Sublime had a smash reunion on Coachella’s stage with Eric Wilson back on bass, Bud Gaugh on drums, and Jakob Nowell following in his late father’s footsteps as lead singer and guitarist.
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Jakob Nowell is the son of Bradley Nowell, who was Sublime’s frontman from the band’s inception in 1988 until his tragic death in 1996, which marked the band’s untimely end. “Just like Nirvana, Sublime died when Brad died,” one of Sublime’s managers, Jason Westfall said.
While the original Sublime ceased without Bradley Nowell, Wilson and Gaugh did continue to make music together with singer Rome Ramirez under the name Sublime With Rome, which was formed in 2010. Gaugh played with the group until 2011, and Wilson remained a band member up until February of this year.
Gaugh and Wilson first musically united with Jakob Nowell late last year for a benefit concert, and now the trio is taking on one of the biggest music festivals in the world, Coachella.
Jakob, alongside his dad’s bandmates, took the stage in Indio, California over the weekend with his dad’s custom guitar and Mesa Boogie amp. His shirtless performance was reminiscent of Bradley's on-stage style as well.
Bradley Nowell was 28 at the time of his death, and now 28 years later, his 28-year-old son is carrying on his legacy. The timing seems to be just right for a Sublime return.
“This is my family,” Jakob Nowell told PEOPLE magazine. “I consider the bandmates in Sublime my uncles.”
The group is slated to bring their hit songs, such as “Santeria” and “What I Got,” to more music festivals throughout the year, according to a press release. Jakob will also be releasing new music this year through his own band, called Jakobs Castle. There isn’t a more touching way to honor Bradley Nowell’s life and career than this.
Sublime Coachella 2024 Weekend 1 Setlist:
April 29, 1992 (Miami)
Garden Grove
Wrong Way
Same in the End
S.T.P.
Pawn Shop
What I Got
Greatest Hits
Date Rape
Badfish
Jailhouse
Romeo
Doin’ Time
Santeria