Sublime Drummer Talks The Band's Future

An interview with Sublime founding drummer Bud Gaugh was posted recently on the band's MySpace page. In it he discusses the band's October 24th reunion show at the Smokeout Festival and their new lead singer / guitarist Rome. As for future plans he revealed:

"It'd be great to get back into the studio and make some new music. It'd be great to tour again. But we're taking it a step at a time and as long as each step feels good, then we’ll keep on going. One major project under development that we're psyched about is code-named "Brad's House."

"The idea is to provide free addiction recovery service to underprivileged teens in Brad's honor. The entire Sublime family was devastated by Brad's loss and we would like to help prevent that from happening to others. The band has agreed to allocate proceeds to get this started. We'll begin with one facility but our hope is that we can get other bands and organizations to join us and we can eventually scale it all across the country."

Sublime originally called it quits in 1996 following the heroin overdose which took the life of frontman Bradley Nowell. The band's reformation has come with a host of legal challenges. The trio's use of the name Sublime has been challenged by Silverback Management's Jon Phillips, who according to the LA Times has acted as the band's co-manager since 2003 (we're not sure how that works -ed), as well as the estate of Bradley Nowell. Nowell's family publically disapproved of the reunion and unsuccessfully tried to block it with a restraining order.

Thanks for the report to Punknews.org.

Comments

[SuicidalFreak]

No! Sorry, but please, no Sublime without Brad!

[JFRules]

I hope they make a new record

[Alex101]

I know Sublime won't be the same without Brad, but I watched some of the reunion shows on YouTube and Rome's voice was actually amazing. Because of this, I don't see a reason why they shouldn't use a Sublime name, some bands reform or continue playing with a replacement of a deceased member, examples: AC/DC hired a new singer after Bon Scott died, Social Distortion hired a new guitarist after Dennis Danell died, The Rolling Stones hired a new guitarist after Brian Jones died and Alice in Chains hired a new singer after Layne Staley died.

[Check2099]

Its one thing to replace a singer, and its one thing to replace a guitarist. But to replace the lead singer and lead guitarist it completely changes the band. Rome does sound alot like brad but he cant rip a guitar like Brad could. Long Beach Dub allstars is a perfect example, good music but it shows that Rome is not nearly as talented on guitar as brad.

It wont be the same without Brad, but for someone like me who never got to see sublime before he OD'd, it would be nice to see the closest possible reenactment live.

[badfish2829]

Check2099 wrote:

Its one thing to replace a singer, and its one thing to replace a guitarist. But to replace the lead singer and lead guitarist it completely changes the band. Rome does sound alot like brad but he cant rip a guitar like Brad could. Long Beach Dub allstars is a perfect example, good music but it shows that Rome is not nearly as talented on guitar as brad.

It wont be the same without Brad, but for someone like me who never got to see sublime before he OD'd, it would be nice to see the closest possible reenactment live.

Rome wasn't in Long Beach Dub All-Stars. I think you're thinking of Ras-1.
Of course it wouldn't be the same without Brad, but hell, if they want to make more music, let them make music. "Oh, they can, but not with the sublime name!" Im sure some of you are thinking that. But lest we forget, the band, as well as the name, belongs to all of them. I hope Rome works out, we need to get some sublime style in this new generation.

[metal@hart11]

on topic of the band : it will never be the same without brad so dont push it. he was the writer, the singer and guitarist, 3 of the most important aspects to any band. irreplacable.

on the topic of brads house: thats a great idea. a place people can go get help that honours a great musician at the same time. a much better idea then alot of bands would probably come up with. some bands would probably slap their logo on needles for fans to shoot up before they would do something like this

[Ranmanbassist18]

Hmmm... i don't know about this. I have a feeling they are just putting an album out for the sake of seeing a sublime album out now. When people hear that name it draws attention and it gets conversations starting. They want buzz and people talking. If they do come out with a cd i have a feeling it will be a dud because who has heard this new guy sing? does he sound like brad? even if he did it would still never be the same .

[Sid McCall]

I know a lot about management contracts, and that's a legit concern. He probably had power of attorney and therefore the right to use the band's name when brad couldn't act in a timely manner. When he died, that left the manager with a greater control over the band's name.

[98Timberwolf]

Alex101 wrote:

I know Sublime won't be the same without Brad, but I watched some of the reunion shows on YouTube and Rome's voice was actually amazing. Because of this, I don't see a reason why they shouldn't use a Sublime name, some bands reform or continue playing with a replacement of a deceased member, examples: AC/DC hired a new singer after Bon Scott died, Social Distortion hired a new guitarist after Dennis Danell died, The Rolling Stones hired a new guitarist after Brian Jones died and Alice in Chains hired a new singer after Layne Staley died.

This exactly! Let them call themselves sublime. If they still want to continue making music in the spirit of the original lineup, let them do it under the same name!

[Firebreather01]

These guys are musicians, thats what they do. so, let them do it. yes, initially, it's sad to see them move on without their key component, but i'm sure soething good will come out of it. you all seem to forget that alice in chains has done the same thing....

[FunkasPuck]

yeah, it wont be the same without brad, but sublime have been on my top 5 list of bands i wanted to go and see live since i was about 12. at least this way i'll get another chance to see them in some capacity.

[KingJustinian25]

Why not let them do something along the lines of what Badfish (the premier Sublime cover band)does. Badfish headlines as Badfish, and opens with their own band name. If they are playing a live show let them promote the tour using the name Sublime for covering Sublime songs. If they make a new album or something get a new name for that.

[joshro]

I fully agree with Brad's family and how they don't want them to use the name Sublime. But I hope that they go back into the studio and make some new music, their talented musicians and can most likely still make some pretty good music. So good for them. Just don't use the name Sublime and everybody will be happy

[NorCalLos]

How about, if you don't want your band to use the name without you, don't be a self-absorbed douchebag and kill yourself, leaving your family, friends, and bandmates hanging. Other than that, it's for the lawyers to decide.

[kurtshapedbox]

Kind of like an AIC without Layne Staley OR Jerry Cantrell...or Nirvana reforming with a new singer/guitarist. I loved the new AIC album, but this I'm a good bit skeptical about. At best I'm admittedly a little curious to see how this all turns out.

[David_Bowie=GOD]

kurtshapedbox wrote:

Kind of like an AIC without Layne Staley OR Jerry Cantrell...or Nirvana reforming with a new singer/guitarist. I loved the new AIC album, but this I'm a good bit skeptical about. At best I'm admittedly a little curious to see how this all turns out.

I don't know why everybody keeps comparing it to the AiC reunion. That's a terrible comparison, since Jerry is still in the band and he wrote most of the music and a lot of the lyrics his self. Layne wrote about half the lyrics and music to a few songs, that's it. He was important and irreplacable, no doubt, but its not as big of a deal since Jerry wrote most of the songs.

Sublime is completely different because Brad wrote just about everything they put out. Nirvana would make a good comparison but AiC doesn't fit.

[Rancid Ivy]

Long live Sublime!

and, yes, it will be different without Brad, but I think they should be allowed to keep the Sublime name though...

[radioplay]

Not Sublime without Brad. He was the mastermind behind the music...

but the rehab idea is fantastic.

[soadguitarfan]

NorCalLos wrote:

How about, if you don't want your band to use the name without you, don't be a self-absorbed douchebag and kill yourself, leaving your family, friends, and bandmates hanging. Other than that, it's for the lawyers to decide.

Oh, you just HAD to make it controversial didn't you

[NikVenom]

No! Sorry, but please, no Sublime without Brad!

um well its not that fair for the band who did as much work as brad did on the songs only thing was brad was the singer, now they have a new singer who sound exactly the same as brad, hes not that bad of a replacment. They will never get back to what they used to be but why all this trouble to stop them from playing its not like they are a skinhead group that wants death to even thats not white or somthing stupid like that. Look at Alice in Chains they found a new singer that sounds just like layne but they are touring again, whats the difference between AIC and Sublime?

[Misfit-FTB]

So much close mindednesssss. I think Brad would of wanted them to continue for sure. Even after his death, his music is still inspiring people today. There doing nothing but carrying it on.

As for comparing bands to this. AiC is much more comparible to Nirvana becuse guess what? Nirvana never re-formed so stfu. It's about the music douche bags. Shame on all you who shun these guys for continuing to do what they love. Eric and Bud were just as much a part of Sublime as Brad. IF Brad played with diff ppl, Sublime wouldn't sound like how we know it.

[spyderfreak]

keep on keepin on. rock on

[BassFishin]

Someone else put it best a long time ago: Sublime died when Lou Dog died. Interesting approach.

[Annexis]

I was at Smokeout fest this past weekend and let me tell you it was amazing. I'm too young too have seen Bradley and this was as close as I could get. And let me tell you, Rome was almost dead on as far as vocals and still managed to kick ass on guitar. I think them touring again would be a great idea, for people who love the band as much as I do but never got the chance to see them. Plus I'm sure Bud and Eric just want to relive the old days and replay the music that made them happy.

I'm gonna iffy about them writing an album under the name Sublime, but either way it would be interesting to see the result. I can't wait to see what they do in the future.

[CousticStrangla]

Brad was Sublime. The other two were integral parts of the band but SUBLIME is ultimately Brad and it is a shame they would continue without him. That is like having someone other than Leonardo da Vinci taking credit for the Mona Lisa.

[Santeria420]

If your new material is strong enough to stand on its own, give it a new name. if it isn't, don't release it. if they really feel they need the name to release a new studio album, i don't think it should be released.

[Shread_6009]

AC/DC hired a new singer after Bon Scott died, Social Distortion hired a new guitarist after Dennis Danell died, The Rolling Stones hired a new guitarist after Brian Jones died and Alice in Chains hired a new singer after Layne Staley died.

the difference in all this is that ac dc only became huge after bon scott died, the stones fired brian jones a short time before his death and i dont know enough about social distortion to say. however i do like the new AIC album to a point, but not as good as the rest. still, you never know how a new album willl turn out

[Bluesrocker5150]

Alex101 wrote:

I know Sublime won't be the same without Brad, but I watched some of the reunion shows on YouTube and Rome's voice was actually amazing. Because of this, I don't see a reason why they shouldn't use a Sublime name, some bands reform or continue playing with a replacement of a deceased member, examples: AC/DC hired a new singer after Bon Scott died, Social Distortion hired a new guitarist after Dennis Danell died, The Rolling Stones hired a new guitarist after Brian Jones died and Alice in Chains hired a new singer after Layne Staley died.

theres a difference: Kurt Cobain WAS Nirvana, Shannon Hoon WAS Blind Melon and Bradley Nowell WAS Sublime.

Bon Scott did very little writing in AC/DC, the Young brothers where the ones to do that. If Angus Young had died instead, AC/DC would have ceased to exist - as Sublime should have.

[Bluesrocker5150]

CousticStrangla wrote:

Brad was Sublime. The other two were integral parts of the band but SUBLIME is ultimately Brad and it is a shame they would continue without him. That is like having someone other than Leonardo da Vinci taking credit for the Mona Lisa.

this.

[dudebud]

This is actually completely ridiculous. Brad was not only the defining sound of the band...there wouldn't even be a Sublime without Brad. That band could have fairly been proclaimed Brad's solo project! You could have taken many other bassists and drummers and still had a very similar outcome with Brad's songwriting, guitar playing, singing and production steering the ship.

I'm not doubting the caliber of the new formation on its own but to ride the coattails of Brad in his death is pathetic.

[JAHellraiser]

Regardless of what they call the band, I would quite enjoy a new album.

[kurtshapedbox]

David_Bowie=GOD wrote:

kurtshapedbox wrote:

Kind of like an AIC without Layne Staley OR Jerry Cantrell...or Nirvana reforming with a new singer/guitarist. I loved the new AIC album, but this I'm a good bit skeptical about. At best I'm admittedly a little curious to see how this all turns out.

I don't know why everybody keeps comparing it to the AiC reunion. That's a terrible comparison, since Jerry is still in the band and he wrote most of the music and a lot of the lyrics his self. Layne wrote about half the lyrics and music to a few songs, that's it. He was important and irreplacable, no doubt, but its not as big of a deal since Jerry wrote most of the songs.

Sublime is completely different because Brad wrote just about everything they put out. Nirvana would make a good comparison but AiC doesn't fit.

I didn't directly compare it to the AIC reunion. I said it be like them reforming not only without layne but ALSO WITHOUT JERRY.

[theshaft]

trying to replace brad is like trying to replace chris cornell in soundgarden....

it's something you just don't do

[Agony098]

Sublime without Bradley?!?! Next you'll probably tell me Alice In Chains, Journey, and Queen are back together with new singers!

Oh wait...

Fuck the world, and all of the *******s in it.

[duzit89]

whooo the hell cares if they dont have ther original lead guitarist/singer... whut do you think this reunion is for.. to tribute brad.. as long as the new guy has a close sound to how brad sang.. why not try it out?..and even try bring out an album.. anywayz.. all im saying is if they toured to your hometown..i know the ones that still care about Sublime wud go see it anyway.. and if your gunna be close minded about it.. then you must care about a dead human being more then you care about the music.. and i pity you .. you have to remember.. ther were more bandmates then just Brad in that band.. so get over it

[dawoodman619]

"ther were more bandmates then just Brad in that band.."

word man.

[duzit89]

CousticStrangla wrote:

Brad was Sublime. The other two were integral parts of the band but SUBLIME is ultimately Brad and it is a shame they would continue without him. That is like having someone other than Leonardo da Vinci taking credit for the Mona Lisa.

who the hell cares about mona lisa?? honestly i sure as hell don't ..sorry for the second post..

[Cainus Anus]

Ranmanbassist18 wrote:

Hmmm... i don't know about this. I have a feeling they are just putting an album out for the sake of seeing a sublime album out now. When people hear that name it draws attention and it gets conversations starting. They want buzz and people talking. If they do come out with a cd i have a feeling it will be a dud because who has heard this new guy sing? does he sound like brad? even if he did it would still never be the same .

I have heard Rome sing and he is talented in his own right. In answer to you second question, he does have a very similar tone in his voice to Brad. He pulls off Sublime songs better than anyone else I have ever heard so if this was to go ahead he is the best man for the job... like someone said 'Sublime' belongs to all of them, not just Brad and Brad's Estate.

No doubt it WON'T be the same. but if they do bring out another album it won't taint their past records. let them work it out... I hear fans saying they shouldn't reform, its in insult to brad. I think saying that Brad was the ONLY thing good about the band is an insult to Sublime.

[kramer242]

David_Bowie=GOD wrote:

kurtshapedbox wrote:

Kind of like an AIC without Layne Staley OR Jerry Cantrell...or Nirvana reforming with a new singer/guitarist. I loved the new AIC album, but this I'm a good bit skeptical about. At best I'm admittedly a little curious to see how this all turns out.

I don't know why everybody keeps comparing it to the AiC reunion. That's a terrible comparison, since Jerry is still in the band and he wrote most of the music and a lot of the lyrics his self. Layne wrote about half the lyrics and music to a few songs, that's it. He was important and irreplacable, no doubt, but its not as big of a deal since Jerry wrote most of the songs.

Sublime is completely different because Brad wrote just about everything they put out. Nirvana would make a good comparison but AiC doesn't fit.

Jerry wrote over half the Alice songs, if i am correct. Nirvana definitely a much better comparison. Personally I would not even listen to Nirvana without Cobain. I still wish them luck, and say it takes a lot of balls to move on when you are missing the most important piece of your band. I'm pulling for them.

[sidvicious_91]

The band's "future" ended in 1996.

[Mr Pringle]

wow, it seems as if i'm the only one who's for this, I think Rome is a fantastic singer and guitarist.

[Andian03]

Musicians that contribute to the band get to call it what they want. If the founding members of any band or the ones that were in the band when it put out its most memorable music want to use a name after one member has died...they have that right. Kurt was Nirvana...well Krist was there just as long and Dave was in it when the band took off, if they wanted to find someone and play a bunch of the old stuff...all power to them. Kurt may have written most of the songs but he didn't play all of the instruments by himself did he? Those three guys made the band. Same goes for AIC, if the rest of the guys want to get together, find someone to fill the void, and keep it going...by all means.

[wolfy808]

I don't get why you guys are so uptight about some new singer, I think he sounds pretty good and you should give him a chance and see what he does before you flame him. They haven't even released a god damn record and you people are already criticizing it, give them a chance.

[Punkadelic]

Jeez what next, a Nirvana reunion? It would make about as much sense.

I'm all for the surviving members putting some sort of tribute to Brad together, something really special with guest artists etc. I think that would be a wonderful show to see, but there's no way they should take their reunion any further unless they come up with a new name for their band.

[Zeebraa]

Honestly, if they changed the name of the band to something else than Sublime, and still played some of their old songs, they would just be a Sublime tribute band with some of the original band members. There is no point in changing their name. Just because they lost Brad, doesn't mean that the band is dead. I think it was Journey that lost their singer, but found a new singer that sounds exactly like the old one, and does a spectacular job, even live. I know that Rome will never be able to replace Brad, but give him a chance to live up to Brad's name. And don't expect him to be exactly the same because he wont be, but that's not the end of the world, I am sure that Sublime will still be awsome.

[joseruntalan]

Sublime+Rome

[ihaterap69]

honestly... i'm all for them playing the sublime songs- they're too great to never be played. but change the name of the band. our of respect for brad. ya know?

[BuffaloBills731]

Ranmanbassist18 wrote:

Hmmm... i don't know about this. I have a feeling they are just putting an album out for the sake of seeing a sublime album out now. When people hear that name it draws attention and it gets conversations starting. They want buzz and people talking. If they do come out with a cd i have a feeling it will be a dud because who has heard this new guy sing? does he sound like brad? even if he did it would still never be the same .

100% agreed,
i think they are using the name sor buzz. i have the upmost respect for bud and eric, because they made up sublime too, but change the name of the band and then right new material. bud + eric + brad = sublime, bud + eric + rome is not sublime. change the name of the band out of respect for brad and the fans devoted to him.

[BuffaloBills731]

sidvicious_91 wrote:

The band's "future" ended in 1996.

couldn't have said it better, perfectly stated.