REVIEW: Sublime at Parx Xcite Center | 09.26.2024
In 1996, Sublime was everywhere. Their self-titled third album had just been released and produced three mega hit singles: "What I Got," "Santeria," and "Wrong Way.". You couldn’t escape those songs on the radio no matter how short the drive.
It’s any band’s dream to reach that level of success, but tragically frontman Bradley Nowell never had a chance to relish in the stardom that he and his bandmates had earned for themselves. Less than two months prior to the album's release and subsequent explosion in popularity, Nowell passed away. The band disbanded and for obvious reasons never toured.
2009 brought the creation of Sublime with Rome, which featured surviving members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh and vocalist Rome Ramirez in place of Nowell. The band played Sublime originals and wrote and released new albums together as a separate venture, though drummer Bud Gaugh left the band in 2011. And while the band was technically Sublime-adjacent, it felt like this would be the closest we could get to seeing Sublime perform again. Then came Jakob Nowell.
Wilson and Gaugh regrouped last year with Nowell at the helm, and suddenly Sublime was back. Not only does Nowell share the last name and DNA of the band's late lead vocalist, his voice channels his father in a mind-blowing way. Close your eyes and you'd swear you were back in 1996 in an alternate universe experiencing one of the live shows that never was. You could dust off that forgotten entry on your concert bucket list and finally check it off.
The crowd at Sublime’s show at the Parx Xcite Center last week shared that sentiment. There was a genuine excitement in the air by so many who were ready to celebrate the band's music. When the band took the stage and opening synth of "Garden Grove" began, the reality set in, and the crowd wasted no time turning the song into a giant sing-a-long.
Sublime played an expansive setlist of big songs and deep cuts along with a handful of covers. The band's cover of Bad Brains' "Day Tripper / She's a Rainbow" came with a surprise when Bad Brains vocalist H.R. joined them on stage for the rendition. A special moment for all in attendance but especially for Jakob Nowell who cited his influence from and admiration of H.R. and Bad Brains' music.
Also included in the set was Sublime's first new single in 28 years, "Feel Like That," which includes vocals from the late Bradley Nowell alongside Jakob Nowell and Stick Figure. The track is incredibly catchy – one listen and the song will be stuck in your head for days.
Sublime's performance was truly special and something that I never thought I would experience. Now that I have, I'm already looking forward to the next one. Keep an eye out on Sublime's socials for more show announcements to come (I hope!), and in the meantime check out the full gallery and setlist from the show below.