Sum 41, the Canadian rock band that shot to fame in the early 2000s with their iconic punk-pop hits, has announced their split after 27 years of making music together. The news broke on May 8, 2023, with the band revealing that their upcoming ninth studio album, titled Heaven :x: Hell, will be their final release.
In a heartfelt statement shared on Twitter, Sum 41 made it clear that although they were disbanding, they still had some final moments to share with their fans. “We will still be finishing all of our current tour dates this year, and we’re looking forward to releasing our final album ‘Heaven :x: Hell,’ along with a final worldwide headlining tour to celebrate,” the band shared.
Reflecting on their long journey, the group expressed deep gratitude toward their fans, both old and new. “Being in Sum 41 since 1996 brought us some of the best moments of our lives,” the statement continued. “We are forever grateful to our fans for supporting us in every way.”
Founded in 1996 by guitarist Deryck Whibley and a group of friends, Sum 41 initially started as a NOFX cover band before making a name for themselves in the punk scene. Their breakthrough came with the 2001 release of All Killer No Filler, which featured hits like “Fat Lip” and “In Too Deep.” These tracks not only dominated the charts but also became anthems for a generation of rock fans.
Over the years, the band’s lineup changed, with Deryck Whibley remaining the sole original member. Whibley, alongside Dave Baksh, Jason McCaslin, Tom Thacker, and Frank Zummo, made up the group’s most recent incarnation. Despite lineup shifts, Sum 41 maintained their energetic presence in the rock scene and continued to release albums that resonated with fans.
Throughout their career, the band members explored solo projects as well. Whibley, for instance, collaborated with his ex-wife, Avril Lavigne, on several tracks during their marriage, contributing to Lavigne’s albums The Best Damn Thing and Goodbye Lullaby.
Though the future remains uncertain for each member, Sum 41’s final album and tour mark a definitive end to their long-standing career. “For now, we look forward to seeing all of you skumf-ks on the road,” the band said, embracing the punk rock spirit that made them famous. The band’s announcement marks the end of an era for fans who grew up with their music and for the rock scene as a whole.
As Sum 41 wraps up their final chapter, they leave behind a legacy of high-energy performances, timeless hits, and a connection to the rock community that will be remembered for years to come.