Sum 41 in Vancouver, BC – SHOW REVIEW

Caroline Charruyer·January 13, 2025

Sum 41, Pup, Gob
Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC
January 11, 2025

On January 11, 2025, Sum 41 took the stage at Rogers Arena for what might be their final Vancouver show. The Tour of the Setting Sum marked the end of an era, and from the moment the lights dimmed, it was clear the night would be unforgettable. The crowd—a mix of longtime fans, newcomers, and everyone in between—buzzed with excitement, nostalgia, and a tinge of sadness, ready to celebrate the legacy of these Canadian punk rock icons.

The two opening acts were Vancouver’s Gob and Toronto’s PUP. Gob performed their classics including “I Hear You Calling” and “Give Up The Grudge” that had the crowd going from the start. PUP brought plenty of hits and an infectious energy to their set.

Sum 41 kicked things off with an electrifying performance of “Motivation/88,” and Deryck Whibley yelling “Are you ready to f*cking party, Vancouver?!”, setting the tone. It didn’t take long for the crowd to erupt into a massive singalong, belting out every word to classics like “We’re All Too Blame” and “Fat Lip.” These songs, staples of early-2000s pop-punk, hit just as hard as ever, and seeing an entire arena screaming them back at the band was pure magic.

Whibley was in top form, his raw and raspy vocals perfectly matching the intensity of the night. His bandmates brought their A-game, too—Dave Baksh’s guitar riffs and solos were a celebration of everything that made Sum 41 legendary, and Frank Zummo killed his drum solo. The stage itself was a spectacle, with confetti showers, streamers, pyro blasts, fireworks and a giant inflatable skeleton. Fans moshed and crowd-surfed the entire night, keeping the barricade staff busy.

What made the night even more special was its personal touch. Between songs, Whibley paused to thank the Vancouver fans for their unwavering support over the years, sharing stories about the band’s journey and his favorite guitar. He reminisced about their nearly 30-year career, and got a bit sentimental without ever feeling over-rehearsed or overly polished—it was genuine and heartfelt.

The setlist balanced nostalgia and celebration. Tracks like “Pieces” and “War” slowed things down just enough to let the introspective side of their songwriting shine, while bangers like “Still Waiting” and “The Hell Song” reignited the mosh pits. During “Walking Disaster,” Whibley asked fans to light up the arena with their phones before urging them to ditch the devices and jump like it was 2007 again.

The encore was everything fans could have hoped for and more. “In Too Deep” turned the arena into a giant singalong, and just when the crowd thought it was all over, the band surprised everyone with an second encore. “So Long Goddbye” left the audience breathless, a final reminder that even in their farewell, Sum 41 is going out swinging.

As fans spilled out into the cold Vancouver night, it was impossible to feel anything but gratitude. Sum 41 delivered a farewell that felt like a love letter to the fans who grew up screaming their lyrics, blasting their music, and living their rebellious spirit. This tour may be marking the end of their live performances, but their music and the memories they’ve created will live on forever.

Sum 41 will be on tour across Canada until the end of January stopping in Laval, QC on the 15th, and ending in Toronto, ON on the 28th and 30th. More info here.