via Rolling Stone
In late February, the surviving members of Sublime (bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Bud Gaugh) performed at a Mexican restaurant in Nevada with a new vocalist named Rome stepping in for late singer-guitarist Brad Nowell, who died of a heroin overdose over a decade ago. The trio recently announced they will perform their first concert as "Sublime" since May 24, 1996 — the day before Nowell passed away — tomorrow at Devore, California’s Smokeout Festival.
Wilson and Gaugh have said they’re reluctant to call the show a "reunion," preferring to call it a "celebration."
Bradley Nowell’s estate thinks the event be classified by another name: violation.
In a statement released today, Nowell’s family says Brad registered "Sublime" as a trademark under his own name prior to his death, and never intended for any band to use the moniker without him.
"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," the Nowell family writes.
Read their full statement after the jump.
"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.
I think Brad's family was correct in taking this action. Although it is not easy when you lose someone like you guys did Brad, as much as you want to be kind and not seem bitter about situations, it is only right to do what you feel like he would have wanted and only you (the family) truly know what that is. The remaining bandmates out of respect for Brad as well should understand this and bow out as I know the hurt is enough to endure no matter how much time has passed. Brad is so severely missed and everyone wishes nothing but the best for his family.
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