Chills. Goosebumps. Tears. Fan reactions to Jakob Nowell taking the stage with Sublime, the band his dad, the late, great Bradley Nowell left behind in 1996, were emotional.
It’s a true full circle moment: the younger Nowell joins Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson, the only other original band members, at 28 years of age–the same age as his father when he passed and Sublime ended.
Courtesy of Josh Kim @joshuaonenineproductions
Jakob Nowell played a 50 minute set with members Bud Gaugh, Eric Wilson, Trey Pangborn and DJ Product. Not a single soul could have predicted the intense, visceral reaction to hearing what some called the “reincarnation of Bradley” and “the first real Sublime show since 1996.” For Sublime and music fans worldwide any doubt that Jakob Nowell would deliver was squashed Saturday night at Coachella. Social media and press outlets exploded after their performance, with many saying Sublime stole the show at Coachella 2024. These accolades are well-deserved, as Sublime was only one of a handful of bands on the entire festival that didn’t play using a backing track.
Courtesy of Josh Kim @joshuaonenineproductions
“I think stepping into this role has given me a lot of closure,” he said. “The story feels complete.”
Courtesy of Josh Kim @joshuaonenineproductions
While eerily similar in sound, inflection, and style, Jakob still managed to add his own flair. Sublime had what seemed to be every person at Coachella singing along to every song including “Santeria”, “Wrong Way”, their opening song “April 29th, 1992“, as well as “Romeo”, which hasn’t been played live since ’91. Videos of the set has gone viral on social media, amassing millions of views and articles from outlets like SPIN, Rolling Stone, CNN, LA Times, and NME have surfaced over the last 48 hours all giving Sublime’s set massive praise.
Courtesy of Josh Kim @joshuaonenineproductions
Sublime seemed to enjoy their set as much as the audience–with many in attendance tearing up at what they were witnessing. Playing his dad’s guitar, shirtless, with his curly hair blowing in the wind, the 28 year old Jakob shouted “I Love You, Dad” at the conclusion of the set. There is no doubt, Sublime is indeed back!
