Sublime

Formed in Long Beach, California in 1988 around Bradley Nowell, Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, Sublime emerged in a milieu shaped as much by the Southern California punk scene as by Jamaican reggae and ska. The trio quickly developed a hybrid songwriting approach that blended ska punk, reggae rock, punk hardcore, dub, hip-hop and surf rock, producing songs that could change tempo and tone within the same structure. After early releases on their own Skunk Records label and initial local circulation, Sublime issued 40oz. to Freedom in 1992 and Robbin’ the Hood in 1994, two records that established the foundations of their sound—raw energy, reggae grooves and a collage-like sensibility. The band played clubs and festivals across California, including the Warped Tour, supported by close collaborators such as Michael Happoldt and Ras MG. In 1996, shortly after recording the album Sublime, Bradley Nowell died at 28, bringing an end to the group in its original form. The self-titled album, released the same year, nevertheless cemented Sublime’s repertoire. Following several posthumous releases and projects by surviving members, Sublime reappeared in 2023 with Bud Gaugh, Eric Wilson and Jakob Nowell, Bradley’s son.