How did the band first start out?
Deryck and I were already in a band called Kaspir, but after going to Warped Tour in 1996 we started Sum 41. Cone joined the band in 1998.
From there, what would you say lead you to choose the genre you are in now?
We just like this style of music because it’s aggressive and energetic. It's fun to listen to and fun to play.
Did you ever imagine being where you are now back then?
Not really. We started the band when we were 15 and always took it seriously. We practised every day in my parent's basement and played shows all the time. We always wanted to make it, but it's still surprising that it actually worked.
So it must be the most amazing feeling in the world to be able to look back and say, ‘Wow, I’ve made it’
Yeah it really is: I think it each time I first step on the stage at a show. It’s really humbling to know that thousands of people are there to watch us!
For new bands wanting to break through in the music industry, what would you recommend?
Just keep going at it, never give up. It's so much easier for upcoming artists to break through with Youtube and Myspace and all these shit reality TV shows out. Get gigs in little venues, sell your tickets just do anything possible. If you're good enough and people like you, you can make it happen.
Who were your biggest musical influences growing up?
Bands like NOFX & Pennywise, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Guns N Roses and the Beastie Boys just to name a few. We also like the Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, tons of bands.
Do you ever still get nervous before shows?
I never really got nervous before shows. The first time I remember being really nervous was at my first show with my first band ever in my hometown. I was 12 and I was so nervous I thought I was going to throw up, but it went well and every show after that got easier. I've been playing shows (big and small) for 17 years now so I've gotten used to it I guess.
What does it feel like to know that your music has been a vital part of the lives of people growing up?
It always amazed us to know how far our music has travelled. It's pretty awesome knowing that you've created something that's connected you with people you've never met all around the world.
Was it hard for Tom to adjust to becoming a new member?
Not at all. We knew Brown Tom from his other band, Gob and toured with them all the time. So he was already a friend and that made it easier.
Do you have many crazy fans?
Our fans tend to go crazy at all our shows... so, yeah, kind of.
The crowds at your shows get quite brutal, what do you think about that?
I really don’t get it, you get a random bunch of people in a room and some loud music and they all start attacking each other.
‘Screaming Bloody Murder’ is coming out soon, for those who are thinking of buying it, how would you describe it?
It sounds bigger, darker and more aggressive than our previous albums. The song writing and musicianship have reached a higher level than before.
How many months a year do you spend on tour?
We usually tour each album for a year or more with breaks here and there. It can be hard being away from home but it's great to travel the world again and again.
What are the best and worst gigs you've ever played?
Best gig could be the shows we played with Iggy Pop (we were his band) or the time went on a festival.
Worst gig? I fell off the stage once at the Electric Factory in Philly. It's a really high stage so it didn't look all that cool. I should really stick to drumming and leave the singing to the pros.
Was it difficult for Deryck to get back into performing after the back injury?
It took a little bit for him to recover but now he's doing way better and the shows have been amazing.
Has there been any point in your careers that you can honestly say has been the absolute highlight?
Right now feels like a highlight. It's been 10 years and we're still playing to big crowds and our fan base keeps growing. We're excited for the new record and to get back on the road.
