At the soundcheck before his recent show at the historic Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara, Jack Johnson slipped into a laid-back, soulful rendition of Sublime’s “Badfish,” one of his longtime favorite covers. The moment wasn’t planned, staged, or performed for the crowd — it was just Jack exploring a song that has shaped generations of beach-born songwriters.
Luckily, someone did catch it: G. Love, longtime friend, tourmate, and collaborator, who was hanging in the seats before the show. Rolling quietly on his phone, G. Love captured the kind of intimate musical moment fans rarely get to see — Jack Johnson and his band, raw, relaxed, and completely in the pocket.That simple moment carries a lot of history. Sublime’s “Badfish,” first released on the band’s 1992 Album, 40oz. to Freedom, remains one of their most defining songs — a West Coast classic rooted deeply in Long Beach’s ska-reggae-punk hybrid sound. Jack Johnson has covered “Badfish” for years, including a well-circulated 2005 performance that fans still share today. G. Love, meanwhile, has long spoken about the band’s cultural impact, calling Sublime’s resurgence “the coolest story in rock and roll” and insisting that “everybody needs to be talking about Sublime now because it’s almost like the musical Game of Thrones.” (Pier)
And the timing couldn’t be better.
Sublime is gearing up for a massive end of 2025 and 2026 run — including two huge nights at Red Rocks on April 17 & 18 and a series of festivals in Australia, part of a packed calendar that’s already shaping up to be one of their biggest touring years in decades. With Jakob, Eric, and Bud pushing the band’s legacy into a new era, moments like Jack drifting into “Badfish” feel like a salute to where this movement came from — and where it’s headed.
The clip feels especially fitting as G. Love prepares to hit the road again in 2026. The run includes several major shows, including dates with Makua and later Jack Johnson with performances at the Gorge, The Greek in Berkley, and more! With both artists known for blending blues, surf folk, hip-hop, and island-tinged grooves, the chemistry on stage has always been something special.
Whether it’s soundcheck surprises or the full live show, Jack Johnson and G. Love continue to bring out the best in each other — honoring influences like Sublime while carving out their own unmistakable vibe.
More updates to come as the 2026 dates for Sublime, G. Love, and Jack Johnson and more approach!
Check it out below
