exploremusic

Not everyone was happy to hear about Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson’s plans to perform under the name Sublime again.

The pair played at Cypress Hill’s Smokeout this past weekend with Rome Ramirez handling lead vocals and guitar in place of the late Bradley Nowell, and Nowell’s family, representing his estate, issued this objecting statement last week.

Wilson and Gaugh responded with their own statement, which reads as follows:
"While we all mourn the passing of our brother and bandmate Bradley Nowell some thirteen years ago, Sublime still has a strong message of hope and love to share — a message that is especially important in these difficult times.

Brad’s heirs apparently do not share this vision and do not want the band Sublime to continue and tried — unsuccessfully — to file a temporary restraining order to prevent the band from carrying on. Despite those objections, we are pleased that the United States District Court has allowed us to perform as Sublime for all of our fans.

We urge everyone to join us in our message of peace and love, and we look forward to sharing the music we created — the music that defines us."

Early last month, I shared my initial thoughts and I posted some videos of Rome here. I’m not against the music being brought back in this way, and it would be weird if a band with two thirds of Sublime performed Sublime songs without referencing Sublime in their name.

Might there be a variation on the name that would satisfy everyone? Still Sublime?

Update: Central District Court of California judge Howard Matz issued a preliminary injunction yesterday (Tuesday, November 4th) preventing the group from continuing to use the Sublime moniker.

"We are gratified the Court ruled in our favor and found that Bud, Eric and Rome could not use the name Sublime without first obtaining permission from Brad’s heirs," Nowell’s family/estate said in a statement. "We believe this will help protect and preserve Brad’s musical legacy."