Sublime (band)

Sublime was an American ska punk band from Long Beach, California, formed in 1988. The band's lineup primarily consisted of Bradley Nowell (vocals, guitar), Eric Wilson (bass), and Bud Gaugh (drums).

Sublime achieved mainstream success in the mid-1990s with a unique blend of ska, punk rock, reggae, and hip hop. Their music often incorporated samples and covers of other artists, creating a distinctive and recognizable sound.

The band released three studio albums: 40oz. to Freedom (1992), Robbin' the Hood (1994), and Sublime (1996). 40oz. to Freedom gained a strong following through independent promotion and college radio play. Robbin' the Hood experimented further with their sound and included more unconventional song structures.

Tragically, Bradley Nowell died of a heroin overdose in May 1996, shortly before the release of their self-titled album, Sublime. This album, featuring hit singles like "What I Got," "Santeria," and "Wrong Way," propelled the band to widespread popularity posthumously.

Following Nowell's death, Wilson and Gaugh initially disbanded Sublime. However, in 2009, they reunited with Rome Ramirez, a young musician who filled Nowell's role as vocalist and guitarist. They initially performed as Sublime with Rome but eventually released music under that name, causing some controversy among fans due to Nowell's absence. Bud Gaugh later left Sublime with Rome. Eric Wilson remained with the band until 2024.