Sublime with Rome
Sublime with Rome was an American rock band formed in 2009 as a continuation of the influential ska punk group Sublime, initially featuring the band's surviving original members—bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Bud Gaugh—alongside new frontman Rome Ramirez on vocals and guitar.[1] The group emerged after Sublime disbanded following the 1996 death of lead singer Bradley Nowell, aiming to revive the band's signature blend of reggae, punk, ska, and hip-hop influences while honoring its Long Beach, California roots.[2] Over its 15-year run, Sublime with Rome underwent several lineup changes. Gaugh departed in 2011 after contributing to the debut album, citing creative differences, and was temporarily replaced by session drummer Josh Freese before Carlos Verdugo joined as a permanent member in 2013; later drummers included Jason Vick (2023) and Joe Tomino (2023–2024). Wilson remained until February 2024, when he left to rejoin a reunited Sublime featuring Nowell's son Jakob on vocals; for the final tour, the lineup included Ramirez, Tomino on drums, bassist Brian Allen, and Gabrial McNair on keyboards.[3][4] The band released four studio albums, including the Paul Leary-produced Yours Truly (2011), which debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 and featured singles like "Panic"; Sirens (2015), produced by Paul Leary and Ramirez and marking a return to more aggressive punk sounds; the collaborative Blessings (2019), featuring artists such as Dirty Heads and Stick Figure; and the self-titled Sublime with Rome (2024), their final effort with tracks like "Cool & Collected" featuring Slightly Stoopid.[5][2][6] Known for extensive touring that included headlining festivals like Lollapalooza and Warped Tour, Sublime with Rome maintained a loyal fanbase drawn to their high-energy performances of both new material and Sublime classics.[7] In late 2023, amid the original Sublime members reuniting with Nowell's son Jakob as vocalist for a new incarnation of the band, Ramirez announced his departure to focus on solo projects, leading to a farewell tour across North America in 2024 that concluded the group's activities with final shows in December 2024.[2][1][8]History
Pre-formation background (1996–2009)
The original Sublime band, formed in Long Beach, California, in 1988 by Bradley Nowell (vocals and guitar), Eric Wilson (bass), and Bud Gaugh (drums), achieved breakthrough success with their major-label debut just before a tragic end. On May 25, 1996, Nowell died of a heroin overdose in a San Francisco motel room while the band was on tour, hours before a scheduled performance at the SF Civic Auditorium.[9][10] His death effectively dissolved the group, despite the posthumous release of their self-titled album on July 30, 1996, which became a multi-platinum success and featured hits like "What I Got" and "Santeria."[11][12] In the years following Sublime's dissolution, surviving members Wilson and Gaugh pursued separate and collaborative musical endeavors to channel their creative energies. They co-founded the Long Beach Dub Allstars in 1997, a reggae-punk collective featuring Sublime collaborators like keyboardist Michael "Miguel" Happoldt and saxophonist Todd Forman, which released two albums—Right Back (1999) and Wonders of the World (2001)—before disbanding in 2002 amid internal tensions over drug use.[13] Gaugh then joined the supergroup Eyes Adrift in 2002 alongside Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic and Meat Puppets guitarist Curt Kirkwood; the trio released a self-titled album that September, blending alternative rock and psychedelic elements, but disbanded in early 2003 after Novoselic shifted focus to political activism.[14] Meanwhile, Wilson contributed to projects like Long Beach Shortbus, a hip-hop-infused reggae band that issued If Not for This in 2002, reflecting the enduring influence of Sublime's fusion of ska, punk, and hip-hop.[15] By the mid-2000s, both musicians explored further ventures outside a direct Sublime revival. Gaugh drummed for Volcano, a rock outfit with Kirkwood, which debuted with a self-titled album in 2004 and toured sporadically through 2006 before fading.[16] Wilson remained active in the Long Beach scene, jamming with local acts and contributing bass to various recordings, though no major band commitment emerged until later. In 2008, Wilson and Gaugh began collaborating with young guitarist Rome Ramirez on Sublime covers and new material during informal sessions, sparking an initial reunion attempt under the original band name; however, concerns over trademark rights held by Nowell's estate led to its abrupt halt before any performances.[17][18]Formation and lawsuit (2009–2010)
In the summer of 2009, following the death of original frontman Bradley Nowell in 1996 that had effectively ended Sublime, bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Bud Gaugh recruited 20-year-old singer-guitarist Rome Ramirez to join them after an introduction by mutual friend and producer Michael "Miguel" Happoldt. The trio held their first rehearsals that summer, adapting Ramirez to perform the band's existing catalog of songs. They began live performances under the name "Sublime" starting in August 2009, debuting at a bar in Reno, Nevada, and continued with shows including an appearance at the Smokeout Festival later that year.[19][20] On October 21, 2009, the estate of Bradley Nowell filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Wilson, Gaugh, and Ramirez in U.S. District Court, asserting that Nowell had registered the "Sublime" name prior to his death and that the surviving members lacked rights to revive it without permission. The suit prompted a public cease-and-desist threat from the Nowell family on October 23, 2009, and resulted in a preliminary injunction issued by Judge A. Howard Matz on November 3, 2009, which immediately halted the band's ongoing tour and barred further use of the name.[21][22][23] The parties reached a settlement in January 2010, allowing Wilson, Gaugh, and Ramirez to proceed under the modified name "Sublime with Rome" while the Nowell estate retained ownership of the original "Sublime" trademark. The agreement resolved the dispute without a full trial and enabled the band to resume activities. Their first performance as Sublime with Rome took place on February 28, 2010, at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, California.[24][25]Yours Truly era and initial tours (2010–2011)
Following the resolution of their legal disputes, Sublime with Rome signed a recording contract with Fueled by Ramen in March 2011.[26] The band then entered Sonic Ranch Studios in El Paso, Texas, to record their debut full-length album, Yours Truly, with production handled by Paul Leary of the Butthole Surfers.[27] Sessions took place from February to April 2011, capturing the trio's blend of reggae, punk, and ska influences while introducing new material written primarily by vocalist and guitarist Rome Ramirez.[28] Yours Truly was released on July 12, 2011, marking the band's first studio album since their formation.[29] The lead single, "Panic," premiered on Los Angeles radio station KROQ on May 6, 2011, and received an official music video directed by Marc Klasfeld, featuring the band performing amid chaotic urban scenes.[30] Standout tracks included "Take It or Leave It," a reggae-infused closer emphasizing romantic commitment, and "Lovers Rock," which highlighted Ramirez's lyrical focus on relationships with a skanking rhythm section.[29] The album's 12 tracks, clocking in at 38 minutes, debuted at number 9 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 3 on the Rock Albums chart.[31] In the lead-up to the album's release, Sublime with Rome built momentum through their inaugural U.S. tour in summer 2010, supporting acts like Matisyahu and The Dirty Heads while headlining smaller venues to refine their live set, which mixed original Sublime songs with new compositions.[32] Post-release in 2011, they joined 311 for the Unity Tour, a major co-headlining run across amphitheaters from July to August, showcasing expanded production and fan-favorite covers alongside Yours Truly material.[33] These early performances solidified the band's stage presence, drawing crowds eager for a revival of Sublime's signature sound.Lineup changes and Sirens (2011–2016)
In December 2011, founding drummer Bud Gaugh announced his departure from Sublime with Rome immediately following the band's performance at the KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas concert in Los Angeles on December 10, citing the need for a break after two years of relentless touring to spend time with his family.[34] Gaugh's exit marked a significant shift for the group, which had been operating as a stable trio since its formation.[35] The band pressed forward without missing a beat, enlisting veteran session drummer Josh Freese for their 2012 touring schedule. Freese, renowned for his contributions to acts like A Perfect Circle, Devo, and Weezer, provided a seamless transition and helped sustain the group's live energy during this period of uncertainty.[36] Freese continued in the role through 2013 and into 2014, supporting extensive road work that included annual appearances on the Vans Warped Tour from 2013 to 2015, where Sublime with Rome connected with punk and alternative audiences across multiple U.S. stops each summer.[37][38] Amid these lineup adjustments, Sublime with Rome began work on their sophomore album in 2014 and 2015, recording Sirens with producer Paul Leary—best known for his work with the Butthole Surfers and production on albums by U2 and Pepper. Released on July 17, 2015, via BMG Rights Management, the 11-track effort featured Freese on drums and highlighted Rome Ramirez's growing songwriting influence alongside bassist Eric Wilson. Key singles included "Wherever You Go," which preceded the album in May 2015, and the title track "Sirens" featuring the Dirty Heads, released in June.[39][40] Lyrically, Sirens delved into social issues such as police brutality, addiction, and societal disconnection, echoing elements of the original Sublime's socially conscious reggae-punk ethos while incorporating modern pop-reggae production. The album debuted at No. 34 on the Billboard 200, moving about 13,000 units in its first week and demonstrating sustained fan interest despite the band's evolving roster.[31] This period solidified Sublime with Rome's resilience, bridging their early momentum from Yours Truly into a new chapter defined by adaptation and creative output.Blessings and stable period (2017–2023)
In January 2017, Sublime with Rome welcomed Carlos Verdugo, formerly the drummer for Tribal Seeds, as their permanent percussionist, marking the beginning of a stable lineup with bassist Eric Wilson and vocalist-guitarist Rome Ramirez.[41] This change followed a period of rotating drummers and brought a fresh energy to the band's rhythm section, allowing the trio to focus on new material without lineup disruptions.[42] The band began recording their third studio album, Blessings, in 2018 at Sonic Ranch in El Paso, Texas, and Sphere Studios in Hollywood, California, with production handled by Rob Cavallo.[43] Sessions incorporated demos from as early as 2016, but the project faced a delay from an initial 2018 target to 2019 due to extensive mixing and refinement.[44] Released on May 31, 2019, through 5 Music, the album showcased a matured evolution of the band's reggae-rock sound, blending introspective lyrics with upbeat grooves on tracks like the title song "Blessings" and the nostalgic "Santa Barbara."[43][45] Critics praised its rejuvenated feel and closer alignment to the original Sublime's spirit, noting Ramirez's growth in songwriting and the trio's cohesive chemistry as highlights of a more refined, less chaotic output.[46] During this period, Sublime with Rome maintained a steady touring schedule, including annual appearances at the California Roots Festival in Monterey, California, from 2018 through 2022, though the 2020 and 2021 editions were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[47][48] In response to the 2020 lockdowns, the band adapted with virtual performances, such as Ramirez's acoustic Billboard Live At-Home set benefiting MusiCares and a full-band virtual BBQ fundraiser streamed online.[49][50] These efforts, alongside drive-in concerts later that year, helped sustain fan engagement amid canceled live shows.[51] As the band toured in support of Blessings, rumors of a potential reunion of the original Sublime members—Wilson, drummer Bud Gaugh, and the late Bradley Nowell's son Jakob Nowell as vocalist—began circulating in 2023, creating tension within the group.[2] The announcement of this reunion in December 2023 ultimately prompted Wilson to depart Sublime with Rome, shifting the band's dynamics toward its eventual conclusion while underscoring the ongoing legacy conflicts tied to the Sublime name.[52]Farewell tour, final album, and disbandment (2024–2025)
In December 2023, bassist Eric Wilson announced his departure from Sublime with Rome to rejoin the original Sublime lineup alongside drummer Bud Gaugh and Jakob Nowell, the son of late frontman Bradley Nowell, for a reunion performance.[52][53] This move marked the end of Wilson's involvement with the band after 14 years, prompting a final reconfiguration of the lineup. For their concluding activities, Sublime with Rome enlisted bassist Brian Allen—known for work with Miranda Lambert and Zac Brown Band—and drummer Joe Tomino, joined by multi-instrumentalist Gabrial McNair on trombone and keyboards, to support vocalist and guitarist Rome Ramirez.[54][55] This new ensemble handled production on the band's self-titled final album, released on May 10, 2024, via BMG, which featured guest appearances including Slightly Stoopid on the track "Cool & Collected."[56][57] The album incorporated precursors from the earlier "Tangerine Skies" EP, such as the title track, and debuted with modest commercial reception, reflecting the band's niche reggae-rock audience without major chart breakthroughs.[58][59] The farewell tour was announced in March 2024, encompassing dates across North America starting April 11 in Catoosa, Oklahoma, and extending to international stops, including a series in New Zealand.[54][55] The tour concluded with the band's final performance on December 31, 2024, at Brewtown in Upper Hutt, New Zealand, capping a year-long send-off that emphasized Sublime with Rome's original material.[60][61] Sublime with Rome officially disbanded at the end of 2024 following the expiration of their contractual obligations, with Ramirez confirming his intent to pursue a solo career.[62][63] The band has remained inactive in 2025, allowing Ramirez to release his solo EP Gemini in September of that year.[64]Band members
Core and founding members
Rome Ramirez served as the lead vocalist and guitarist for Sublime with Rome from its inception in 2009 until the band's disbandment following its farewell tour in early 2025. Born Roman Rene Ramirez on June 11, 1988, in Fremont, California, he began playing guitar at age 11 and pursued a solo career as a singer-songwriter before joining the group.[65][66] Ramirez was recruited after a 2009 audition process initiated when drummer Bud Gaugh contacted him to jam on Sublime covers, leading to his selection as frontman following a legal dispute over the original band's name.[19] He contributed vocals, guitar, and co-writing to every studio album the band released, including Yours Truly (2011), Sirens (2015), Blessings (2019), and Sublime with Rome (2024).[5] Eric Wilson, born February 21, 1969, in Long Beach, California, played bass for Sublime with Rome from 2009 until February 2024. As a founding member of the original Sublime in 1988, Wilson brought his signature basslines—rooted in dub, reggae, and punk—to maintain sonic continuity with the predecessor band's style.[67][19] He served as a primary songwriter, co-authoring tracks that blended the group's reggae rock influences with new material.[5] Bud Gaugh, born October 2, 1967, handled drums for Sublime with Rome from 2009 to 2011, with brief returns for select recordings thereafter. A co-founder of Sublime alongside Wilson, Gaugh's drumming emphasized reggae rhythms and syncopated grooves that defined the band's early live energy and helped shape its foundational sound.[68][69]Touring and replacement members
Following the departure of original drummer Bud Gaugh in December 2011, Sublime with Rome relied on a series of replacement and touring drummers to maintain their live performances and recordings.[70] Josh Freese, renowned for his work with bands including Foo Fighters, A Perfect Circle, and The Vandals, joined as the touring drummer in late 2011 and remained through 2017, handling key early post-Gaugh tours and contributing to the 2015 album Sirens.[70][71] Carlos Verdugo, previously of Tribal Seeds, replaced Freese in 2017 after leaving his former band, marking the longest tenure among post-Gaugh drummers; he supported extensive U.S. and international tours and played on the 2019 album Blessings.[72][73] In 2023, amid lineup transitions, Verdugo departed and was briefly replaced by Jason Vick before being succeeded by Joe Tomino of Dub Trio, who integrated into the band for their final tours starting that year.[54][74] For the 2024–2025 farewell tour, the lineup expanded to include bassist Brian Allen, known from Miranda Lambert's band, on bass and backing vocals; Gabrial McNair of No Doubt, who had been touring with the band since 2017 providing keyboards, trombone, and backing vocals, continued to enhance live sets.[75][4]Musical style and influences
Roots in Sublime's sound
Sublime with Rome's sound is deeply anchored in the original Sublime's pioneering fusion of reggae, punk, and ska, preserving the laid-back yet energetic blend that defined the band's 1990s output.[19] The core elements of ska rhythms, hip-hop influences, and acoustic ballads remain prominent, as the group channels the same SoCal reggae-pop vibe with punk edge that appealed to fans of the original trio.[76] Bassist Eric Wilson has retained his signature basslines throughout the band's run, while original drummer Bud Gaugh provided the foundational drum patterns until his departure in 2011, together offering the rhythmic backbone that echoes Sublime's groove-heavy foundation and ensured continuity in the band's early live and recorded energy.[77] Lyrically, Sublime with Rome explores themes of social commentary and personal struggles, mirroring Bradley Nowell's introspective style but adapted through Rome Ramirez's contemporary perspective on issues like relationships and societal pressures.[2] The band's three-piece instrumentation of guitar, bass, and drums forms the core setup, augmented occasionally by horns or guest musicians to capture the lively, improvisational feel of original Sublime performances.[78] In live sets, Sublime with Rome frequently incorporates covers of classic Sublime tracks such as "Santeria" and "What I Got," reinforcing their direct ties to the source material and allowing audiences to experience the reggae-punk essence firsthand.[79] Their debut single "Panic," with its melodic structure and rhythmic drive, similarly evokes the acoustic-driven introspection of "Santeria," blending familiar hooks with new material to honor the original sound.[80]Evolution with new lineup
Following the departure of original drummer Bud Gaugh in 2011, Sublime with Rome shifted toward a more polished pop-reggae sound, evident in the cleaner production of their subsequent albums Sirens (2015) and Blessings (2019), which featured smoother arrangements and diminished the raw punk edge characteristic of earlier Sublime material.[81][46][82] Rome Ramirez's leadership introduced stronger melodic vocals and an emphasis on acoustic elements, enhancing the band's accessibility; Ramirez drew from influences like Jack Johnson alongside Sublime's reggae-rock roots.[83][46][84] Lineup flux, particularly during drummer rotations from Josh Freese (2011–2017) to Carlos Verdugo (2017–2023), prompted adaptations like heavier, groove-oriented rhythms under Verdugo's reggae-influenced style, contributing to a more mature, layered percussion on Blessings.[85][42][86] Critics praised this evolution for injecting freshness into the reggae-rock genre, with Blessings lauded for its feel-good vibe and vocal maturity, though some noted it lacked Bradley Nowell's charismatic edge and raw intensity.[87][88][82] The band's thematic focus matured toward introspection, addressing mental health struggles in songs like "Mind Control" from the 2024 album, reflecting personal growth amid ongoing changes.[89][90]Discography
Studio albums
Sublime with Rome's debut studio album, Yours Truly, was released on July 12, 2011, through Fueled by Ramen.[76] Produced by Paul Leary at The Bank in Burbank, California, the album marked the band's effort to revive the reggae-punk sound of the original Sublime while introducing new vocalist and guitarist Rome Ramirez alongside bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Bud Gaugh.[91] Recording sessions emphasized a blend of high-energy ska and laid-back reggae influences, with Ramirez contributing original lyrics focused on personal relationships and societal pressures. The album debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200, selling approximately 36,000 copies in its first week.[92] Critically, it received mixed reviews; AllMusic awarded it 3 out of 5 stars, praising its enjoyable spin-off energy but noting it fell short of the original Sublime's caliber.[76] The standard edition of Yours Truly features 11 tracks:| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Panic" | 2:23 |
| 2 | "Only" | 2:40 |
| 3 | "Lovers Rock" | 3:25 |
| 4 | "Murdera" | 4:26 |
| 5 | "My World" | 2:29 |
| 6 | "Paper Cuts" | 1:53 |
| 7 | "PCH" | 3:23 |
| 8 | "Same Old Situation" | 3:44 |
| 9 | "Take It or Leave It" | 3:52 |
| 10 | "S.T.P." | 3:04 |
| 11 | "Yours Truly" | 3:38 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Sirens" (feat. Dirty Heads) | 3:15 |
| 2 | "Wherever You Go" | 3:31 |
| 3 | "Brazilia" | 3:25 |
| 4 | "House Party" | 3:31 |
| 5 | "Been Losing Sleep" | 3:40 |
| 6 | "Promise Land Dub" | 3:35 |
| 7 | "Best of Me" | 3:25 |
| 8 | "No Regrets" | 3:22 |
| 9 | "Deadly" | 3:15 |
| 10 | "Word of Mouth" | 3:40 |
| 11 | "Backrow Ni**a" | 3:56 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Blessings" | 3:30 |
| 2 | "Light On" | 3:25 |
| 3 | "Wild Fire" | 2:28 |
| 4 | "Spiderweb" | 3:05 |
| 5 | "Blackout" | 3:42 |
| 6 | "Wicked Heart" | 3:18 |
| 7 | "Survive" | 3:15 |
| 8 | "May Day" | 3:02 |
| 9 | "One Day at a Time" | 3:35 |
| 10 | "Thank U" | 3:22 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Cool & Collected" (feat. Slightly Stoopid) | 3:13 |
| 2 | "Tangerine Skies" | 3:01 |
| 3 | "Battle Scar" | 2:52 |
| 4 | "All I Need" | 2:45 |
| 5 | "Who Do You Love" | 2:56 |
| 6 | "Love Is Dangerous" | 3:15 |
| 7 | "California" | 3:22 |
| 8 | "Same Mistakes" | 3:08 |
| 9 | "What Happened" | 3:30 |
| 10 | "Island" | 3:40 |