Sum 41 share original version of “Open Your Eyes”

After going through a rough patch of alcoholism and hospital visits, Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley has been keeping a pretty low profile. In a recent update to fans, however, the singer/songwriter posted the “original version” of the band’s song, “Open Your Eyes.”

Along with the song, Whibley wrote in an update:

i have a whole stock pile of old sum 41 stuff saved in storage.  versions of songs that never got used, old demos, unreleased tracks etc. i found something the other day that i had forgotten about. this was the original version for the song open your eyes. it has a shorter first chorus and a different guitar solo. this was the way i intended the song to be but somehow it got changed in the studio along the way. i ended up using this solo in a different song later on, but i always liked this version and i still do. here ya go.

Deryck

“Open Your Eyes” is taken from the band’s 2004 album, Chuck. You can stream the alternate version of the song on Whibley’s official website. Check it out, and let us know your thoughts. If you missed it, last month, Whibley released another update, where he talked about writing new songs:

hello world. it’s been awhile since i last gave an update. it’s the end of the night for me and it’s time to watch some american dad (my new favourite show for the past few months) and fall asleep. i don’t get much time to watch any tv with all the touring and recording which is kind of cool in a way because when i get into a show i get to watch so many episodes all at once. for the past few weeks i’ve locked myself away in my writing room for hours on end. most days are great, but like every album some days are better than others. today was a pretty decent day, i started writing 2 new songs and hopefully will finish them soon and add them to the pile. i have quite a few ideas right now with lots of different sounds and different parts. i know, that sounds very vague, but at this stage i’m still trying out so many different ideas and seeing what works best for each song. i’m trying out songs and then recording them in completely different ways to see what sounds best for that particular song. i’ll take a song and make it sound 5 different ways, making it heavier or softer, slower or faster, different drum beats etc. i’ve figured out the vibe and the feel of the record, which is always the most important part for me. once i have the direction it’s just a matter of filling in the blanks. right now there’s pile of puzzle pieces in front of me and i’m in the middle of trying to put them all together. In time i’ll start posting some video of what i am working on.  i’m still doing all my physio therapy and  i’ve added playing basketball into my daily routine now. it’s helping me get my strength back to walk again. it’s still a little difficult but it’s getting a lot better. also i’ve been approached lately to write and produce for few different artists, and also music for movies and television. i’m really excited about that because they’re all such different styles of music. it’s challenging but also a fun exercise for the mind. i love all kinds of music and i love trying out new things that i’ve never done before. at this point in my life i’m looking for new paths to walk down while being open minded and and excepting of new challenges. all in all life is great and i’m excited about the future. i still can’t wait to be on tour again though. hopefully that will be soon.

take care, love ya all!

deryck whibley