BOSTON, MA | In a tidal wave of nostalgia, Grammy-nominated Canadian pop-punk pioneers Sum 41 brought their final headlining world tour to the MGM Music Hall at Fenway supported by ska revivalists The Interrupters. Feeling like a celebration, Sum 41’s greatest hits and stage theatrics elevated the evening to intensely connect the band with the crowd and serve as a fitting farewell.
The Tour Of The Setting Sum showcases their most popular eras during the band’s 27 year career and displays musical diversity, bringing 24 songs ranging from 6 different albums and EPs. It’s an entertaining performance amplified by pyro, fireworks, lasers, pressurized steam, confetti, balloons, multiple backdrops, and a large illuminated skeleton head and bust, engaging generations of fans including many parents with their kids on their shoulders, introducing them to what was their own rite of passage at a younger age.
Lead vocalist and guitarist Deryck Whibley masterfully kept the crowd engaged and the energy level high. During “Underclass Hero” he was able to command the right and left sides of the venue to engage in a call and response with each other shouting the chorus. The more intimate song “With Me,” Deryck had the venue bring the lights all the way down and asked the audience to illuminate the venue with their cell phone flashlights, creating a memorable interactive experience. These moments combined with striking visual displays entertained those who had no previous experience with their music and kept the loyal fanbase on the edge of their feet ready for what was next.
The full power of this band is created by all members who play at a high level with skill and joy. Lead guitarist Dave Baksh led the attack with blistering solos, metal riffs, and a contagious smile. Bassist Jason McCaslin held down the low end and backing vocals, all while continuously searching the crowd for excited attendees to engage with. Drummer Frank Zummo never let up from the first snare hit until the end of the night, continuing to bash his kit with intensity. Tom Thacker rounded out the sound on rhythm guitar, piano, and backing vocals.
Los Angeles based ska punk rockers The Interrupters put on a show worthy of their own headlining slot that warmed up the crowd into a sweaty frenzy before Sum 41 took the stage. Their set just shy of an hour long was stacked full of catchy songs like “She’s Kerosene,” “By My Side,” and “Title Holder” which are full of empowering and uplifting lyrics. Lead vocalist Aimee Interrupter held a strong stage presence while in constant motion on stage and reaching out to sing along with members of the crowd. Brothers Kevin Bivona on lead guitar, Jesse Bivona on drums, and Justin Bivona were having a great time providing steady upbeat grooves. Kevin addressed the crowd stating how they love playing in Boston and how many opportunities they have had over the years to bring their fun and energetic show to this city.
Sum 41 helped solidify the once emerging sound of pop-punk with All Killer No Filler, and eventually evolved their sound to introduce elements of metal on Does This Look Infected? and Chuck. Combining catchy riff laden tracks with punchy metal elements served to help this band carve their own path and emerge with a unique sound. After 13 years, Sum 41 released a new double studio album Heaven :x: Hell about a month before tonight’s show. This long awaited release is a combination of genres that Sum 41 helped define the sound of, and appears to be exactly what fans have been waiting for all these years. This was evident when new tracks “Dopamine,” “Landmines,” and “Rise Up” were met with enthusiasm and a crowd already singing the lyrics.
The Boston show was comprised mainly of their biggest hits but featured a montage of cuts from Does This Look Infected? This was done as the band brought out a smaller drum set and crammed themselves together center stage to give the feeling of the type of venues they started their career playing. There were multiple instances of the band getting emotional as they said their final goodbye to Boston.
On this tour, Sum 41 could have taken a victory lap, but instead showcased a new double album and gave the effort to move the audience with heartfelt performances and impressive stage theatrics. This was the same band audiences have come out to see for 27 years strong but with a performance cranked up to 11.
The global Tour Of The Setting Sum will be making stops in the United States, Japan, Mexico, Germany, Italy, and more, as well as performing their largest show to date to a sold-out crowd of over 35,000 people at Paris La Défense Arena in France later this year. Sum 41 will be playing their final show as a band in Toronto, Ontario, at Scotiabank Arena on January 30, 2025.
THE INTERRUPTERS
