Sublime members Eric Wilson (bass) and Bud Gaugh (drums) reunited to play a set of the band’s songs with late singer Bradley Nowell’s son Jakob on guitar and vocals on Monday night (December 11th). The gig at Los Angeles’ Teragram Ballroom was part of a benefit for legendary Bad Brains frontman H.R.
Prior to the show, Wilson hadn’t shared the stage with Gaugh for 10 years. Following Bradley’s passing in 1996, Wilson and Gaugh formed the act Sublime With Rome (featuring singer Rome Ramirez) in 2009, but Gaugh exited the outfit a couple years later citing his reluctance to play Sublime songs “without Brad.”
On Monday night, Jakob looked very much like his legendary dad as he performed shirtless alongside Wilson and Gaugh, playing eight Sublime songs. The trio kicked off the set with “April 29, 1992 (Miami),” and rocked classics like “Wrong Way,” “What I Got,” and “Santeria” along the way, before wrapping up with an encore of “Same in the End.”
Earlier this month, it was announced that the trio would be playing the L.A. gig, and that a more formal reunion may be in the cards. “We’re patiently waiting and doing the right thing,” said Regime Music Group’s Kevin Zinger, who has been hired to manage Sublime’s business assets. “If the vibe’s there, the vibe’s there.”
For now, Sublime with Rome — featuring Wilson, Ramirez, and new drummer Joe Tomino — have tour dates scheduled through the spring, with tickets available here. It remains to be seen if Wilson, Gaugh, and Jakob Nowell announce more shows.
Also supporting H.R. with performances at the L.A. show were comedian Fred Armisen, members of Fishbone, drummer Dave Lombardo (ex-Slayer, Misfits), and more. The iconic Bad Brains singer is suffering from SUNCT Syndrome, which causes cycles of intense headaches that make it impossible for him to perform. A GoFundMe page for H.R. has been set up here.
See Jakob Nowell performing Sublime songs with Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh in the fan-filmed video clips below, followed by the setlist.
Sublime with Jakob Nowell Setlist:
April 29, 1992 (Miami)
STP
Greatest Hits
Wrong Way
What I Got
Burritos
Santeria
Encore:
Same in the End