Meeting "Sublime With Rome"

During 1996-1997, one of the biggest staples of Modern Rock radio stations was the band Sublime. "What I Got" soared to #1 on the Modern Rock Chart, followed by "Wrong Way", "Santeria" and "Doin' Time" from their popular self-titled release in 1996. Unfortunately, just two months prior to the trio's major label release of their most successful selling album to date, Sublime's front man, Bradley Nowell died from a heroin overdose. Surviving band members, bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Bud Gaugh had no interest in continuing Sublime, thus Nowell's death effectively marked the end of one of the most successful ska-punk bands to date. Sublime has sold 17 million units and even as a post-humous band, remain one of the most popular bands of the 1990's.

After a 13 year absence, Wilson and Gaugh reunited, bringing Rome Ramirez as the new lead singer of Sublime. A court battle ensued with the deceased Nowell's family and eventually the new incarnation became known as "Sublime With Rome". Getting ready to begin a North American tour and eventually traveling overseas for a European tour, "Sublime With Rome" appeared on a radio talk show4/19/2010 here in Los Angeles. I arrived at the studio a few minutes before midnight and soon the band members came out for a smoke break. I didn't bother them, as I knew that they would be leaving the studio in the next few minutes. The band went back in for a final segment and about 5 minutes later came out of the studio. I asked if they would sign some autographs for me and they obliged. Rome Ramirez took my silver Sharpie, signing the two photos I had of the "Sublime With Rome" lineup. Next Bud Garaugh signed these two photos, as well as three photographs of the vintage "Sublime" lineup that included Nowell. When Garaugh finished he handed the pen to Wilson who inked all five photos with no problem. I was the only collector there to meet them, so I thanked them for their time and left.