The pop punk band Sum 41 has been called kings of pop punk. The band was formed way back in 1996. They are loved by many; with popular top-charters like “In Too Deep”, “Fat Lip”, and “The Hell Song”. 2011 was the last year in which they had actual tour dates. They ended up falling short for many of these dates due to back problems and alcohol problems from lead singer Deryck Whibley. It seemed like the 2001-2009 was really their prime and they were going to fall apart; especially since Deryck checked into a hospital for alcoholism a few years back.

When Warped Tour announced Sum 41 was going to be featured on the tour in the summer of 2016, everyone was so excited. I went to Warped this summer and the crowd for Sum 41 was easily the biggest and most diverse crowd I’ve seen on the tour. There were people in the late 20s who had come to the tour to see Sum 41. They played all their old music. Everyone thought the Warped Tour performance was just a little reunion. But during their set, they announced they’d be releasing a new album and going on tour. Honestly, I was surprised and a bit skeptical.

Sum 41 performed at the Play Station Theatre in Times Square this Friday, October 12. Having listened to the album, I was happy they hadn’t changed their sound and was so excited to see them live again. Again, I saw people of all ages at this concert, from middle schoolers to middle agers; everyone was gathering to see this iconic group hit the stage after 5 long years of silence.

The concert was fantastic. They played old songs and new songs. They had fun on stage and even invited some kid in the front up to play guitar. The energy in the crowd was fantastic the entire duration of the concert. The energy went through the roof for all the old favorites. They even played a punk rendition of “We Will Rock You” by Queen and jammed out to a little Iron Maiden on guitar. There was an awesome drum solo from Frank Zummo, their drummer. They played three songs for the encore. For the first one, Deryck came back out and played “Pieces” on a keyboard. They also signed CDs at the end of the concert because they said, “sorry we’ve been gone for so long.”

Deryck finally got personal as we thought he might, just before he performed a new song called “War.” He told us all how he had checked into the rehabilitation hospital about 2 and ½ years prior. He said he was in a really dark place and that he struggled a lot trying to get through everyday. He said that being onstage and performing for all the fans was an constant driving force for him to get better. He thanked us all for believing in him and giving him a reason to fight. He had the lights go on us so he could see us all and tell us he loved us.

It was so nice to see how much better he is now. The album and the tour have been a success so far. They just announced some more dates in the UK added to the tour. I’m thrilled that the band is back. I really believe that they’re here to stay and I think the pop punk community will be better as a result.