Brad Nowell’s Family To Ex-Sublime Mates: Rights To The Band’s Name Is What We’ve Got (Remember That)

Back in March, Floyd “Bud” Gaugh and Eric Wilson, the two surviving members of stoner-punk outfit Sublime, played a show with lead singer Rome Ramirez where they ran through some tunes by their former band. Rumors that a tour in which the duties of deceased lead guy Bradley Nowell would be taken on by Ramirez followed, and they were soon confirmed by the announcement that the band would be playing the Cypress Hill-helmed Smokeout Festival (of course) this weekend. The Nowell family, as you might expect, is not all that pleased with this development! A statement they released today:

“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.”

Well, given that the show must go on—and “Sublime” is still listed on the bill for this weekend’s hazed-out festivities—perhaps we should come up with some alternate names for this newly headed-up trio? Eric Harvey suggested From Here, We May No Longer Go Sublime as one possibility, Sublimated! (with exclamation point) as another. I think maybe something along the lines of We Don’t Practice Santeria (Under The Name Sublime) (Because If We Do We’ll Get Sued)? Although shorter, snappier, so people can, y’know, remember it. Sublime [MySpace] Sublime To Reunite For Cypress Hill’s Smokeout Fest [Billboard] Earlier: Today’s Sign That The Apocalypse Is Probably Coming Pretty Soon