Exaggerations, Mayhem & a Whole Lotta Heart: Sublime at BeachLife 2025

What do you get when you mix buckets of paint, reggae-ska-punk legacy, and pure Southern California mayhem? A behind the scenes moment with Sublime at BeachLife Festival that’s as hilarious as it is heartfelt.

In this exclusive interview, Jakob Nowell — the charismatic son of the late Bradley Nowell and the voice now carrying Sublime into its next chapter — recounts an unforgettably wild welcome from BeachLife’s crew. “They told me to wear my best clothes,” he laughs. “Then they threw paint on me. Traumatic. But also, it kinda worked.”

What follows is much more than a colorful initiation. Joined by Sublime’s original rhythm section, Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson, this conversation dives into the emotional legacy of the band, the unbreakable Long Beach music scene, and the spiritual weirdness of finding yourself fronting the very band that defined your upbringing.

Jakob speaks candidly about the tragedy of losing his father, and the deep bond between the original members — a connection still felt to this day. “They just had such a good time being friends, making music, and causing trouble,” he reflects. “Now it’s about honoring that chaos and turning it into something meaningful.”

As they prep for Sublime’s highly-anticipated return to Redondo Beach, the band’s presence at BeachLife feels less like a set and more like a homecoming. Jakob shouts out fellow local legends and emerging artists alike — from the Beach Boys and Cake to the enigmatic Jesse James Pariah of SVNBVRNT Records, Jakob’s label and platform for the next generation of soulful misfits.

“This is my home festival,” Jakob says. “And Sublime playing here? That just makes sense.”

Watch the full interview to hear about music, mayhem, and why BeachLife Festival still feels like family. Don’t miss Sublime’s set May 3rd — it’s more than music. It’s legacy in motion.