National Music Centre Launches Sum 41 Exhibition

On March 26th, the National Music Centre (NMC) will unveil a new exhibition at Studio Bell, in partnership with The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), celebrating internationally renowned pop-punk legends Sum 41 as they accept their invitation into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

From their early days in Ajax, Ontario, to becoming global pop-punk rock icons, Sum 41 has spent close to 30 years delivering All Killer, No Filler anthems. With over 15 million albums sold worldwide, multiple Billboard-charting releases, a Grammy nomination, two JUNO Awards, a Kerrang! Award, several Alternative Press Music Awards, and countless other accolades, SUM 41 has left an undeniable mark on rock history.

Formed in 1996 by founding members Deryck Whibley and Steve Jocz (later joined by Dave Baksh and Jason “Cone” McCaslin), SUM 41 catapulted to fame with their breakthrough debut studio album, All Killer No Filler. A multi-platinum smash, the record propelled them to international stardom almost overnight, and their breakout hit, “Fat Lip,” remains their biggest to date. With a fearless blend of rock, punk, pop, and alternative metal, their music became an unapologetic soundtrack of rebellion, resilience, and redemption, capturing both irreverent humour and raw vulnerability in a single album.

Now, as the band prepares to take their final bow from performing live, the National Music Centre is honouring their legacy with a new exhibition packed with rare memorabilia, compelling storytelling, and never-before-seen artifacts, including the original VHS cassette, or “Home Made EPK,” that helped land them their first record deal.

Whibley comments:

“We’ve kept so many memories over the years – from tour footage and stage outfits to the VHS tape that kicked everything off. We can’t wait to see these pieces come together in one place, and we hope fans enjoy this look back as much as we’ve enjoyed the ride.”

After wrapping up their final world tour, SUM 41 will take the stage one last time for an unforgettable farewell performance at The 2025 JUNO Awards Broadcast in Vancouver on March 30th, 2025. While the band may be saying goodbye, fans can relive their most epic moments through this special exhibition at Studio Bell.

Sum 41 on Jan 25, 2025, photo by Eric Mahannah

Andrew Mosker, President and CEO of the National Music Centre, states:

“SUM 41’s influence stretches far beyond Canada. We’re excited to celebrate their legacy at NMC and give fans an up-close look at the band’s journey and rise as global rock icons.”

Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards, adds:

“SUM 41 has had a global impact on music, and their farewell performance at The JUNO Awards Broadcast will be epic. We’re thrilled to celebrate their career with this exhibition at the National Music Centre that honours their lasting influence on rock music.”

The 2025 Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee: SUM 41 exhibition is accessible with paid admission to Studio Bell and will run from March 26th, 2025 until February 2026.