Sum 41 have shared a new version of ‘Catching Fire’, the closing track from their 2019 album Order in Decline. Frontman Deryck Whibley wrote the track, which features guest vocals from nothing,nowhere., for his wife, Ari Whibley, after her attempted suicide in 2013. Released to raise awareness for Mental Health Awareness Month, the song arrives with an accompanying video directed by John Asher (who previously helmed Sum 41’s ‘Never There’ video). Watch and listen below.
“Writing this song was cathartic for me in dealing with my emotions for the first time about almost losing my wife to suicide,” Whibley said in a press release. “When I first played it for her, it was the beginning of us having an open conversation about what she went through. In sharing her story, we are hoping to let others know they are not alone and that if you need help, there is no shame in saying so.”
nothing,nowhere. added: “As someone who has had to deal with mental illness throughout my life – it was a no-brainer when Deryck approached me to get on this song. I think it’s important to let those close to you know that you love them and that you are there for them unconditionally. I’m a lifelong Sum 41 fan and I’m honoured to be a part of something like this.”
Speaking to People, Ari opened up about her struggles with mental health. “This is something that I live with every day. It’s something that he lives with every day,” she said. “It’s something that is very tangible in our lives. But keeping it between us isn’t going to do us any more favors. We’ve grown and learned everything we can from this experience.”