It’s been over two decades since the tragic death of Sublime’s frontman Bradley Nowell, but his legacy continues to live on through his son, Jakob Nowell. At just 26 years old, Jakob is now reviving the iconic band and bringing their music back to the stage, starting with a highly anticipated performance at Coachella.
In a series of recent interviews, Jakob and original drummer Bud Gaugh opened up about their decision to revive Sublime and their plans for the future. For Jakob, it’s a way to honor his father’s memory and share his music with a new generation.
“I grew up listening to Sublime and it’s always been a huge part of my life,” Jakob shared. “I never got to see my dad perform live, so this is a way for me to connect with him and keep his music alive.”
But for Bud, the decision to reunite with Jakob and form a new version of Sublime was not an easy one. After the tragic loss of Bradley, Bud and bassist Eric Wilson continued to perform as Sublime with Rome, with Rome Ramirez taking on the role of lead vocalist. However, Bud eventually left the band and retired from music altogether.
“I was done with Sublime. I didn’t want to play the music anymore,” Bud admitted. “But when Jakob approached me about bringing Sublime back, I couldn’t say no. I saw how much it meant to him and I knew it was the right thing to do.”
Together, Jakob and Bud have been working on reviving Sublime and bringing their music to a new generation of fans. But they’re not just relying on the old hits. They have plans to record and release lost compositions from Bradley, which have never been heard before.
“We have a lot of material that my dad wrote and recorded, but never got the chance to release,” Jakob revealed. “We want to honor his legacy by sharing these songs with the world. They’re just as good as the ones everyone knows and loves.”
The decision to revive Sublime has been met with mixed reactions from fans. Some are excited to see the band back on stage, while others are skeptical about a new version without Bradley. But for Jakob and Bud, it’s not about trying to replace Bradley. It’s about keeping his music alive and honoring his memory.
“We’re not trying to be Sublime with Rome or Sublime without Bradley. We’re just Sublime,” Jakob stated. “We’re not trying to replace my dad, we’re just trying to continue his legacy and share his music with as many people as possible.”
As for their upcoming performance at Coachella, Jakob and Bud are both feeling a mix of emotions. “I’m excited, nervous, and a little scared,” Bud admitted. “But I know that Bradley will be there with us in spirit and that’s all that matters.”
For Jakob, it’s a dream come true. “I never thought I would get the chance to perform with my dad’s band. It’s an honor and I’m just grateful for the opportunity,” he said.
With their performance at Coachella just around the corner, fans can expect to see a new version of Sublime, but one that stays true to the band’s roots and honors Bradley’s legacy. And with plans for new music and future performances, it’s clear that Sublime’s music will continue to live on for years to come.
