The "reunited" Sublime, who are actually just two guys from the old band and a new guy named Rome, had their first big reunion show this past weekend at Smokeout Festival, but hopes for a full tour might have hit a snag: the family of deceased lead singer Brad Nowell have announced their displeasure at the band using the Sublime name, since Brad Nowell is the one who held the copyright of the name. Here's their statement:
“It was recently announced that Sublime bassist Eric Wilson and Sublime drummer Floyd ‘Bud’ Gaugh are ‘reuniting’ and teaming with singer and guitarist Rome Ramirez in a band they intend to call ‘Sublime.’ Prior to his untimely passing, both Bud and Eric acknowledged that Brad Nowell was the sole owner of the name Sublime. 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.’ We have always supported Bud and Eric’s musical endeavors and their desire to continue to play Sublime’s music. We wholeheartedly supported Bud, Eric and the many talented members of the Sublime posse that formed the Long Beach Dub All-Stars, soon after Brad’s death, to honor him through their original recordings, live performances and Sublime music until they disbanded in 2001. But, out of respect for Brad’s wishes, we have always refused to endorse any group performing as ‘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, so as to enhance the ‘Sublime’ legacy without the confusion and disappointment that many fans have expressed upon seeing the announcement.
Peace and Love to all, Troy, Jakob & Jim ‘Papa’ Nowell.”
What "legacy" is in danger of being damaged, really? A legacy that involves "The Wrong Way" is no legacy at all. At any rate, this new version of "Sublime" will have to tour as something else, which may hurt their bottom line. Which is bad for them, I guess. [Idolator]
Legacy or no, I side with the family on this one.