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Sum 41 review – hugs and lasers as emotional pop-punks go out with a bang


Gleefully raucous anthems give way to heartfelt goodbyes on the Canadian band’s triumphant farewell tour

They are certainly going out with a bang: confetti showers, pyro jets, lasers, balloons, a giant moving skull and Whibley’s well-worn but effective showmanship create a visual extravaganza. The band and the singer in particular don’t lack energy, but whenever the stream of chugging guitars and powerhouse drumming threatens to become a barrage, they vary the mood: the reflective Pieces and anthemic War display more mature songwriting chops than they are generally given credit for. Couples and friends hug each other while jumping around to Fat Lip and In Too Deep for the last time, and Whibley’s repeatedly expressed gratitude to the “Sum 41 family” for their decades of support feels genuine and heartfelt.

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