :x: Hellmade available at the beginning of the year.
“As soon as the record was finished, I realized that after all these years of my 1,000% focus on Sum 41 all day, every day, I didn’t have much left of it left in me to go on. I’ve been in this band since I was in high school. It got to the point where I wanted to put some focus and energy into something else. This is probably the best album we’ve ever made and this version of the band is the best we’ve ever had live. It’s a great way to get out of the picture.”
In conversation with journalist Marcelo Vieira for the Igor Miranda websitebassist Jason “Cone” McCaslin made it clear that the decision was made by Whibley. However, he proved the singer right.
“Since we were teenagers, the only thing we have done in life is this. The band will be almost 30 years old when it ends, and we’re all in our 40s. It’s normal that he wants to explore other things and doesn’t think he can do that with the band still active. […] It doesn’t mean we don’t like this frenetic pace anymore. [de atividades de uma banda]. But there comes a point where, if you want to do something different, the band becomes an obstacle, because there will always be something related to it. [acontecendo].”
Sum 41 comes to an end after 27 years of career
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
