The late great Bradley Nowell fell in love with Costa Rica in the ‘90s. Decades later, Sublime returns to the land of Pura Vida, not just to perform but to give back to the local music scene.
The band recently took the stage at Picnic Festival, the biggest music event in Central America, alongside artists like Gwen Stefani and Cypress Hill. However, their trip was more than just a festival performance—it was a heartfelt tribute to the country and its vibrant music culture.
A Gathering of Musicians, Surfers, and Locals
Before their festival appearance, Sublime attended a birthday celebration for Jamin Hazelaar, founder of the legendary San Diego band Thicker Than Thieves. The event brought together Sublime’s crew, musicians, surfers, locals, and expats from all around. DJ Unite and Natty Campbell set the tone with an electrifying sound system-style set, while an open mic encouraged impromptu performances from talented guests. Among those present was Earthstrong, a Costa Rican band deeply inspired by Sublime’s music.
A Special Performance of “Caress Me Down”
After an evening of music and camaraderie, Sublime extended a rare invitation to Earthstrong to join them on stage during their festival performance. Together, they played “Caress Me Down”—a track originally written by Bradley Nowell and deeply connected to Costa Rican surf culture. The song reflects Nowell’s love for the country’s waves, people, and lifestyle, making the moment even more meaningful.
This spontaneous collaboration embodies the spirit of Sublime’s early days—a raw, unscripted, and inclusive approach to music. While most major artists rarely share their stage with others, Sublime’s decision to invite Earthstrong felt like a return to their punk rock roots. They came into town, connected with local musicians, and made something magical happen. A true homage to the legacy of Sublime.
Keeping the Sublime Legacy Alive
One of Sublime’s crew members shared their thoughts on the special moment:
“We want to honor the legacy as best as possible, and that’s exactly something Brad would do. Plus, we roll the same way we did back in the day—no rock star BS, just smiles. The best way we could thank Costa Rica was by sharing the stage with a local. Plus, Marco’s Spanish is way better than Jake’s.”
Marco Villalta, the lead singer of Earthstrong, was visibly emotional about the experience:
“Performing ‘Caress Me Down’ with Sublime was the fulfillment of one of my biggest dreams. Their music is deeply connected to Costa Rican surf culture and even inspired me to start my band.”
A Gesture That Resonated Across Costa Rica
Sublime’s gesture of goodwill resonated deeply with Costa Ricans. Local newspapers and television stations covered the story, highlighting the significance of an internationally renowned band uplifting homegrown talent. This wasn’t just another festival performance—it was a heartfelt tribute that reinforced the connection between Sublime and Costa Rica’s music scene.
For lifelong Sublime fans, watching Jake, Bud, and Eric carry on the band’s legacy in a way that honors its roots was a powerful moment. Sublime isn’t just about the music; it’s about transparency, spontaneity, and keeping the punk rock spirit alive.
And in Costa Rica, that spirit was celebrated in the most authentic way possible—through music, unity, and a shared love for Pura Vida.
