Last night we had to bid an emotional farewell to one of the true GOATS of the rock and pop-punk scene, and also a big part of our childhood and adolescence, as Co-op Live Arena hosted Sum 41 for their last-ever Manchester show on their final world tour.
Sum 41 have been going since 1996, which for those who’ve always had a penchant for thrashy guitars, pounding drums, devil horns and bleach-blonde haircuts, probably explains why they’ve managed to play a part in many people’s youth and formative music years over multiple generations.
The Canadian outfit announced their split after 27 years back in May 2023, much to the heartbreak of their fans all over the globe, but we’d like to think of this conclusion not as a break-up but more of a long goodbye, as by all accounts the members left on stage still have a lot of love for each other and us.
Put simply, they’ve just come to a natural conclusion and after the best part of three decades of jumping up and down, shredding guitar solos, touring the world and some very well-known ups and downs, they’re tired – but thankfully not so exhausted that they couldn’t give us one last party. Exhibit A:
Now, if you’re thinking this was just the crescendo and that they saved the best songs, lights and effects for last, you’re dead wrong.
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All Killer, No Filler was Sum 41’s highly-anticipated debut way back in 2001 and even to this day, with eight studio albums to their names, a cult favourite 1998 demo tape and a compilation album of their Solid Gold Hits, that title still sums up – pun obviously intended – what they’re all about.
Even with members coming in and out of the band, record label rivalry, frontman Dereyck Whibley’s very widely publicised battle with boozing, his path to reaching an incredible 10 years of sobriety and alarming revelations in his new memoir, they never put out a bad record despite the ups and downs.
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Whibley, 44, said as much on stage too; we lost count of how many times he ended one of their many standout tracks by shouting “STOP!” and a sudden cut to black but also the number of moments in which he paused to reminisce and say thank you to the Sum 41 family.
For a man who literally paid £41,000 (of course) to get back his first guitar decades after it was stolen from his house, brought it out on stage, and played the oldest of the old Sum 41 tracks to a delighted Manchester crowd inside the Co-op, taking the time to be nostalgic clearly means a lot to him and us.
Some start.Lots of bells and whistles.Our review of the final ever Sum 41 live show in Manchester. (Credit: The Manc Group)
Whether it was old favourites like ‘The Hell Song’ and ‘Motivation’, the ever-underappreciated middle years of ‘Underclass Hero’ or their heavier metal era, their first-ever EP Half Hour of Power or their most recent and still celebrated singles like ‘Dopamine’ and ‘Landmines’, it all felt intensely reflective.
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It also surprised us just how much of their music we retained even after all this time, as we’re not going to pretend that we’ve been across every release over nearly three full decades of their career, but one thing we will tell you is that no matter how old their audience has grown they haven’t forgotten the words.
More importantly, we loved that although there was a mixed-age crowd and even some very young kids in the stands clearly brought along by the parents who grew up on this stuff, as far as we could tell the main mosh pit was full of late 20s to 30-somethings rolling back the years just like the band on stage.
In a current music moment where a fair few bands have recently cancelled shows or the entire remainder of their tours due to fatigue and various other reasons, there was something about a bunch of middle-aged men still dressed as punks and giving every last ounce of their energy on their umpteenth gig that brought a smile to our faces.
Deryck is still fit and fighting.Pyros instantly improves any rock show.Vocals didn’t disappoint even after all this time, guitar and drum solos were on point and who doesn’t love fire?
For this particular music fan, Sum 41 is genuinely one of the earliest music memories I can recall: sitting cross-legged in front of a big old Panasonic box telly with my brother and watching the iconic ‘In Too Deep’ video and both nodding our heads to that timeless riff as if to confirm it was the coolest thing ever.
Seeing them live at the end of their journey felt super emotional and rather full circle too. I have no interest in rolling out in the ‘it’s not a phase’ meme on this occasion and I won’t dare spoil much more of this very special show in case you’re heading to another date, just make sure you stick in there until the very end as you’ve done so faithfully for all these years.
Sum 41 managed to turn their Co-op Live debut but final Manchester gig from a bittersweet goodbye that we’d been dreading for months into a fond farewell where we had to remind ourselves, ‘Don’t be sad it’s over, just be glad that it happened’ and that we were alive to be part of it.
On that note, we have nothing left to say other than ta-ra, thank you for the memories and for playing such a big role in so many people’s early years spent dreaming of being a rockstar.
The Sum 41 live audience made it a night to remember.There were some very real tears around us.We hope to see you again someday.
Band on the Wall buys adjoining The Rose and Monkey pub
Danny Jones
Beloved Manchester music venue Band on the Wall has announced that they have bought the equally popular Rose and Monkey pub and hotel next door.
The two Great Ancoats St favourites on the edge of the district and the Northern Quarter have both served as reliable, entertaining gig spaces for years now, not to mention a great spot for a drink, and their business models have always aligned so perfectly, with visitors heading from one into the other for years.
With that in mind, and in a concerted effort to support the local music and hospitality industry, Band on the Wall have decided to turn that long-standing relationship into an even closer collaboration.
Confirming the acquisition of The Rose and Monkey earlier this week, Band on the Wall and its next-door neighbour are now official partners.
Speaking in an official statement on their website, the latter wrote: “This exciting development marks another step in Band on the Wall’s mission to support grassroots music and enhance its role within Manchester’s vibrant cultural scene.
“The Rose & Monkey (formerly The Burton Arms) has a long and chequered history dating back to 1783, but in recent years has been transformed into a beloved destination for music lovers and locals alike.
“Known as one of the city’s oldest public houses, originally built as part of the original Smithfield Markets and over the road from what was the ‘New Cross’ area of the city, the venue boasts an intimate atmosphere and commitment to live music.
“The pub is now a vital part of the Northern Quarter’s creative fabric with unique features, including a beer garden, small music stage, and even Airbnb accommodation upstairs; the venue perfectly complements Band on the Wall’s (BOTW) ethos of fostering community through music.”
As it turns out, the deal to take over The Rose and Monkey was actually agreed upon a while ago and fully finalised last 2024.
With backing from Figurative – a not-for-profit organisation that specialises in ‘impact investment’ throughout the cultural and creative sector – this most recent development follows the £3.5 million refurbishment of BOTW, which was finally completed back in March 2022.
Audio North was still ‘The Manc Audio’ back then, but Band on the Wall was busy being reborn first.
Gavin Sharp, CEO of Band on the Wall, said: “We are delighted to welcome The Rose & Monkey into the Band on the Wall family. This acquisition allows us to expand our footprint while preserving one of Manchester’s most cherished independent venues.
“Together, we aim to create even more opportunities for emerging artists and provide unforgettable experiences for music fans.”
As for the pub and lodging house itself, The Rose and Monkey Hotel, to use its full name, will still remain its own bar and live music entity but will now work closely with Band on the Wall to achieve better and more diverse programming.
In addition to a place to stay on the first floor, the pub now features a newly installed ‘Wurlitzer Jukebox’, too, which has been curated by none other than American alternative rock band Pixies, BBC 6 Music DJ Chris Hawkins and the in-house team.
Finally, Band on the Wall went on to add: “The Rose & Monkey is ideally positioned to become an even greater hub for Manchester’s thriving music scene.
“Visitors can look forward to an enhanced calendar of events as well as continued dedication to inclusivity and creativity, and a jukebox specially curated by several high-profile friends and supporters of the venue.”
The Lottery Winners champion the ‘working class’ after notching their second number one album
Danny Jones
Another UK Official Charts gold trophy is heading Wigan Way as Leigh’s very own The Lottery Winners have notched another number one album,and you can rest assured these lot will never forget where they came from.
Being awarded the accolade for the second time in the space of just four LPs, the much-loved Greater Manchester band emerged as increasing favourites in the race for the top spot this past week, but nothing is ever certain until the race is run – and thankfully, they crossed the finish line on Friday evening.
Having previously claimed an inaugural number one for their third outing, ART (Anxiety Replacement Therapy), back in April 2023, their presence on the British indie and pop scene has only continued to grow, and they’ve been fittingly rewarded for their efforts.
Not only one of the most popular artists coming out of the region right now but prolific creators and performers, we couldn’t be happier for them. Here’s what happened when they heard the news:
Nevertheless, and annoying nose rings aside, their latest record KOKO (Keep On Keeping On), which dropped on 21 March, not only showcases some of The Lottery Winners‘ best material to date but it’s gone straight to number one.
Including another stunning lineup of special guests including Reverend and The Makers’ Jon McClure, Shed Seven, Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger and Frank Turner for the third time as a featured artist, the album has gone down an instant hit with their fan base and plenty of new listeners too.
Speaking on the massive achievement, bassist Katie Lloyd said: “I hope that people from a background that we’re from can look at what we’ve managed to achieve, with two of these now, and see that you can do it if you work hard and put everything into your dreams.”
Echoing her sentiment, frontman Thom Rylance went on to add: “This is for grassroots music, this is for the working class; this is for Leigh, this is for anybody who has a dream – go out there and get it.
“Make it happen.” Well said, lad.
“Sometimes the path to something like this can seem impossible, but hopefully we’re proof you can do it!” ✊#TheLotteryWinners (@LotteryWinners) have some inspiring words as they celebrate their second Official Number 1 album #KOKO 🏆🌼 pic.twitter.com/HhMi2XEOXb
Even Mayor Andy Burham chipped in, telling the Official Charts Company: “I’ve been a big fan of The Lottery Winners since they started out playing pubs and clubs around Leigh, and I know the whole town will be proud of them today.
“Landing a first Number 1 album was brilliant, but to do it again is something properly special. They’re one of the hardest working bands in the business and they deserve every bit of this success.”
Congratulations again to The Lottery Winners on KOKO and a second UK number one. We’re sure they’ll keep flying the flag for Greater Manchester and Northern music as a whole.
As well as headline dates to come, not to mention supporting the one and only Robbie Williams later this year, they’ve got a big festival season ahead as they’re set to return to the likes of Neighbourhood Weekender, Kendal Calling and more.
Roll on the summer and in the meantime, Keep On Keeping On.
Danny Jones -
29th October 2024 
