“We wanted to salute one of our all-time favorite bands,” is what Sum 41 posted on their Twitter. Legends see legends in this special release from the Canadian pop-punk icons. Their cover of Rage Against The Machine’s “Sleep Now In The Fire” was released after hearing of the band’s announcement that they are no longer touring or playing live. With both acts hanging up their guitars, it’s a poetic sendoff.
The original recording of the song was from their 2023 Hellfest Open Air set in Clisson, France. In the video, you see Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley running around on stage, giving his all to cover the classic track. In their original post about RATM, they said, “In the light of the news of RATM never performing again…Here’s our cover of ‘Sleep Now In The Fire’ live at Hell Fest Open Air 2023.”
Drummer Brad Wilk of RATM addressed fans on his Instagram in a statement last week about upcoming tour dates
“I know a lot of people are waiting for us to announce new tour dates for all the canceled RATM shows. I don’t want to string people or myself along further. So, while there has been some communication that this may be happening in the future…I want to let you know that RATM (Tim, Zack, Tom, and I) will not be touring or playing live again. I’m sorry for those of you who have been waiting for this to happen. I really wish it was…”
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In the caption of his post, he shares, “Bottom of my heart… Thank you to every person who has ever supported us.”
Sum 41 is also embarking on their final venture with their upcoming double album Heaven :x: Hell. The release is due out on March 29 via Rise Records. The LP can be pre-ordered and pre-saved here. Fans can check out their cover of “Sleep Now In The Fire” below:
