SublimeSublime’s performance this weekend at California’s 2009 Smokeout Festival was tainted over animosity between the band’s current members, and the family of deceased lead singer, Brad Nowell.

The Nowell estate released an official statement to the Los Angeles times: “Our hope is that Brad’s 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.”

Nowell died in 1996 of a heroine overdose, forcing the band to band to break up. In September 2009, Guitarist Eric Wilson and drummer Bug Gaugh reunited with current singer Rome Ramirez to reform the original sound of the punk-reggae group.

The Marijuana culture-inspired Smokeout Festival, which took place in San Bernadino, also featured performances by Method Man, Redman, Cypress hill, Pennywise, and was hosted by Cheech and Chong. Sublime’s style was the ideal blend for the show’s laidback atmosphere, and the band members felt it was important to go by the name that fans are familiarized with.

“While we all mourn the passing of our brother and bandmate Bradley Nowell some 13 years ago, Sublime still has a strong message of hope and love to share — a message that is especially important in these difficult times,” Gaugh and Wilson’s stated.

While the band was victorious in the United States district court, Silverback management, the company currently managing the group, continues to try to halt the reunion.

There have been no official announcements of an upcoming album.






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