Sum 41 have cancelled their Australian tour after frontman Deryck Whibley was hospitalized with pneumonia.
The band had just arrived in Australia this week to perform six shows, when Whibley fell ill. Last year, he had a similar health scare when he contracted pneumonia and suffered heart failure, just as he was about to celebrate his wedding anniversary.
“It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce our 2024 Australian tour is unable to proceed,” the band said in a statement. “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,” they added.
Prior to the tour cancellation, Sum 41 were forced to back out of the first date at Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley Music Hall, explaining, “Unfortunately, we have to make the difficult decision to cancel tonight’s show in Brisbane due to Deryck being diagnosed with pneumonia. He is receiving the best possible local care.”
Whibley has had quite the up and down 2024. After kicking off Sum 41's farewell tour, Tour of the Setting Sum, he published his memoir, Walking Disaster: My Life Through Heaven And Hell, in October, after teasing an announcement many fans thought would lead to him becoming the new singer of Linkin Park. He also made headlines when it was revealed in his book that his former manager, Greig Nori (Treble Charger), had allegedly sexually abused him over the years.