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An emotional farewell to Sum 41

It was a sad but memorable night in Laval, Quebec, on Saturday as Sum 41 bid a final goodbye to their Quebec fans. Alongside Sum 41, the tour featured punk rock legends GOB and Ontario’s PUP. The night, filled with confetti, fire, and CO2 effects, set the stage for an incredible farewell, capped off with an impressive 27-song setlist.

GOB

GOB, a Vancouver-based band beloved by punk rock enthusiasts from the late ’90s and early 2000s, delivered a nostalgic and energetic performance. Their set included fan-favorite tracks like “Oh! Ellin,” “No Regrets,” and “Self Appointed Leader,” the latter featuring a special guest appearance by Dave Baksh from Sum 41. Although the band’s setlist was relatively short with just nine songs, they left a lasting impression. The crowd passionately sang along to the lyrics that many had grown up with, creating an electric atmosphere.

PUP

As a long-time fan of PUP, I’d been waiting years to see them live, and they exceeded all expectations. Their energy on stage was contagious, and vocalist Stefan Babcock’s voice matched the studio recordings flawlessly. Stefan kept his chatter brief, explaining that the band wanted to play as many songs as possible during their 35-minute slot. Their 11-song set included hits like “Reservoir,” “If This Tour Doesn’t Kill You, I Will,” and “DVP,” showcasing their raw talent and punk spirit.

Sum 41

Sum 41’s 27-year career has been nothing short of legendary, and ending it with a Canadian tour felt fitting. Too few Canadian bands prioritize their home country when planning their final bow, but Sum 41 made sure to give their Canadian fans the farewell they deserved.

Having listened to Sum 41 for 20 years, this concert was a dream come true for me. It was even more special as I got to be one of the last people in the world to photograph them performing together. The venue, Place Bell, appeared packed, with crowd surfers already making their way to the front before the band even took the stage.

The show began with a black curtain covering the stage. As AC/DC’s “TNT” played throughout the arena, the crowd joined in, singing every word. The song transitioned seamlessly into Sum 41’s “Introduction to Destruction,” and when the curtain finally dropped, the band exploded onto the stage with their iconic hit “Motivation,” igniting the crowd’s energy. Confetti cannons and CO2 bursts added to the spectacle, enhancing the thrill of the moment.

During “The Hell Song,” frontman Deryck Whibley shared the emotional story of his guitar. He’d received it at 17, and it had been featured in fan-favorite music videos like “In Too Deep” and “Fat Lip.” However, it was stolen in 2003, and he had assumed it was lost forever. Amazingly, he managed to track it down recently and had it returned just months before the tour. Seeing him play it during the concert added a sentimental layer to an already emotional night.

The night was a whirlwind of punk rock classics, mosh pits, and heartfelt moments, marking the end of an incredible career for one of Canada’s most beloved bands. I couldn’t have imagined a better way to say goodbye to my favorite band.

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