SUBLIME BIOGRAPHY


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Sublime Biography
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Source: written by Michael "Miguel" Happoldt

FORMED: 1988
DISBANDED: 1996

I first met Sublime in the Fall of 1988, me and Brad were students at C.S.U.L.B. The band was the most popular group on campus and on the way to being the biggest draw in town. At the time, I was playing in the Ziggens and Brad would occasionally let us open up. One day I decided I was going to release all the Ziggens demos I was working on in the cassette format. I got a sharpie marker and scribbled out Skunk Records for the xeroxed liner notes. "You can't just do that" said Brad. Sublime had just completed a 4-song, 16-track demo, so we said, "why not put out your tape on our new label?" So began a partnership that would propel the music from keg parties to video music awards and platinum plaques. "Don't Push" and "Slowride" were from this first tape.

Prior to our meeting, was the infamous 8-track demo that "Romeo" and "New Realization" are from. This tape would have been lost if it wasn't for Trey Pangborn (guitarist for Falling Idols). The master tapes were long gone, and back then there was no DAT for a bunch of punk rockers from Long Beach. One New Year's we were boozin' at Trey's and I was going through the tape box looking for a selection. I came across a day-glo Memorex tape (like the kind your little sister would record the "Grease" soundtrack on), and there it was.

All this time I was a recording student at C.S.U.D.H., so we eventually got together to make a tape. Our first outing was live to DAT, this was a big deal in 1990, new technology, whatever. We recorded about two whole hours worth of material in the middle of the night. "Had a DAT" (hence the name) and "Chick On My Tip" were from this session.

Our first 24-track session was at C.S.U.D.H. we spent months recording 4 songs, perfecting, experimenting, learning. This would be the bulk of our second cassette release "Jah Won't Pay The Bills". "Badfish" was from this time. At this point, we thought we were really in there. We had finally produced some recordings that we were proud of and we were about to embark on our first tour. We were wrong. This is where Bud went on a little vacation from music.

We all missed Bud very much, but respected his decision. Rather than rest on our laurels, we decided to keep recording. In 1991, I bought my first sampler, a Roland S-50. This changed everthing. We were also working with the Field Marshall at this time. "Get Out" was the first song we worked on. We had completed our first tour upon returning it was obvious to all that we needed a CD to take it to the next level. I'm not gonna go into detail on how we financed this venture, let's just say we did it "by any means necessary". The version of "Get Out!" presented here is a remix. The original contained samples of a long haired, British, burn-out band that shall remain nameless. When the corporates picked up "40 oz." to distribute nationally, the original was removed from the CD.

"Trenchtown Rock" was the last thing recorded during the one day tracking session for "40 oz.". It was one of those spur of the second things, but to this day it gives me the chills because it is a testament of how Brad was, bam! genius. "Drunk Drivin'" is the only song I ever wrote. It was for Bert Susanka who was convinced I too could create the hits. These songs were left off the CD because when I was done, the program was 82 minutes long and CDs can only have 74 minutes. We were pretty naive.

It took a while, but "40 oz." started to do pretty good. We kept touring and doing shows. We had Kelly Vargas on drums for a while. Eventually Mr. Brett got a hold or our CD and wanted to hear some new songs. In the summer of '94 we entered Epitaph's Studio to make some demos. It's a long story, but by this time Bud was back on the kit. "Saw Red" is from this session. No Doubt were friends of ours from way back, and were always real supportive of our efforts. So, when Brad asked Gwen to come down to sing she was glad to. Needless to say, we never got signed to Epitaph!

We finished six songs and were going to put out a CD, but Eric and Brad thought six songs on a CD was kind of a rip-off. So we recorded a bunch of acoustic numbers and began working on the 4-track. If you ever buy a 4-track, get a Tascam 246 because they rule. We had always used the 4-track for demos but by now we were getting really good results. We would move our clandestine lab from house to house till we weould get ejected for obvious reasons. "Garbage Grove" was supposed to be on "Robbin The Hood", but we thought we could do it better on 24-track. You be the judge.

Between "Robbin" and the last tape we did a few compilation and soundtrack projects. "Legal Dub" was the extended ending of a song that would go to benefit NORML. We like NORML. "What's Really Goin' Wrong" was the sequel to a surf flick from a company called "Lost". Chicken had the rough idea and the boys helped him finish it off. It's interesting to note that these surf/skate/snowboard flicks gave us our first national, as well as international, distribution. This was pre-corporation days.

"April 29, 1992 (Leary)" was recorded in Texas with head Butthole Paul Leary. The sessions with Paul were very prolific. We filled 22 reels of 24-track tape. The album version had already been completed in L.A. with David Kahne, so we thought let's give it another try. By the way, those scanner sound bites are real. I recorded my neighbor's police scanner on April 30, 1992, the night after was the night Long Beach went richter. "Superstar Punani" was completed at this time. It was left off the last tape because we simply had enough songs. Doin' Time "Uptown Dub" was started in Texas, but never completed. We finished it about a year later with Ikey and Tim. I think Brad would be pretty stoked on the results. He always liked the take but wanted to change the lyrics, so I made it an instrumental dub.

By now you know how much influence hip-hop had on the music. One of the first things we wanted to do when the last album was done was a remix EP with other artists reinterpreting the music. Sean Perry gave me his "Doin' Time (Eerie Splendor Remix)" when we were in Hawaii. It was too late to make the remix EP, but too awesome to go to waste. Mad Lion was always someone we were into, and his work with KRS-One never left Brad's tape deck. Sean hooked up this guest appearance. I like the futuristic vibe, it sounds like the ideas we had for future recordings.

I could go on telling anecdotes and stories forever, but the music will always explain things best. I hope you enjoy this compilation. For all you that wrote in, I got a ton of good live music that we're goin' to release next. Oh yeah, Loudog is fine, he's at my feet right now. He is fat and sassy. We all miss you very much Brad.
R.I.P Brad Nowell 1968-1996

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Review about Sublime

From Dolly: Sublime is the only best real music | Reviewer: Anonymous | 11/3/09

I am a fiftyish woman who rocks to good music. I heard Sublime when my son brought home the CD and I will never be the same. Sure there is other good music, but when I'm working as an officer of the court Sublime is who I quote as it fits:
"and once in awhile you can show me the light in the strangest of places if you look through it right" (Scarlett). When child welfare gets too serious I let loose by singing Brad's music at the top of my lungs and when I'm done all is healed.
Thanks, God, for these boys!

Nick Vittum is a douche | Reviewer: Anonymous | 8/14/09

You sound more and more stupid as I read on, you're not even worth insulting.

Anyways Sublimes impact on music and our generation can never/will never be forgotten.
So many words come to mind, Tragic, Sad, Depressing. None of them do justice to the feeling we all have about bradley, and his ultimate demise. It's ok though Bro, you're bigger than you ever imagined, and no more heartache. -RH

May you R E S T - I N - P E A C E

let the lovin take ahold cuz it will if you let it ♥ | Reviewer: Ramona | 8/13/09

currently, i'm 14 years old and sublime is my favorite band. i remember waiting for the bus with my sister when i was in about fourth grade and singing Wrong Way with her but never knowing who sang it. Brad, Bud, Eric and Lou-dog have inspired me to follow my heart. When i enter the gates of Heaven, i'll meet Bradley<3 i'm always singing What i Got in school. and getting in mass trouble for writing lyrics to Get Ready on my folders. Sublime lives through my soul and beats in my heart.

what ever ? | Reviewer: dirtyboy | 7/18/09

So Miguel hows life been treating ya good I hope thought id drop a line. tried to get a hold of you befor.First time ive run acros this site any way i still have some vid left.that hasnt been gaffed yet. YA KNOW WHAT I MEAN.OLD MAN BURNS

This train is bound for Glory..<3 | Reviewer: Joanna Kate A. | 5/4/09

I'm a 19 yr old girl from Boston, my number one favorite band is Sublime. When i was just 11 years old i remember watching MTV and seeing a music video for "Wrong Way" ever since then i have been listening to sublime..all i wanted to do was to go to a sublime show, at a young age i found out that Brad Nowell was dead after the fact that i became so enticed by the band's music and lyrics, i was extremely sad. Sublime's sound has tainted a generation into tranquility and harmony. this nostalgic band reminds me of summer nights and times on the beach just everything that can make someone happy.Sublime has brought millions of people together through poetic words which most people can relate to, and some words in which others may never understand. The lyrics behind this group in particular leaves an individual to think more profoundly and question the world that may be drug infested and fighting addiction. Sublime’s story is diverse and heart moving, furthermore each and every album produced has a story of its own. I would have LOVED to meet Brad, Eric, and Bud. I don't know how i would make it through each day without listening to pool shark or robin the hood. All i know is that Sublime is one of the hugest influences in my life.
R.I.P Brad Nowell
* I never knew you, but everytime i hear you sing i feel like i do *

Brad Nowell has been part of me even before I knew who he was | Reviewer: Brad Chambers | 4/7/09

Since I can remember, the radio has always know the tunes of Sublime. I don't recall a summer without Doin' Time. I've grown up with the image of my band tattooed some where on my body. As a kid, I always wondered why this band would say that I'm on a microphone with Ras MG.

Sublime has been there through all the years, and continue to be heard though out any street of the Long Beach/Orange County area. They're impression is undoubtedly the most known in the Reggae Rock culture through out southern California; not to mention the united states.

It would be irresponsible for us not to preserve the memory of Sublime, and its lead singer Brad Nowell.

I went to Brad's grave today. Some friends of mine took me since they knew I was making a documentary of local bands who carry Brad's influence. The grave was just off the side of the road. The curb was a collage of eulogies where the grave bordered the street. I felt a chill in my body, it was at that time I released Brad Nowell wasn't the lead singer of a band, he was a living legend.

To those who knew Brad, I give you my word that I will carry on his legacy.

Thanks for the good times Brad
Remember...Everything
R.I.P Bradley James Nowell
Feb. 22, 1968 - May 25, 1996

my first true love in music | Reviewer: huck finn | 1/8/09

first off i wanna say i love the article. i wish everyday i could have the chance to see my favorite band play live. there music truly inspired me to write my own lyrics. i wish i could have met Brad. your article seriously made my eyes water. im listening to an interview of sublime right now. i have all their music on my computer. R.I.P Brad
keep listening to the sweet reggae music that makes you feel okay

Their music is my life soundtrack | Reviewer: Jason Bosley | 11/9/08

I am 21 years old and i recieved sublime self titled as a gift from my mom in the fourth grade, the year after brad died. i loved them so much. i listen to sublime everyday. for about a year i had no idea that brad had passed. when i first found out i seen a commercial of brads son and his wife talking about the effects of heroin. . . i cried. i own every album and have found all the sublime i think i possibly can and to this day not one song gets old. each time i hear the sweet sounds of ska punk raggae style i get a huge smile abd give a sigh of relief. they will forever be my favorite band and brad Nowell is my biggest inspiration. absolutely special and unique... truely loved and missed and a part of you lives on in me and all of your fans brad.

Lou Dog inside the van | Reviewer: Stace | 10/6/08

I discovered Sublime about the same time I started snowboarding. I fell in love and its been the best romance of my musical life. The lyrics are superb - who wrote my lines - and the music is always just what I need to hear for any mood that hits me. I wish there could be more, but for what there is - it will do. I love the band, the music and Lou Dog - he is the perfect compliment to a simply amazing band with amazing talent. I am thankful for Brad's short stay on this earth, his contributions to the music industry have done wonders for my heart.
He's rocking God's world now, smiling down on us who keep the music alive.
RIP Brad.

<3 | Reviewer: subliminal | 7/21/08

i wish someone could get all the sublime songs together. just when i think i have them all i find another. i was just a little kid when bradley died and wasnt into the band yet, and it makes me sad to know that i will never get to see them live. however, they are still my favorite band and will always be.
rip brad.

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