For most music lovers, there may be no feeling worse than never getting a chance to see one of your favorite bands live.
Whether it be a band before your time or a band that was gone too soon, the longing for that experience is real. For many of us who came of age in the 90’s and early 00’s, that band is Sublime.
The tragic loss of lead singer Bradley Nowell to a heroin overdose in San Francisco in 1996, two months prior to the release of their self-titled breakout album, meant that most of their devoted fan base never had the chance to connect with their music live. Rome Ramirez was one of those fans. Being only eight-years-old when Nowell passed away and Sublime disbanded, Rome, like many fans, didn’t fall in love with the band until long after. But a dream came true in 2009 when the surviving members of Sublime, Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, took Rome, a then 21 year-old Fremont native, under their wing to reincarnate the band under the new name Sublime with Rome.
Who’s your daddy? @romeramirez shares what fatherhood means to his music #dadlife WATCH the full version of WICKED STORIES – Episode 4 on our YouTube channel: https://t.co/uxDX5iLeAG pic.twitter.com/MZPRO3P21K
— Sublime With Rome (@SublimeWithRome) October 18, 2018
Over 20 years later, Sublime with Rome is working on their third album, continuing the legacy of one of the most beloved and influential bands of the last quarter century. The release of their latest single “Wicked Heart”, characterized by Eric Wilson’s signature bass grooves and Rome’s soulful delivery, brings the band back on tour in anticipation of their forthcoming album, which is due out early 2019.
A tour means a chance to experience original Sublime songs live: the band tends to play one-third hits, one-third deeper tracks, and one-third Sublime with Rome singles. For many of us who have grown up on Sublime, experiencing their sound live can be cathartic. The music seems to transcend the realm of sound and typify an entire lifestyle and mindset. Thankfully, its that legacy that lives on for a whole new generation of fans.
Catch Sublime with Rome live as they headline this year’s Concert for Kids on Thursday, December 13th at The Masonic in San Francisco.