The Grammy Museum is celebrating the Long Beach reggae-punk\/alternative rock trio Sublime with a special exhibit opening March 27.<\/p>\n
\u201cSublime: Straight From Long Beach,\u201d is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the band\u2019s groundbreaking self-titled album. Its highlights include handwritten lyrics to Sublime hits such as \u201cWrong Way\u201d and \u201cGarden Grove\u201d, early flyers, promotional materials, media and the white bucket hat Bradley Nowell wore in the music video for \u201cBadfish.\u201d<\/p>\n
“It\u2019s incredible that we have sold so many albums and have not toured or wrote new music in 30 years \u2014 a true testament to our fans for keeping this dream alive,\u201d band member Bud Gaugh said. \u201cSeeing the Grammy Museum celebrate this chapter of our story with an exhibit is really meaningful to us. Thank you to the fans for all of the support, you are all crazy and we are crazy in love with you!\u201d<\/p>\n
Founded in 1988 by Bradley Nowell (vocals, guitar), Bud Gaugh (drums) and Eric Wilson (bass), Sublime is a reggae-punk\/alternative rock trio from Long Beach, California. Their first self-produced album, \u201c40oz. To Freedom\u201d (1992) and experimental follow-up, \u201cRobbin\u2019 the Hood\u201d (1994), set the stage for the breakout success of their self-titled third album. However, on May 25, 1996, Nowell tragically passed away, and the eponymous album was released on July 30, 1996.<\/p>\n
Sublime was a massive hit, selling more than 9 million copies without any live shows, topping the alternative radio charts and becoming a genre-defining influential classic.<\/p>\n
The exhibit will be complemented by a special public program on July 30.<\/p>\n
\u201cSublime\u2019s music captured a unique moment in time, blending punk, reggae, ska and alternative rock into a sound that was unmistakably their own,\u201d Kelsey Goelz, Grammy Museum curator, said. \u201cThis exhibit highlights the band\u2019s cultural impact and the vibrant Long Beach scene that nurtured the band. We\u2019re excited to give fans an intimate look at the legacy of Sublime and the enduring influence of their music.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nearly 30 years after Nowell\u2019s passing, his son Jakob Nowell has joined original members Gaugh and Wilson onstage with an undeniable musical synergy that prompted overwhelming support from fans and kickstarted a new chapter of the Sublime legacy.<\/p>\n
2026 is shaping up to be the biggest year yet for Sublime as they celebrate the 30th anniversary of their groundbreaking self-titled album with two special nights at Morrison, Colorado\u2019s Red Rocks Amphitheatre (April 17-18), marking the kickoff of a year-long celebration honoring the classic 1996 album. Sublime will also launch their very own touring music festival, Sublime Me Gusta, debuting May 9 at the scenic Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth, Texas. The band\u2019s highly anticipated new album is also set to be released in 2026.<\/p>\n