Sublime with Rome
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Founder | Eric Wilson, Bud Gaugh, Rome Ramirez |
| Defunct | 2024 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Sublime with Rome emerged as a joint effort between former Sublime members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, alongside vocalist and guitarist Rome Ramirez. Initially performing under the name "Sublime" in 2009, the band was compelled to adopt the moniker "Sublime with Rome" in 2010 after a legal dispute initiated by the estate of the late Sublime frontman Bradley Nowell. Their first public appearance occurred at the 2009 Smokeout Festival, followed by a tour in 2010. The group released their inaugural album, Yours Truly, on July 12, 2011. After Gaugh's departure in December 2011, he was succeeded by Josh Freese, who contributed to the recording of their sophomore album, Sirens, unveiled in 2015. In 2017, Carlos Verdugo took over drumming duties from Freese.
The band's third studio effort, Blessings, produced by Rob Cavallo, was released in May 2019. Its lead single, "Wicked Heart," achieved a peak position of No. 34 on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart.
In 2023, following Verdugo's exit, Jason Vick temporarily assumed drumming responsibilities before Joe Tomino became the permanent drummer ahead of the November release of the Tangerine Skies EP. Ramirez declared his intention to depart at the close of 2024 to embark on a solo career. Subsequently, on February 26, 2024, Eric Wilson announced his withdrawal from the band. The group formally revealed plans for a farewell tour in March 2024.
History
Pre-Sublime with Rome (1997–2009)
Following the death of Sublime’s original frontman Bradley Nowell, Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson formed Long Beach Dub Allstars in 1997, blending Sublime classics with new compositions. After that ensemble disbanded in 2002, Wilson created Long Beach Shortbus while Gaugh pursued projects with Eyes Adrift and Volcano. In February 2009, Gaugh and Wilson reunited with Rome Ramirez as lead vocalist and guitarist under the name Sublime.
Lawsuit and Name Change (2009–2010)
In October 2009, Nowell’s estate filed a lawsuit contesting the new group's use of the Sublime name without Nowell’s involvement. A Los Angeles court issued an injunction barring the band from performing under "Sublime" without estate consent. The matter was resolved in January 2010 when the band officially adopted "Sublime with Rome" as their title.
Touring and Debut Album (2010–2011)
Early in 2010, the band announced North American tour dates and intended to embark on a European tour that ultimately did not occur. Saxophonist Todd Forman was added for live performances. Recording sessions began in early 2011 with producer Paul Leary; collaborations included contributions from Aimee Allen. Their debut album, Yours Truly, was released on July 12, 2011 through Fueled by Ramen.
Lineup Changes and Sirens (2011–2016)
Drummer Bud Gaugh exited in December 2011 to prioritize family commitments; Josh Freese officially replaced him in early 2012. Gaugh later expressed remorse over continuing to use the Sublime name without Nowell’s presence. The band persisted with touring activities and completed their second album, Sirens, which was released on July 17, 2015 via BMG Rights Management.
Blessings and Farewell Tour (2017–2024)
Carlos Verdugo took over drumming duties from Freese in early 2017. The band toured across North America alongside The Offspring and The Menzingers. Their third studio album, Blessings, produced by Rob Cavallo and released through Red Music in May 2019, reflected personal milestones for Ramirez including marriage and fatherhood.
During their Summertime tour in 2023 with Slightly Stoopid, Jason Vick briefly filled in on drums before Joe Tomino assumed the role later that year. Due to bassist Eric Wilson’s shoulder injury, Stu Brooks and Tony Kanal alternated on bass for several performances. The Tangerine Skies EP was launched on November 3, 2023.
On December 18, 2023, Ramirez announced his plan to leave following the conclusion of 2024 to pursue a solo path. Wilson departed in February 2024 to concentrate on Sublime featuring Jakob Nowell as vocalist. In March 2024, the band publicized their farewell tour featuring Joe Tomino on drums and Brian Allen replacing Wilson on bass.
On April 5, 2024, Sublime with Rome revealed their fourth and concluding studio album titled Sublime with Rome, accompanied by its lead single "Love is Dangerous." The album was released on May 10, 2024; the band disbanded by year’s end.
Members
Former members
- Rome Ramirez – lead vocals, guitar (2009–2024)
- Eric Wilson – bass guitar, backing vocals, keyboards (2009–2024)
- Bud Gaugh – drums (2009–2011)
- Josh Freese – drums (2011–2017)
- Carlos Verdugo – drums (2017–2023)
- Jason Vick – drums (2023)
- Joe Tomino – drums (2023–2024)
- Brian Allen – bass guitar, backing vocals (2024)
Touring members
- Todd Forman – saxophone, keyboards (2009–2011)
- DJ Rocky Rock – turntables (2011)
- Leigh "LDontheCut" Snyder – turntables (2012–2023)
- Gabriel McNair – keyboards, trombone, backing vocals (2017–2024)
- Tony Kanal – bass guitar, keyboards (2023)
- Stu Brooks – bass guitar, keyboards (2023)
Tours
- 2010 Sublime with Rome Tour
- 2011 Unity Tour alongside 311
- 2012 Tour featuring Sublime with Rome, Cypress Hill, and Pepper
- 2015 Summer Tour with Rebelution and Pepper
- 2016 Summer Tour
- 2017 Summer Tour supporting The Offspring
- 2019 SOJA Summer Tour
- 2021 High and Mighty Tour with Dirty Heads
- 2022 Tour including Incubus, Sublime with Rome, and The Aquadolls
- 2023 Summertime Tour featuring Slightly Stoopid and others
- 2024 Farewell Tour
Studio albums
| Album | Release Information | US Billboard 200 Peak | US Rock Albums Peak | US Independent Albums Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yours Truly | Released July 12, 2011; Fueled by Ramen; Available on CD and digital formats | 9 | 3 | — |
| Sirens | Released July 17, 2015; BMG Rights; Available on CD and digital platforms | 34 | 3 | 5 |
| Blessings | Released May 31, 2019; 5 Music; Available on CD and digital | — | — | — |
| Sublime with Rome | Released May 10, 2024; 5 Music; Available on CD and digital | — | — | — |
Singles
| Song Title | Year | US Alternative Chart | US Rock Chart | Canadian Alternative Chart | Associated Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Panic" | 2011 | 4 | 10 | 11 | Yours Truly |
| "Take It or Leave It" | 23 | 37 | — | ||
| "Wherever You Go" | 2015 | 17 | — | — | Sirens |
| "Wicked Heart" | 2018 | 34 | — | — | Blessings |
| "Love is Dangerous" | 2024 | — | — | — | Sublime with Rome |
External links
- Articles with short description
- Musical groups established in 2009
- Musical groups disestablished in 2024
- American reggae musical groups
- American dub musical groups
- Punk rock groups from California
- Alternative rock groups from California
- Pop punk groups from California
- Musical groups from Los Angeles
- American reggae rock groups
- Musical trios from California
- Sublime (band)
- Fueled by Ramen artists
- 2009 establishments in California