It’s a tough day for Sum 41 fans, as the Canadian pop-punk legends have officially withdrawn from their Good Things Festival 2024 headline slot and cancelled their entire Australian tour.
The announcement follows frontman Deryck Whibley’s diagnosis with pneumonia, which had already forced the cancellation of their Brisbane sideshow last night at The Fortitude Music Hall.
The band issued a heartfelt statement earlier today, explaining the difficult decision:
“It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce our 2024 Australian tour is unable to proceed. We were beyond excited to deliver this tour from December 4 – December 12, and connect with our Aussie fans once more. Now that we’re here though, and under the guidance and direction of multiple Australian doctors, it’s clear that Deryck is too unwell to perform.
We understand and appreciate your disappointment—we’re gutted too.”
Statement from the festival:
Good Things is set to hit Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney this weekend, with a slight tweak to the lineup. Under the guidance and direction of doctors in Australia, it has become clear Sum 41’s Deryck Whibley is too unwell to perform.
Sum 41 are gutted they can’t perform, and we fully understand and appreciate fans’ disappointment. Deryck’s health and wellbeing is the focus and priority though, and we hope you will join us in sending him well wishes for his recovery.
The good news is our headliner Korn is ready and raring to go, the sites are built, venues look amazing and our timetable has been shuffled to ensure you have the best day possible. You’ll still be able to catch more than 28 Bands including Violent Femmes, Electric Callboy, Billy Corgan, Mastodon, Kerry King, The Gaslight Anthem, Jet, The Living End, L7 and many more across the weekend.
A Major Blow to Good Things Festival
The news casts a shadow over the Good Things Festival 2024, which kicks off this Friday, December 6th, in Melbourne before heading to Sydney and Brisbane over the weekend. Sum 41 were one of the festival’s marquee acts, and their absence will be a huge disappointment to fans eager to see them share the stage with heavyweights like Korn, Violent Femmes, Mastodon, and Northlane.
Despite this setback, organisers have reassured festival-goers that Good Things 2024 will proceed as planned, with its stellar lineup still packing a serious punch. For many, it’s a chance to revel in the festival’s diverse blend of rock, punk, and metal—even without one of its biggest names.
What’s Next for Sum 41?
While Whibley’s health remains the priority, this cancellation highlights the physical toll of touring. With pneumonia sidelining the band, fans are left hoping for Whibley’s swift recovery and a future return to Australian shores.
For now, the focus shifts to Good Things Festival itself. With gates opening in Melbourne tomorrow, fans can expect standout performances from the likes of Billy Corgan, 311, and Electric Callboy, alongside local favourites such as The Butterfly Effect and Alpha Wolf.
Stay tuned to Blunt Magazine for live updates, exclusive coverage, and all the breaking news as Good Things Festival 2024 gets underway.
Ticket holders for sideshows, will receive refund information directly from ticketing agencies, with the process expected to begin shortly.
If you are heading to the festival this weekend you can check out the set times and maps here.
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