Sum 41, the pop-punk band that brought us hits like "Fat Lip" and "In Too Deep," has a wild history filled with crazy antics, close calls, and punk rock rebellion. Inspired by their predecessors, NOFX, Sum 41 has carved out their own unique legacy in the punk world. Here are some fun facts you might not know about them!
1. The Name Comes From Summer Vacation
Sum 41 got their name because Deryck Whibley, the band's frontman, formed the group on the 41st day of his summer vacation. He was only 16 years old at the time, and the name just stuck!
2. Award-Winning Rockers
Over the years, Sum 41 has racked up some impressive accolades. They won two Juno Awards: Group of the Year in 2003 and Rock Album of the Year in 2005 for their album Chuck. They even snagged a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance for their track "Blood in My Eyes."
3. Soundtrack Kings
The band's music has made its way into some iconic films, contributing songs to the soundtracks for Spider-Man (2002), Fantastic Four (2005), and Green Lantern (2011). While they didn’t initially want to do "It's What We're All About" for Spider-Man, they came around once they heard that Kerry King from Slayer would be part of it.
4. DIY Haircuts
For a true punk rocker, going DIY is an essential, and Deryck Whibley takes that to heart—especially with his hair. He has been said to have cut his own hair with kitchen scissors for five years.
5. The Near-Death Experience That Led to Chuck
During a trip to the Congo, Sum 41 had a brush with death when they got caught in a violent conflict. Their lives were saved by a UN peacekeeper named Chuck, and they later named their 2004 album after him. It’s a powerful tribute to the man who saved them.
6. Wild Parties and Cops
After signing with Island Records, drummer Stevo Jocz threw an unforgettable party that was so wild, the cops had to break it up. Even today, people in their hometown still talk about it. You know it's legendary when it becomes part of local lore!
7. Stolen Gear and Minimal Packing
Sum 41’s early days on the road were chaotic. On their first tour, Deryck brought everything he owned—including clothes, recording gear, and even a TV set. Three days in, it was all stolen. After that, it was said he travelled with just four shirts and one pair of black Dickies pants. That’s minimalist tour life!
8. Label Encouragement to Wreck Havoc
Sum 41’s destructive side wasn’t just for show—it was allegedly encouraged by their label. Island/Def Jam president Lyor Cohen, who worked with the Beastie Boys, urged the band to "f*ck sh*t up" and even promised to cover the damages. All he asked was that they film it. Some of this footage made it onto their live DVD, Introduction to Destruction.
9. Halloween Shenanigans
In 2012, Deryck Whibley and his then-girlfriend Ari Cooper attended a Halloween party dressed as Whibley’s ex-wife, Avril Lavigne, and her then-fiancé, Chad Kroeger of Nickelback. Deryck went as Lavigne, while Cooper dressed up as Kroeger. Even Kroeger himself got a kick out of it, tweeting his approval of the costumes!
10. DMX Cameo in Their First Music Video
You might not expect to see DMX in a Sum 41 music video, but that’s exactly what happened in the video for "Makes No Difference". The rapper was in the area filming Exit Wounds and ended up making a surprise appearance in the band’s first-ever video.
Sum 41’s career has been packed with memorable moments, from Grammy nominations to near-death experiences in the Congo. Their history is as chaotic and entertaining as their music, making them a band that truly lives the punk rock lifestyle. If you'd like to chance to see them before they wrap-up their time as a band, you can enter our giveaway for 2x VIP tickets to their Manchester show here: DMG SCY INSTAGRAM
