Sum 41
The problem for Sum 41 is that they hit the big time in the same period as Blink-182, New Found Glory and Simple Plan et al. During the era of sunny-side-up pop punk being all over the airwaves and rising in popularity, Blink-182 smashed the scene, leaving Sum 41 in their dust somewhat.
But today, the difference is huge. When Blink-182 headlined Leeds and Reading Festivals last year, only about 35-40% of their time on stage was actually spent singing anywhere close to in tune. Sum 41 tonight were vocally and musically tight, and dominated the tiny, sweaty, dingy sold-out venue from the start.
Although all the tracks got a raucous reaction from the crowd, which by the fourth song (Walking Disaster) were just a heaving mass of bodies soaked in each others' sweat, it was massive hits like Fat Lip, In Too Deep and Motivation that sent them over the edge.
Being such a small venue, there was no security or barriers so crowd surfers would end up on stage, high-five vocalist Deryck Whibley and then dive back. You don't get this at the big shows, and the intense intimacy is ultimately what made the night so special.
Words & Photos : Andy Squire
