The family Brad Nowell, deceased singer of Sublime, is attempting to block the surviving members of the band from using the name in a reunion. They claim that Nowell trademarked the moniker and never wanted anyone to use it without him. Both bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Bud Gaugh, the surviving Sublime members issued statements defending their right to the Sublime name. All 3 statements can be read below.
Nowell family statement:
It was recently announced that Sublime bassist Eric Wilson and Sublime drummer Floyd Bud Gaugh are reuniting and teaming with singer and guitarist Rome Ramirez in a band they intend to call Sublime. Prior to his untimely passing, both Bud and Eric acknowledged that Brad Nowell was the sole owner of the name Sublime. It was Brads expressed intention that no one use the name Sublime in any group that did not include him, and Brad even registered the trademark Sublime under his own name.
As Brads heirs, and with the support of his entire family, we only want to respect his wishes and therefore have not consented to Bud and Eric calling their new project Sublime. We have always supported Bud and Erics musical endeavors and their desire to continue to play Sublimes music. We wholeheartedly supported Bud, Eric and the many talented members of the Sublime posse that formed the Long Beach Dub All-Stars, soon after Brads death, to honor him through their original recordings, live performances and Sublime music until they disbanded in 2001. But, out of respect for Brads wishes, we have always refused to endorse any group performing as Sublime, and now with great reluctance feel compelled to take the appropriate legal action to protect Brads legacy.
Our hope is that Brads ex-bandmates will respect his wishes and find a new name to perform under, so as to enhance the Sublime legacy without the confusion and disappointment that many fans have expressed upon seeing the announcement.
Peace and Love to all, Troy, Jakob & Jim Papa Nowell.
Gaugh and Wilson statements:
On behalf of the band Sublime, founding members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson are thrilled by the opportunity to reconnect with their fans around the world. While we all mourn the passing of our brother and bandmate Bradley Nowell some thirteen years ago, Sublime still has a strong message of hope and love to share a message that is especially important in these difficult times.
Brads heirs apparently do not share this vision and do not want the band Sublime to continue and tried unsuccessfully to file a temporary restraining order to prevent the band from carrying on. Despite those objections, we are pleased that the United States District Court has allowed us to perform as Sublime for all of our fans.
We urge everyone to join us in our message of peace and love, and we look forward to sharing the music we created the music that defines us.
- Sublime
Its unfortunate that The Estate would take a position against us. Eric, Brad and I started this band when we were kids. We were the ones that spent years paying dues playing hole-in-the-wall clubs. We were the ones lugging around our gear in a broken down van. We were the ones that spent years writing, recording and rehearsing. WE. Not anyone else. Sublime is a band our band.
Eric, Brad and I always agreed that no one should ever be allowed to tell artists what they can and cannot do with their art. Its a matter of artistic integrity.
We were devastated when we lost Brad and theres not a day that goes by that Eric and I dont think about him and miss him. When we got together and started jamming with Rome, we realized that embracing the music will be a huge step toward healing and moving forward. We see this as a celebration of Brads memory and the music we all made together. And the fans are on board theyve started a Facebook page called We Want Sublime and its numbers are growing daily. Sublimes music has always been about love and we hope The Estate joins us and the fans that support us in celebrating Brads life and our music.
