Sum 41 -
This Canadian pop punk quartet broke
through in the US charts in 2001 with
their sophomore release, All Killer No
Filler. Sum 41 was formed in Ajax, Ontario
in 1997 by teenagers Deryck Whibley (b.
1980, Toronto, Ontario,
Canada; vocals/guitar) and Steve Jocz (b.
1981, Ontario, Canada; drums). Dave Baksh
(b. 1980, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;
guitar) and Cone McCaslin (b. Jay McCaslin
1980, North York, Ontario, Canada; bass)
were recruited to complete the line-up,
with the band taking their unusual moniker
from the fact that they were formed 41
days into the summer. The quartet created
a stir on the local scene with their
playful antics and energetic live
performances, which in turn attracted the
attention of several major labels looking
to cash in on the commercial success of
poppy hardcore bands such as Blink-182 and
the Bloodhound Gang.
Sum 41 signed
to the independent label Aquarius in
Canada, but opted for Island Records in
the USA. Their 2000 debut, Half Hour Of
Power, helped establish their reputation
for snappy pop melodies and puerile
lyrics. All Killer No Filler repeated the
formula, albeit with a better production
sound, and was buoyed by the success of
single "Fat Lip" on US radio. |
