Current Guitarist and Band Role
Tom Thacker has been the lead guitarist and backing vocalist for Sum 41 since 2006, replacing founding member Dave Baksh. He joined the band during the recording of the album Underclass Hero and has remained the primary guitarist through subsequent releases and global tours. His role includes rhythm and lead guitar parts, vocal harmonies, and live performance coordination with the rest of the band.
Thacker also serves as lead guitarist and vocalist for the Canadian rock band Gob, where he has contributed to multiple albums and extensive touring. His dual membership in both Sum 41 and Gob has made him a recognizable figure in the Canadian rock scene and a consistent presence on international festival lineups.
Discography and Major Albums
With Sum 41, Thacker has played guitar on studio albums including Underclass Hero, Screaming Bloody Murder, 13 Voices, and Order in Decline. He contributed to the band's return with the single Landmines in 2023 and subsequent releases tied to the upcoming album Heaven :x: Hell, which follows the band's announced farewell plans. His guitar work spans pop-punk, punk rock, and alternative styles across these records.
In Gob, Thacker has recorded and toured behind albums such as Muertos Vivos, Apt. 13, and the band's more recent material. He has also released solo work and contributed to side projects, maintaining an active presence in the studio and on stage while balancing commitments with both Sum 41 and Gob.
Gear, Style, and Live Performance
Guitar and Amplifier Setup
Thacker is known for using a combination of Fender and Gibson guitars on stage and in the studio, often favoring models suited for high-energy punk and rock tones. His live setup typically includes distortion and overdrive pedals, delay effects, and amplification rigs that support Sum 41's layered guitar sound and dynamic live arrangements.
Touring and Festival Appearances
As a member of Sum 41, Thacker has performed at major festivals and arena tours across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, including appearances tied to the band's final touring cycle. He has also toured extensively with Gob, sharing stages with other punk and rock acts and building a reputation for tight, high-volume live performances.