Sublime speaks out on 1st new album in 30 years, band's legacy
Ska punk band Sublime is returning to the spotlight with the release of their first new album in 30 years, "Until the Sun Explodes," a tribute to the band's late lead singer, Bradley Nowell, who died in 1996.
Nowell's son Jakob replaced his father as the band's lead singer in 2023. Jakob Nowell joins original members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh on the new release, which he called "a love letter to my father."
"It's supposed to be … an epilogue to the works of Sublime, like a victory lap," Jakob Nowell told "Good Morning America" recently. "It's a nice little fun celebration for the new generation of fans and the old generation alike."
The album's lead single, "Ensenada," was No. 1 on the Billboard's Alternative Airplay chart for eight consecutive weeks, setting the record for the longest run at No. 1 on alternative radio in 2025. "Until the Sun Explodes," the album's title track, reached No. 1 on the Mediabase Alternative radio chart and Billboard Alternative Airplay chart for three consecutive weeks.
"It seems like the fans are really digging it, so I'm really proud of how it came out," Jakob Nowell said.
Sublime was formed in 1988 and released two studio albums, 1992's "40oz. to Freedom" and 1994's "Robbin' the Hood," before finding fame with their 1996 self-titled album, which was released shortly after Bradley Nowell's death.
"Sublime" helped propel the group to stardom with hits including "Santeria," "What I Got" and "Wrong Way." The album, certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America in July 2026, has generated more than 18 million certified sales worldwide.
The group parted ways in the late '90s following Bradley Nowell's death and reunited in 2024 with a performance at Coachella.
"I think when we play these shows, a lot of people can come together, and they can sort of think about their lost loved ones," Jakob Nowell said, speaking with "GMA." "I keep on doing it and push through that emotional discomfort, because I know how much it means to so many people."
He added that he is "looking forward to seeing all the new bands that hopefully sprout up and continue on the legacy of the music that Sublime made."
2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the group's self-titled album. The trio kicked off the anniversary year with two sold-out concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado in April.
The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles also opened an exhibit commemorating the album, "Sublime: Straight From Long Beach," which is open until Sept. 7.
Additionally, the band said they plan to host a fan convention cruise, the Sublime Reef Madness, which is scheduled to set sail from Miami on its inaugural voyage on Nov. 15.
