Sublime was a skacore band from the United States that originated in Long Beach, California in 1988. The first formation of the band composed of Bradley Nowell (who sang and played guitar), Eric Wilson (the bassist) and Bud Gaugh (the drummer) made a hotchpotch of different genres into one sound featuring ska, punk, reggae, hip hop as well as surf rock. This helped form distinct identity within the alternative scene of the time. Other members included turntablist Ras MG, saxophonist Todd Forman, producer and guitarist Michael “Miguel” Happoldt, and some other contributors.
Sublime started out in the southern Californian underground scene, playing at backyard parties and coastal clubs in Southern California. Since mainstream venues were off limits, the band created their own label, Skunk Records which helped them self-release their recordings and book gigs officially. One of their first releases was Jah Won’t Pay the Bills (1991) which was a cassette recording that became popular within local circles.
Their first studio album, 40oz. to Freedom (1992) marked the first steps into defining Sublime’s genre-defying sound. It did face challenges gaining traction outside of parts of California and Southern America but the single “Date Rape” received play on the influential KROQ station in Los Angeles, boosting usage and consumption of the album. Their second studio album, Robbin’ the Hood (1994) took more of an experimental approach, including lo-fi spoken word samples, rough acoustic recordings, and genre-defying fusions.
Tragedy accompanied the rise to national fame for Sublime. Bradley Nowell died of a heroin overdose at the age of 28, shortly after recording a self-titled album. Released two months later, the album achieved massive success. Nowell’s “What I Got,” “Santeria,” “Wrong Way,” and “Doin’ Time” solidified his place in alt radio. The surviving members of the band separated soon after Nowell’s death, believing Sublime would not be able to continue in his absence.
The band’s enduring popularity was maintained by posthumous albums such as Second Hand Smoke and Sublime Acoustic: Bradley Nowell & Friends. The cult following continued to grow in the years that followed, with fans and other musicians embracing and celebrating the carefree and rebellious attitude that characterized the band.
In 2009, Wilson and Gaugh attempted to revive the band under the name Sublime with Rome, featuring singer-guitarist Rome Ramirez. Legal issues from Nowell’s estate required a name change which resulted in the albums titled Sublime with Rome. The band went on to release three albums, with Gaugh quitting in 2011 and the project ending in 2024.
Sublime influenced culture long after breaking up as evidenced by the widespread use of their sun logo which was printed on everything from flannel shirts to even cannabis products. Of course, their influence goes deeper, stretching to remixes and covers, which were done by countless musicians after them. One of the more famous ones being Lana Del Rey’s rendition of “Doin’ Time,” where she sampled parts of the original.
Recently in 2023, the band began a new chapter, with Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson reuniting for a new project featuring Bradley’s son Jakob Nowell as a front man. With this new formation, they were able to perform live, even releasing a new single “Feel Like That” which is set to be part of an album scheduled for release in 2024. Now, they’re working on it with famous producers Travis Barker and John Feldmann. Sublime’s legacy is still alive, and even with the changing generations, the spirit of Southern California remains timeless.
Contents
Top Songs
- What I Got – Sublime’s breakout hit and their only Billboard Modern Rock Tracks #1.
- Santeria – A blend of reggae and rock, posthumously beloved for its melody and emotional vocals.
- Doin’ Time – Incorporating elements of “Summertime,” this became one of Sublime’s most remixed tracks.
- Wrong Way – Combines ska punk with a poignant narrative.
- Date Rape – Controversial yet key in earning the band its early radio breakthrough.
- April 29, 1992 (Miami) – A raw, politically charged song referencing the L.A. riots.
- Smoke Two Joints – A cover that helped define their stoner-ska reputation.
- Caress Me Down – Spanish-English lyrics and sexual energy marked this as a standout.
- Garden Grove – A vibey opening to their self-titled album with philosophical undertones.
- Pawn Shop – Inspired by The Wailing Souls, this track showcases their reggae influences.
Discography
Studio Albums
- 40oz. to Freedom (1992)
- Robbin’ the Hood (1994)
- Sublime (1996)
Live Album
- 3 Ring Circus: Live at the Palace (2013)
Compilation Albums
- Second-Hand Smoke (1997)
- Greatest Hits (1999)
- Everything Under the Sun (2006)
- The Best of Sublime: 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection (2002)
- The House That Bradley Built (2020)
EPs
- Jah Won’t Pay the Bills (1991)
- Badfish EP (1995)
- Sublime Acoustic: Bradley Nowell & Friends (1998)
Box Set
- Everything Under the Sun (2006)
Top Albums
- Sublime (1996)
Their major-label debut and breakthrough album, certified 5× Platinum by the RIAA. It includes “Santeria,” “What I Got,” and “Wrong Way.” - 40oz. to Freedom (1992)
Initially self-released on Skunk Records, this cult classic eventually went Platinum and introduced the band’s genre-defying style. - Robbin’ the Hood (1994)
Lo-fi and experimental, featuring tracks like “Pool Shark” and “STP,” it captured Sublime’s DIY ethic.
Awards and Recognition
- RIAA Certifications:
- Sublime (5× Platinum)
- 40oz. to Freedom (2× Platinum)
- Second-Hand Smoke (Gold)
- Chart Success:
- “What I Got” reached #1 on Billboard Modern Rock Tracks
- Several singles received widespread alternative and college radio airplay
- Legacy Honors:
- Named #3 on KROQ’s “Top 106.7 Bands of All Time” (behind Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana)
- Continual cultural relevance via merchandise, remixes, and film development
- Influence:
- Cited as pioneers of third-wave ska and reggae-rock fusion
- Inspired artists from No Doubt to Slightly Stoopid to Lana Del Rey
Sublime singles
| Year | Title | Album | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Date Rape | 40oz. to Freedom | Re-released in 1995; first hit single |
| 1995 | Badfish | 40oz. to Freedom | Promotional single |
| 1996 | What I Got | Sublime | #1 Billboard Modern Rock Tracks |
| 1997 | Santeria | Sublime | Posthumous hit single |
| 1997 | Wrong Way | Sublime | Popular radio single |
| 1997 | Doin’ Time | Sublime | Interpolates “Summertime” |
| 1997 | April 29, 1992 (Miami) | Sublime | Addresses L.A. riots |
| 1998 | Smoke Two Joints | 40oz. to Freedom | Cover of The Toyes |
| 1998 | Caress Me Down | Sublime | Bilingual lyrics; limited airplay |
| 1999 | Saw Red (feat. Gwen Stefani) | Robbin’ the Hood | Fan favorite; duet |
| 2000 | Pawn Shop | Sublime | Reggae-based single |
| 2002 | Greatest Hits Sampler | Greatest Hits | Promo-only release |
| 2006 | We’re Only Gonna Die for Our Arrogance | Everything Under the Sun | Bad Religion cover |
| 2021 | Doin’ Time (Lana Del Rey) | — | Official tribute cover |
| 2024 | Feel Like That (feat. Stick Figure) | Upcoming Album | First single since 1996 from new lineup |