Kate Langenburg/A&E Groove
Some bands have truly made their mark on us. Their staying power has far outlived anything their original songs were meant to make us feel in one single moment. In some cases, the legacy can live on, even after a lead singer’s death.
I’m talking about Sublime, a punk-ska-reggae band from California that still holds a place in many fans hearts, especially after lead singer Bradley Nowell’s death from a drug overdose in 1996. But now, 14 years later, the rest of the band members want to give it another go, but this time, with a new singer.
Rome Ramirez, the newbie singer of Sublime with Rome.
Rome Ramirez, the 21 year old newbie, will replace Nowell’s vocals and guitar. The rest of the band says he has a creepy resemblance to Nowell, both in his singing and guitar skills. Rolling Stone Magazine reported that Ramirez had been playing solo around California, and then had a chance to jam with Sublime originals Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh. The three hit it off, and now have scheduled seven tour dates. If all goes well with that, the band says it will start touring regularly and making albums.
The band had to change its name because of a previous lawsuit made by Nowell’s family. Now, they will play as ‘Sublime with Rome.’ But the name change is welcomed because a Sublime without Nowell needs a fresh start.
The first tour date will kick off in Los Angeles on none other than April 20 (4/20 for the potheads in the audience). Some things never change.
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