Sum 41 delivered a poignant and high-energy performance at the Paramount Theater in Brooklyn, NY, on May 5, 2024, as part of their final headlining worldwide tour. Marking their swan song, the tour celebrates the release of their much-anticipated album 'Heaven x Hell', and if this show was any indication, the band is ensuring their final chapters are as unforgettable as their rise to fame.
The setlist was a comprehensive journey through Sum 41's storied career, kicking off with "Motivation" and ramping up the energy with crowd favorites like "The Hell Song" and "Fat Lip". Each track was performed with a mix of precision and raw emotion, showcasing the band's growth from punk-rock upstarts to seasoned music veterans. Particularly moving was "Pieces", a song that has matured alongside the band, resonating deeply with the audience.
A unique moment of the night came during "Fat Lip", a signature song that experienced a technical snag with the equipment. Instead of seeing it as a setback, the band and audience turned it into a memorable sing-along with just the drums, illustrating the strong connection between Sum 41 and their fans.
The inclusion of covers like Queen's "We Will Rock You" and Merle Kilgore's "Ring of Fire" added a fun and unexpected twist, energizing the crowd and displaying the band’s versatility and broad musical influences. The support act, The Interrupters, set the stage early with their vibrant ska-punk rhythms, priming the audience for a night of relentless energy.
Photos: Ehud Lazin
The encore, featuring "Summer", "Waiting on a Twist of Fate", and "In Too Deep", allowed the band to flex their emotional depth and musical prowess, leaving the audience wanting more yet feeling a bittersweet satisfaction as the final notes rang out.
Visually, the show was a spectacle, with dynamic lighting that punctuated the high points of the performance and intimate moments alike. The sound quality was stellar, with every lyric and chord striking with clarity and purpose, a testament to the band's production team's efforts.
Sum 41's performance at the Paramount was a celebration of their journey, a thank you to their fans, and a powerful statement of their lasting impact on the music world. As they continue their farewell tour, they not only leave behind a legacy of great music but a blueprint of resilience and evolution in the ever-changing music landscape.
