"One last chance" - Sum 41 plays farewell show in Saskatoon (January 18th/2025)

by Scott Roos

photos by Scott Roos (Scotty the Rooster Photography)

It was cold AF outside the SaskTel Centre on January 18, but the buzz inside was electric. Fans gathered for what would be their “one last chance” to see Sum 41, a band that has become an institution in Canadian rock history, deliver the high-energy show they’ve been known for. Part of their "Tour of the Setting Sum" – a farewell trek in celebration of their final album Heaven :x: Hell – this night was about more than just music; it was a celebration of 27 years of boundary-pushing, chart-topping punk rock. And, as expected, Sum 41 delivered in spades.

The night kicked off with Langley, BC’s own Gob, who brought their raw, unrelenting punk rock to the stage with a short, explosive set. Their energy was contagious, firing through fan favorites like “Give Up the Grudge,” “I Hear You Calling,” and “Soda” – songs that have shaped their 30-plus-year career. The set was a perfect mix of nostalgia and fury, and the band showed no signs of slowing down. Tom Thacker, who’s also part of Sum 41, was a familiar face up there, his trademark guitar riffs adding to the already infectious atmosphere.

Next up were PUP, the brash, noisy darlings of modern Canadian punk. With a sound that can only be described as a cacophony of chaotic, shouty angst, PUP’s set was a thrilling ride through sonics that have been putting them on the map since their formation in 2010. Tracks like “Kids,” “DVP,” and “If This Tour Doesn’t Kill You, I Will” rattled the venue with fury. Their music is loud, fast, and unapologetically intense – an angry, anthemic shout that left the crowd roaring. The band’s energy only enhanced the anticipation for what was to come, and by the time they wrapped up, the room was primed for the main event.

Then it was time for Sum 41. As the lights dimmed and the opening chords of “Motivation” rang through the venue, the crowd erupted. Vocalist/guitarist Deryck Whibley was in fine form, his energy infectious and his voice still razor-sharp after all these years. The band’s setlist, a mix of deep cuts and all the big hits fans have come to love, was a perfect reflection of their journey. From the classic “Fat Lip” to the sing-along favorite “Still Waiting,” Sum 41 proved why they are one of the most influential bands in Canadian music history.

Alongside Whibley, drummer Frank Zummo, guitarist and backing vocalist Dave Baksh, bassist Jason McCaslin and guitarist Tom Thacker each brought their own unique energy to the stage. Zummo's precise and explosive drumming set the pace, while Baksh's iconic guitar riffs added that signature Sum 41 sound. Thacker, whose contributions to Sum 41 go beyond just his playing, provided his own fiery performance, effortlessly blending with the band’s signature style whilst McCaslin’s bass thumped along unapologetically.

Whibley’s stage presence was magnetic, engaging the crowd between songs with stories and jokes, and constantly hyping the audience up. The band seemed to have the same infectious energy and enthusiasm for making music that they must have had when they first started – they genuinely appeared to be enjoying themselves, a joy that was shared with the fans. The crowd sang their hearts out on tracks like “In Too Deep,” “With Me,” and “Pieces.” The pyro and confetti explosions, combined with the “frickin' lasers” and crowd participation, created a spectacle that truly felt larger than life.

The setlist was a journey through their career, filled with the hits that made Sum 41 an international sensation, along with a few surprises. Highlights included “Landmines,” “War,” and “No Reason,” each song bringing a new level of intensity to the show. But it was during their performance of “Dopamine” that they paid homage to their love of metal, thrilling fans with brief snippets of Slayer's “Raining Blood” and Metallica’s iconic guitar solo from “Master of Puppets.” This unexpected moment was a reminder of their diverse influences and how they’ve seamlessly blended punk rock with other genres throughout their career.

The encore, however, was what really brought the house down. “Summer,” and “Waiting on a Twist of Fate,” as well as the aforementioned "In Too Deep", felt like the perfect closing chapter for a band that has meant so much to so many (although the band did come out one more time, unfortunately much of the venue had cleared at that point).

It’s arguably rare to see a band like Sum 41 go out on top, but with Heaven :x: Hell marking their final album and their upcoming induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the Juno Awards later this year, it’s clear that they’ve left an indelible mark on the music world. For those who were there in Saskatoon, it was a chance to witness a piece of history – one last ride with a band that has always had a special place in the hearts of their fans.

As the final notes of the evening rang out, there was a collective sense of awe and bittersweet joy in the air. This wasn’t just another concert; it was the end of an era. And Sum 41 went out in an appropriately sentimental way befitting rockstars of their legendary ilk. Saskatoon, you were part of something special.