Sublime took the punk scene by storm in the 1980s, combining ska, punk, and reggae in their music (per Wikipedia). But one of their founding members’ death halted the band’s career until they decided to reunite this year with a new member.
This article is more about how life went for Sublime’s original members before and after their hiatus, though.
Sublime’s Impact And Breakthrough
According to Wikipedia, Sublime’s DIY ethic helped them release two albums, ‘40oz. to Freedom’ and ‘Robbin’ the Hood,’ before signing with MCA Records in the early 1990s. Their eclectic music gained popularity on California’s underground scene, with the track ‘Date Rape’ receiving radio airplay.
But the band’s biggest success came when they released their self-titled album shortly after founder Bradley Nowell’s death in 1997. The record achieved multi-platinum status while songs like ‘What I Got’ and ‘Santeria’ became radio staples, their Wiki further states.
Bradley Nowell: The Frontman And Visionary
Nowell, exposed to music from a young age by his parents, was introduced to reggae during a sailing trip to the Virgin Islands in 1979. This later greatly influenced Sublime’s sound as after meeting Wilson and Gaugh, he became the band’s creative leader (according to Wikipedia).
The singer’s passion for blending genres like ska, punk, and reggae gave the band its distinct style, while he struggled with heroin addiction, which became a recurring theme in his songwriting, the Los Angeles Times says. SFGate reported in 1996 that Nowell died of a heroin overdose at the Ocean View Motel in San Francisco during Sublime’s five-day tour through Northern California.
Bud Gaugh: The Dynamic Drummer
Gaugh found Nowell’s dead body in their hotel room that morning, according to SFGate. He later announced the band’s decision to break up after the incident by telling MTV, “Sublime died when Brad died.”
Apart from Sublime, the drummer also played in several other bands like Eyes Adrift and Volcano. The drumming skills he learned from Eric Wilson’s father, Bill Wilson, worked in his favor throughout his career (according to Wikipedia).
Eric Wilson: The Steady Bassist
Growing up in Long Beach like Nowell, Wilson also got into music as a child. His father, a jazz drummer, taught him and his childhood friend/bandmate Bud Gaugh how to play instruments, leading to their gigs in first garage punk bands and later in Sublime, his Wiki page shared.
Wilson’s basslines became central to his, Gaugh’s, and Nowell’s band until they decided to disband after the vocalist’s death. He still continued to play music in groups like Long Beach Dub Allstars and Sublime with Rome, though.
Reunion And New Beginnings
In 2023, Gaugh and Wilson reunited to perform with Bradley Nowell’s son, Jakob, as part of Sublime. Jakob, who had pursued a solo music career before joining the band, took over vocals and guitar, Rolling Stone reported.
The new lineup is currently on the road to conclude a New Zealand tour by the end of the year. They will play in Tauranga on December 28.
