WATCH: Sublime Play First Concert in 13 Years
Video
It's the toughest pickle in rock'n'roll: Can an influential band continue without their iconic frontman? Saturday at Devore, CA's Smokeout Festival, ska-punk trio Sublime braved the challenge, performing for the first time in 13 years, with new vocalist Rome Ramirez filling in for late singer/guitarist Brad Nowell, who died of a heroin overdose in 1996. Below, watch live video of hits like "Santeria" and "What I Got"!
As the clips prove, the band's set was rapturously received by the fest's massive crowd, but all is not well in the Sublime camp.
Since the group's remaining original members -- bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Bud Gaugh -- first rehearsed with Rome in a Nevada Mexican restaurant last March, fans have been debating whether the "reunion" is in good taste. Among them: Nowell's family, who recently released a statement asking the band to not perform under the Sublime moniker, claiming it was trademarked to Nowell.
"Out of respect for Brad's wishes, we have always refused to endorse any group performing as 'Sublime,' and now with great reluctance feel compelled to take the appropriate legal action to protect Brad's legacy," the Nowell family wrote. Read the complete statement here.
Wilson and Gaugh replied with a different tune.
"Brad's heirs apparently do not share this vision and do not want the band Sublime to continue and tried -- unsuccessfully -- to file a temporary restraining order to prevent the band from carrying on. Despite those objections, we are pleased that the United States District Court has allowed us to perform as Sublime for all of our fans," read a statement signed "Sublime."
A second note from Gaugh elaborated: "When we got together and started jamming with Rome, we realized that embracing the music will be a huge step toward healing and moving forward. We see this as a celebration of Brad's memory and the music we all made together."
So Sublime are back -- and a full U.S. tour is expected. How do you, dear SPIN reader, feel about the "reunion"? Is it a celebration of Nowell's music, or a cheap shot at fast cash at Nowell's expense?
Watch the videos, then tell us what you think in the comment section!
"Santeria"
"What I Got"
9 Comments
Click here to comment- Posted By Miles D
10.26.09 1:48 PM
Just like when two of the surviving members of The Doors decided to steal the band name and tour under it without consent, this version of Sublime is equally as non-legit.
Drummer John Densmore of The Doors successfully sued keyboardist Ray Manzarek and guitarist Robbie Krieger for using the band name that Jim Morrison made famous. With Densmore's win in court, Ray and Robbie were prevented from exploiting the name.
The same will happen with Sublime, Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson will have to turn over to the estate any money they make using the 'Sublime' name. A precedent has already been set on these matters.
- Posted By AlexCard
10.26.09 2:35 PM
A lot of people are making the comparison between Sublime & Nirvana. And there are a lot of similarities, none musically but in terms of what Brad and Kurt’s death meant to people and how the music they created remains a part of people’s lives Sublime and Nirvana are not that far apart. I grew up in Oregon listening to both and hold Bradley Kowell as a song writer and artist in the highest regard. Like Kurt Cobain he lived and breathed the music he created, it was a true extension of his soul as a human being and as an artist. So why dose a Sublime “reunion” not bother me when a Nirvana reformation would be music sacrilege? It’s because Sublime in its essence is a party band. A band you sing along with, drink to, smoke to, while hanging out with your best friends. Your physical participation in the music of Sublime was Sublime’s mission all along. So if Eric Wilson and Bud Gauge want to continue that mission 13 years after the death of Brad under the Sublime name. I say go for it. I’ll buy a ticket, chill in the sun, drink some beers, and sing along with every word. I can’t wait.
- Posted By Mr.Coffey
10.26.09 2:55 PM
I was in the second row in the middle of the pit for them. The new vocalist didnt do too bad... one of the few bands that actually got an encore. Its true that it's not the same without Brad, but he also died right before his 40 oz album came out, which some execs at the time were calling it "the new Dark Side of the Moon." My point is that its been a long wait for fans to actually see this show coming from the remaining members. Its like waking up from a coma...a generation of fans that never left and more keep coming. people were going from other states just to see their show. Brads spririt was definately there. Besides, something that's "sublime" can never be tainted.
- Posted By Revered KennyD.
10.26.09 6:13 PM
I could not have put any better myself. I hear this scenarieo compared to a nirvana renuion everytime i read a new article featuring the reunion of sumblime, however fact of the matter is that this is not about a nirvana renuion this is about a sublime reunion. I say celebrate it and enjoy it. Lets also remeber that sumblime was a band of three guys Brad Kowell, Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh and if the two surviving members, who probably knew Brad Kowells best when it came to his creativity and musical sensabilitys, decided that after thirteen years they found someone who could live up to the sublime expectiations as not just a "stand in" singing kareoke covers of classics but a full fleged creative member of the band, whos to stop them? Brad is gone and of course will never be replaced and his legend will never be forgotten but let us not sweep it under the rug. Let his leged live on bringing good times to long time listeners and fresh faces.
- Posted By idolhands
10.27.09 2:37 PM
This seems to have a good vibe and the dude sounds alot like bradley...In most cases I would be pissed at a band coming back without its original vocalist..but in this case..It feels fine...Maybe because this band was more about the tunes and not about a face to sell the music.
10.26.09 11:12 AM
Well, they are not bad, looks like a good time was had by all.
I think the real test is whether they are going to write a new Album, and what it will sound like.
If its a rip off of Brad's songwriting style, then they are just a cover band.