Walking Disaster: My Life Through Heaven and Hell

Written by Deryck Whibley

Narrated by Deryck Whibley

This candid memoir of music, fame, endurance, “true triumphs, and challenges” (Matt Pinfield, DJ and TV host) from Deryck Whibley, lead singer of Sum 41, follows his rise from a punk kid to an international star. With a new afterword.

From his earliest days growing up in Canada, Deryck Whibley loved music and couldn’t wait to achieve something bigger and better than the humble path that lay before him. Whibley was raised by a single mom and their small family constantly moved, so he was used to being the new kid, starting fights (or finishing them), and connecting with people who shared his sensibility for chaotic fun and loud music. Sum 41 was born of a group of friends who loved to jam, shared a DIY ethos, and were determined to be rock stars one day.

Walking Disaster is Whibley’s story, but it is also the untold story of Sum 41. It “barrels in like a tornado of extreme highs and lows” (Los Angeles Times) as Whibley takes you backstage, into the recording booth, and through the formation and rise of the band whose story is inextricably woven with his own.

With his insightful, earnest, and genuine voice, Whibley gets real about fame, fortune, and the music industry. Detailing everything from winning at the MTV Video Music Awards and being nominated for a Grammy to revisiting his high-profile relationships and friendships, contending with invasive paparazzi, and suffering from health issues that brought him to the brink, Whibley offers an insightful and unforgettable memoir.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Oct 8, 2024
• ISBN: 9781797184555

Deryck Whibley

Deryck Whibley is a Canadian singer-songwriter and record producer who plays rhythm guitar and keyboards. He is the founder and primary songwriter of the band Sum 41.

Reviews for Walking Disaster

[natalie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow. I grew up with this band at the Dungeon and The Chameleon and have even worked for Brown Sounds artists that he has produced. I only met Derek once at a show in Toronto with Tuuli, Not By Choice and Sum 41 on the bill. Derek was the only member of the band I never talked to. No particular reason, so I was always curious about him. This book has opened my eyes to my own writing style and has inspired me to try different avenues. Dude, if you ever read this I just want you know how brave this was and it was an honour to read...well...listen to. I listened to it in one sitting. All the best in your future.