It sure didn’t feel like a Wednesday night when Sublime with Rome strolled across the Bank of America stage April 27 at this year’s SunFest. That’s probably because the evening’s headlining act was welcomed by thousands of fans eagerly waiting to see if this new incarnation of the band formerly known as Sublime would meet their expectations. Thankfully, the fans were not disappointed.
For 90 minutes, the air was filled with floating bubbles, great tunes and high spirits as Sublime with Rome brought some Cali flavor to South Florida by performing both new songs and renditions of Sublime’s biggest hits like “Badfish” and “What I Got.”
Bass guitarist Eric Wilson, drummer and percussionist Bud Gaugh, and talented front-man Bradlely Nowell once made up the highly popular band known as Sublime, which disbanded following Nowell’s death in May of 1996.
More than 13 years later, Wilson and Gaugh teamed up with Rome Ramirez on vocals and guitar to form Sublime with Rome. The band made its formal return October 2009 at Cypress Hill’s Smokeout Festival in San Bernardino, California, and Sublime with Rome’s new album, “Yours Truly,” was released July 12.
Sublime found its roots in the relaxed and sunny Long Beach, California lifestyle. Friends from childhood, Wilson and Gaugh joined with high school friend Michael “Miguel” Happoldt to form the band “The Juice Bros.” Later, Bradley Nowell joined the band, adding his affinity for reggae and ska to their serious rapport with punk music. Although Happoldt contributed to some of their songs, he eventually became the band’s manager.
Sublime’s first California appearance was July 4, 1988, in a small club in Harbor Peninsula that led to the “Peninsula Riot” and seven arrests. Sublime gained popularity performing at parties and clubs. To lend more credibility, it was Nowell’s brilliant suggestion that the group form its own music label, “Skunk Records.” This led to more venues, songs and demo records.
Sublime’s self- titled third album, released in 1996, was the most commercially successful. Sadly, it was released shortly after Nowell’s death, and so at a time when the band was most successful, Sublime was suffering through a major personal loss.
