Things had to get a lot worse for Sum 41 before they got better.





The much-loved Canadian pop-punk band had to deal with changing tides in the chaotic music industry, inner band turmoil, and learning how to navigate a band through a firecracker of a start to a career into the steady waters of adulthood. Sum 41 also had to exorcise some nearly devastating personal demons in order to claw their way back to a good place again.





With the band's latest tour scheduled to see them play the prestigious ACL Live at the Moody Theater on April 25th, we spoke with bassist Jason "Cone" McClasin about getting head-butted by a baby, his least favorite Elliott Smith song, and more.

























Do512: What’s the most exciting thing happening for Sum 41 right now?





Sum 41: We're on our world tour supporting our new album "13 Voices" and we also just filmed a new video for the song

"Goddamn, I'm Dead Again" which should be ready soon.







What memory comes to mind when you think about Austin, Texas?





Sum 41: The biggest memory would be the SXSW in either 2010 or 2011, I can't remember the year but we played and that same year Fat Mike of NOFX did his 1st infamous Cokey The Clown performance. I stood side stage watching it. It was also the last time I saw our friend Tony Sly of No Use For A Name before he passed away.





What is the dumbest way you’ve ever hurt yourself?





Sum 41: My 2 year-old head-butted me in the nose as we were watching Paw Patrol on TV and fractured my nose.





What's a habit you have learned that has improved your daily life?





Sum 41: Drinking less daily and eating better. I also got onto this shake called "Rockin' Wellness" that makes me feel great every day.









Sum 41's new album | 13 Voices









Tell two truths and one lie about yourself, but don’t tell us which is which.





Sum 41: I've never tried crystal meth, I think whiskey is terrible, and Rush is one of my favorite bands.





What is your least favorite song from your favorite album?





Sum 41: "Ostriches + Chirping" by Elliott Smith's "From A Basement On The Hill" album. And only cause it's not really a song. The whole album rules front to back otherwise.





Now that you’ve been a band for 20 years, what’s a good piece of hindsight advice you wish you could give your younger self?





Sum 41: "You will have just as many downs as you have ups as a band but if you stay the coarse everything will be cool in the end."





What song plays as Sum 41 triumphantly ride into battle?





Sum 41: Our song - "Grab The Devil By The Horns And Fuck Him Up The Ass"









If someone was writing the Sum 41 biography, what would this chapter be called? Why?





Sum 41: "The Fall And The Rise" (which is a song off the new album) and It pretty much sums up the last few years for us...



















