Fight Breaks Out Over Sublime Reunion As Band Perform With New Singer

10/26/09 1:31pm

by Kate Harper (CHARTattack)

Sublime performed with new singer Rome Ramirez at the Smokeout Festival this past weekend, despite members of late singer Brad Nowell's estate threatening to launch legal action against the reunited band.

The Los Angeles Times reports the surviving members of Nowell's family, which consists of his widow Troy, son Jakob and father Jim, issued a statement that said they were not happy the band were choosing to perform under the Sublime moniker. They say this is because former bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Bud Gaugh previously said Nowell was "the sole owner" of the Sublime name.

Sublime now consists of Ramirez (vocals, guitars), Wilson and Gaugh.

"Our hope is that Brad's ex-bandmates will respect his wishes and find a new name to perform under, so as to enhance the 'Sublime' legacy without the confusion and disappointment that many fans have expressed upon seeing the announcement," the statement reads.

Sublime have since responded with their own statement, and said there have been previous unsuccessful attempts to take legal action against the band.

"While we all mourn the passing of our brother and bandmate Bradley Nowell some 13 years ago, Sublime still has a strong message of hope and love to share — a message that is especially important in these difficult times," Gaugh and Wilson's statement reads.

"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."

Gaugh previously wrote on his website that Silverback Management, which manages the band, were trying to prevent the reunion. In retaliation, he posted some Silverback executives' names and email addresses on the website and asked fans to contact them to ask "why they would want" to stop the reunion.

Here's Sublime performing at the Smokeout Festival: