Sum 41 - 28.10.2024 @ Co-op Live, Manchester

Credit for this page goes to: John Gilman​

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After two missed attempts to see Sum 41 over the past seven years—due to band commitments and a surprise pool cup final—I finally had my chance to catch their set at Download this year. With their announcement of a farewell tour, I went in fully prepared for that to be my last opportunity to witness a true legendary band live. But then, in classic Sum 41 style, they dropped a cryptic message hinting at “one more chance.” Hoping for a full tour but expecting just a one-off London gig, I was thrilled when they revealed Manchester would be one of their final stops.

Set in Manchester’s new Co-op Live arena, located next to the Etihad Stadium, the show promised to be memorable despite the venue’s rocky start. Though met with delays, technical issues, and some local controversy, it’s clear this venue is positioning itself as a major UK music hub. Walking up, I braced myself for an overcrowded experience, but the staff managed the queues fairly well, thanks to the organized contactless entry. My only real complaint: £12 for a tiny burger. But enough about logistics; Sum 41 were about to deliver a powerhouse performance that would make the Co-op Live arena come alive like never before.

The anticipation in the packed arena was electric, and when Sum 41 finally hit the stage, the energy was palpable. Kicking things off with “Motivation,” they immediately had the crowd in a frenzy. The stage was drenched in lasers, flash bombs, and a relentless display of pyrotechnics that set the tone for the entire evening. What followed was a setlist that could only be described as a dream for any fan, spanning nearly 30 songs and reaching into every era of their catalog. From the classics to deep cuts, Sum 41 left no stone unturned, pulling tracks from their entire career.

Each song was met with a unique reaction from the crowd. During “Underclass Hero,” huge balloons bounced over the audience, while the heavier anthems set off circle pits and chaotic mosh pits that truly matched the band’s intensity. Deryck Whibley, the frontman, was in his element, constantly engaging with the crowd and thanking them for sticking with the band through the ups and downs. Considering how over the last decade or so they have often  played in Manchester’s smaller venues like Albert Hall, Victoria Warehouse, and Academy (with capacities ranging from 2,000 to 3,500), the magnitude of performing at the 23,500-seat Co-op Live was clearly not lost on him. While it’s true that the farewell tour factor may have contributed to the turnout, it’s also a testament to the lasting impact and legacy Sum 41 has created.

Highlights included crowd-favorite anthems like “Fat Lip,” “Still Waiting,” and “In Too Deep,” which practically lifted the roof with the sheer force of audience participation. As the final notes rang out and the house lights came on, fans reluctantly headed toward the exits—only to be pulled back when the lights dimmed for an unexpected second encore. The band returned to perform a beautifully stripped-down rendition of “So Long Goodbye,” a fitting farewell for a farewell tour. But even then, they weren’t quite finished. With a quick disclaimer that they hadn’t rehearsed it, they jumped into “Machine Gun” from their debut EP Half Hour of Power, a nostalgic moment that brought the night full circle.

Over two hours of nonstop energy, impeccable musicianship, and a seamless mix of pop-punk and metal-infused classics made this a show to remember. The inclusion of newer tracks added a fresh dimension, while the classic hits served as reminders of why Sum 41 remains such a beloved band. Whether they’ll stick to their goodbye or make the festival  surprise return a few years down the line remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure: the metal and punk communities will sorely miss Sum 41. As Deryck closed out the night, he made it clear that, just as much as they’ll miss the fans, the fans will miss them, too.

Setlist ;

1; Motivation

2; The Hell Song

3; Over my head

4; Screaming blue murder

5; Underclass hero

6; War

7; Rhythms

8; Landmines

9; Dopamine

10; We`re all to blame

11; Some say

12; No reason

13; Walking disaster

14; With me

15; Makes no difference

16; My direction/no brains/all messed up

17; Preparasi a salire

18; Rise up

19; Another brick in the wall (Pink Floyd cover)

20; Fake my own death

21; Riffs interlude (Smoke on the water/raining blood/master of puppets)

22; Pieces

23; Fat lip

24; Still waiting

Encore;

25; Summer

26; waiting on a twist of fate

27; In too deep

Encore 2;

28; So long goodbye (acoustic)

29; Machine Gun (Tour debut)

Sum 41 didn’t just go out on a high—they left a legacy, a final memory of their unyielding energy, and a heartfelt “So long, goodbye” that fans will carry long after the final note fades.