It’s been five years since Sum 41’s Screaming Bloody Murder Tour in Singapore. A lot has happened since then – multiple lineup changes, a move to a new label (Hopeless Records) and frontman Deryck Whibley’s near-death “rock bottom” and recovery, the experience that is the backbone of Sum 41’s personal and poignant new album 13 Voices.
The Canadian band is set to share their new tunes and old anthems this week and we ask Whibley to answer some fan questions about the new record the crowds in Asia, surprising backstage habit and more ahead of the show. Call it Sum kind of teaser…
You’ve played in Southeast Asia many times in the past, most recently on Screaming Bloody Murder Tour in 2012-13. What do you remember about the cities?
We’ve been many times but the problem is we ever spend much time in any particular city. When we’re lucky we get to have a day off and go find a good local restaurant. That’s always special.
©Sum 41/Hopeless Records
Are the crowds here in Asia different from the west?
Crowds for Sum 41 are usually similar wherever we go. But of course, there are some differences. Some places in Asia just have different, or more rules than other places. More crowd control.
13 Voices is essentially about your personal health recovery. What did you want to be the album’s main takeaway when your fans, or people who may share a similar experience, listen to it?
I tend to write for myself, really. And I hope that it makes sense to people. But I don’t think about what I want people to take away from it. Everyone takes something different away from it anyway.
Deryck Whibley in “Fake My Own Death”/©Hopeless Records
Did a changed roster of band members change your process of making this album?
It did in a way. Even though the changes didn’t really happen until near the end of the record I sort of knew it was going to happen. So when I was writing I kept that in mind that we would most likely be a five-piece on stage.
We can’t not ask about Chester Bennington, with whom you guys recently shared a stage. How do you remember him?
He was an amazingly talented person. We were all shocked and saddened by that. It’s just really sad.
©Sum 41 on Twitter
If you hadn’t gone into music, what would you be doing right now?
I started this band when I was sixteen. I never had time to think of anything else.
What is the craziest thing you’ve ever requested on a backstage rider?
Nothing. And by that I mean, I literally don’t want anything at all backstage. If I want something I bring it or get it myself.
What is your most favourite song to play live?
“Pieces” or “Walking Disaster”.
In 5 words, give us a teaser of what the show is going to be like.
It will be very energetic!
Since only Singapore will get to see you this time, do you have any message for the fans in Thailand, Malaysia and the rest of the region?
If it were up to me we would’ve stayed longer and played everywhere. Sorry we missed you this time but we will be back soon!
Sum 41 return to Singapore after five years at Zepp @ BigBox on Thursday, August 24 as part of their Don’t Call It a Sum-Back Tour. Free standing tickets are priced at SGD120. You can still get them through APACTiX.
