Popular ’90s punk band Sublime performed at California’s Smokeout Festival over the weekend and late lead singer Bradley Nowell‘s estate was not happy about it.
It was the band’s first show since Nowell died back in 1996 from a drug overdose and his family is upset that they aren’t taking on a new name to perform under.
The band’s remaining members include Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson along with Nowell’s replacement, Rome Ramirez.
Bradley’s family released the following statement:
“It was Brad’s expressed intention that no one use the name Sublime in any group that did not include him, and Brad even registered the trademark Sublime under his own name. As Brad’s heirs, and with the support of his entire family, we only want to respect his wishes and therefore have not consented to Bud and Eric calling their new project Sublime… and now with great reluctance feel compelled to take the appropriate legal action to protect Brad’s legacy. Our hope is that Brad’s ex-bandmates will respect his wishes and find a new name to perform under.”
But Gaugh and Wilson don’t agree and performed as Sublime anyway!
Gaugh explains:
“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..It├óΓé¼Γäós unfortunate that The Estate would take a position against us…Eric, Brad and I started this band when we were kids. We were the ones that spent years paying dues playing hole-in-the-wall clubs. We were the ones lugging around our gear in a broken down van. We were the ones that spent years writing, recording and rehearsing. WE. Not anyone else. Sublime is a band – our band.”
We tend to agree with Gaugh, but does anyone even still listen to Sublime?
[Image via AP Images.]