Sum 41 Bid Farewell To Milwaukee During The Tour Of The Setting Sum At The Rave!
In an electric spectacle of punk rock resilience and fervent energy, Sum 41’s farewell tour, aptly dubbed Tour Of The Setting Sum, made a memorable stop at The Rave Eagles Ballroom in Milwaukee, a venue famed for its historic charm and the unforgettable concerts it hosts. This evening was no exception, offering a space where echoes of defiance against conformity resonated within the walls, where every chord struck was a testament to individuality and the unyielding spirit of the music fan.
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The night kicked off with an explosion of nostalgic energy courtesy of Joey Valence & Brae. Their tracks, such as Crank It Up, Drop!! and Punk Tactics, served as a perfect homage to the raw, untamed essence of early Beastie Boys, immediately setting the tone for an evening that was all about pushing the envelope and celebrating the spirit of uniqueness. Their performance was an electrifying reminder of where it all started, inciting a mood of exuberance and anticipation for what was to come.
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Following this act, The Interrupters took the stage, infusing the venue with their ska-influenced punk melodies that captivated the crowd from the very first note. Aimee Allen, with shades of Joan Jett, became the embodiment of uncompromising strength, belting out anthems like Take Back The Power, Title Holder, and Easy on You with fervor and unapologetic force.
Their rendition of Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy, intertwined with a Milwaukee tribute to the Violent Femmes’ Blister in the Sun, further showcased their ability to bridge eras and genres, fostering a connection that ran deeper than mere musical preference – it was about solidarity, understanding, and the refusal to be silenced or overlooked.
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The moment the headliners, Sum 41, took to the stage, it was evident that this was not just another concert. It was a culmination of nearly three decades of pushing boundaries, both musically and socially. Opening with Motivation followed by The Hell Song, they ignited a flame within the crowd, transforming the ballroom into a seething mass of energy, where the only rule was to embrace the moment in its most unadulterated form.
Despite notices discouraging crowd surfing and moshing, the spirit of the evening couldn't be contained, with the crowd's passion tearing through these cautions, creating an environment that thrived on spontaneity and mutual respect among fans. By the time Over My Head played, a sea of bodies moved as one, united in a cathartic display of energy and defiance.
It was during Hero that Whibley encapsulated the essence of the night, declaring it not only a celebration of Sum 41's journey but also a tribute to the fans themselves. This mutual acknowledgment between the band and the audience served as a powerful reminder of the unbreakable bond forged through music, underscoring the collective journey they embarked on together.
Songs like Landmines, Dopamine, and Walking Disaster followed, each one echoing the defiance, resilience, and unapologetic self-expression that defined Sum 41's music. Their covers of Queen's We Will Rock You and Johnny Cash's Ring Of Fire further electrified the atmosphere, blending the band's punk rock ethos with classic anthems of resistance. The pinnacle of the night arrived with Fat Lip and In Too Deep, tracks that have become anthems for an entire generation. The band's energy was matched by the crowd's fervor, creating a moment of pure exhilaration that threatened to bring the roof down.
Yet, amidst the high-octane energy and celebration, there came a moment of poignant farewell that would etch itself into the hearts of those present. After the main performance concluded and the ballroom began to empty, Deryck Whibley and Tom Thacker returned to the stage. In the quiet aftermath, they offered So Long Goodbye, a gentle, reflective goodbye that brought an intimate close to the evening, symbolizing not just the end of an era for Sum 41 but also a moment of connection and closure for fans.
However, the night was not without its share of controversy. When Whibley hinted at Heaven :x: Hell being the band’s swan song, the reaction was visceral. The collective disapproval was not just about the end of Sum 41 but also about what their music represented – a voice against conformity and a champion for individual expression. This moment of discord, though, only served to underline the depth of the relationship between the band and their fans, a bond built on mutual respect and shared defiance against societal norms. It was a stark reminder that all good things come to an end, but also a testament to the deep connection Sum 41 has forged with their audience over the years.
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In conclusion, Sum 41’s performance at The Rave Eagles Ballroom was more than just a farewell concert; it was a powerful expression of defiance, a celebration of individuality, and an emotional farewell that reminded everyone present of the transformative power of music. As the Tour Of The Setting Sum continues to make its mark, it leaves behind a legacy of resilience, proving that even as the sun sets on this chapter of Sum 41, the light they ignited in the hearts of fans will continue to blaze a trail of defiance and empowerment for years to come.
Sum 41 Set List
Motivation
The Hell Song
Over My Head (Better Off Dead)
No Reason
Underclass Hero
Some Say
Landmines
Dopamine
We're All To Blame
Walking Disaster
With Me
Makes No Difference
My Direction"/"No Brains"/"All Messed Up
Preparasi a salire
Rise Up
We Will Rock You (Queen cover)
Ring of Fire (Johnny Cash cover)
Pieces
Fat Lip
Still Waiting
Summer
Waiting On a Twist of Fate
In Too Deep
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So Long Goodbye
