Sublime: Legacies Don’t End— They Just Evolve!

Sublime: Legacies Don’t End— They Just Evolve!

Nearly three decades after the tragic passing of Bradley Nowell, the unmistakable voice of Sublime, a new chapter unfolds—one that bridges past and present with reverence and bold new energy. With Bradley’s son, Jakob Nowell, now fronting the band alongside original members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson, Sublime has officially returned—not just as a legacy act, but as a revitalized creative force with something to say in 2025.

The first spark came quietly in late 2023 when Jakob joined his father’s bandmates for a one-off benefit concert honoring H.R. of Bad Brains. The performance struck a chord with fans and musicians alike. What was intended as a tribute evolved into something bigger: a chemistry that couldn’t be ignored, a natural continuation of the Sublime spirit. From that moment, the trio began to move forward together, officially reigniting Sublime with Jakob Nowell stepping in as lead vocalist and guitarist.

Now, the band unveils their first original song in decades—“Ensenada”—a raw, heartfelt, and characteristically offbeat single that marks a symbolic rebirth. It’s the first song entirely written by the new lineup, and it captures the emotional layers that defined Sublime’s best work. With production by Jon Joseph (BORNS), “Ensenada” combines the band’s signature blend of ska-punk, reggae grooves, and acoustic warmth with introspective lyrics that tap into love, absurdity, and personal growth. Jakob channels his own life experiences with the same kind of wit and vulnerability that made Sublime resonate in the ‘90s, but with a perspective shaped by loss, legacy, and maturity.

“You can’t match something from that ‘90s era—it was such a moment in time,” Jakob reflects. “This feels like an epilogue. It’s not about replication, but about tribute. A thank-you to the fans, and to my uncles Bud and Eric. We’re making music that feels true to life, and people connect with that. We’re not forcing it—we’re just throwing it all together and having a good time.”

That sentiment is the beating heart of Sublime’s resurgence. It’s not nostalgia—it’s continuation, evolution, and celebration.

The world got its first real taste of this new era at Coachella 2024, where Jakob’s debut performance as front man was met with thunderous applause and critical acclaim. The trio quickly followed up with a late-night performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, a candid interview and set on The Howard Stern Show, and what became their first Top 10 alternative radio hit since 1997: “Feel Like That”, a bittersweet, spine-tingling duet that featured the voices of both Bradley and Jakob Nowell.

As Sublime rides this wave, they’ve lined up an ambitious tour for 2025, headlining major festivals, heading to the Pacific Northwest and launching a one-of-a-kind Vegas takeover titled Fear, Loathing, and Sublime in Las Vegas—a four-day experience at Park MGM featuring sets from Pennywise, The Vandals, exclusive Sublime memorabilia, intimate jam sessions, and even backstage meet-and-greets for fans.

They’re also returning to where it all began—Long Beach, California—nearly 30 years after Sublime helped kick off the inaugural Vans Warped Tour. Now, in partnership with the city, Jakob Nowell and Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson officially announced the band’s return to the festival stage at this year’s Grow Long Beach event, celebrating the city’s enduring ties to Sublime’s gritty surf-punk origins.

With a new album on the horizon, an expanding tour schedule, and a loyal fanbase that spans generations, Sublime is proving that some legacies don’t end—they just evolve. Jakob Nowell’s rise is not an imitation of his father’s footsteps, but a bold, emotional step into his own. He is honoring the legacy without being trapped in it—writing, performing, and leading with both deference and daring.

For fans of Sublime, this moment isn’t about looking back—it’s about where the ride goes next. Get tickets at SublimeLBC.com

Sublime 2025 Tour Dates

• July 20 – Minnesota Yacht Club Festival – Saint Paul, MN

• July 26–27 – Vans Warped Tour – Long Beach, CA

• August 14–16 – Fear, Loathing, and Sublime in Las Vegas – Park MGM, Las Vegas, NV

• August 21 – The Brooklyn Mirage – Brooklyn, NY

• August 22 – CMAC – Canandaigua, NY

• August 23 – Westville Music Bowl – New Haven, CT

• September 12 – The End of Summer – Redmond, WA

• September 14 – Sea.Hear.Now – Asbury Park, NJ

• September 19 – Shaky Knees Festival – Atlanta, GA

• September 27 – Evolution Festival – St. Louis, MO

• October 18 – Mission Bayfest – San Diego, CA