Jakob Nowell at Coachella

Jakob Nowell, son of the late Sublime lead singer Bradley Nowell, is keeping the band’s spirit alive by joining original members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson on stage at the Coachella music festival. This marks a significant moment for Sublime’s legacy, as Bradley Nowell tragically passed away in 1996, just before the release of the band’s iconic self-titled album.

Following Bradley’s death, Sublime underwent changes, with Gaugh and Wilson forming the Long Beach Dub Allstars before eventually reuniting with new singer/guitarist Rome Ramirez as Sublime with Rome in 2009. However, the recent Coachella performance introduced a new chapter for Sublime, as Jakob Nowell, now 28, stepped into his father’s shoes publicly for the first time.

Performing classics like “Bad Fish,” “Santeria,” and “What I Got,” Jakob’s vocals resonated hauntingly similar to his father’s, bringing a sense of continuity to the band’s sound. Despite being just 11 months old when his father passed, Jakob expressed in a People interview that performing with Gaugh and Wilson feels like being with family, though emotionally complex.

For Jakob, this opportunity offers closure, completing a story that began with his father’s legacy. Sublime’s ska-punk style and California rock charm made them a standout in the late 1980s, culminating in their major label debut in 1996, which achieved massive success.

While Sublime with Rome embarks on their farewell tour, Jakob, Gaugh, and Wilson plan to continue performing together at various music festivals and one-off gigs in the years ahead, ensuring that the spirit of Sublime endures.