From Nostalgia to New Energy: Sublime’s Epic Night in Brooklyn

Jakob Nowell and Sublime turned Brooklyn into a California beach party, blending classic hits with new energy for an unforgettable night.

Jakob Nowell performing live with Sublime, playing guitar and singing during a concert in front of a bright screen displaying ‘Garden Grove."

I never had the chance to see Sublime back in the ’90s. I was about 13 when “Santeria” hit the airwaves, and almost immediately, we lost Bradley Nowell. Just as the band was stepping into the mainstream, its story was tragically cut short, leaving a void in the music world and in the hearts of fans everywhere. Somehow, I missed them when they came to the East Coast back in the day, so my experience was limited to tribute acts like Badfish or the Sublime with Rome era. Both were enjoyable, but they were not Sublime.

So when I learned that Jakob Nowell, Bradley’s son, would be leading the band alongside original members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Their tour announcement was electrifying news for fans, even though New Jersey and Philadelphia weren’t on the schedule. Brooklyn was a manageable drive that could be done for a night of music.

Originally scheduled at the Brooklyn Mirage, the show was relocated to The Great Hall after the Mirage declared bankruptcy. Industrial Brooklyn isn’t known for easy parking, and navigating the streets that evening was a challenge. Inside, lines snaked like theme park queues, and wristband-only payment systems added a small layer of stress. But once we were inside, none of that mattered. The crowd, undeterred by delays or disorganization, was buzzing with energy. Everyone was dancing, singing, and clearly thrilled to be part of the night.

The Bouncing Souls, New Jersey punk legends, kicked things off with relentless energy. Opening to the iconic strains of Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”, they launched into “Hopeless Romantic”, instantly igniting the pit. This wasn’t a brief opener—they delivered 15 full songs, moshing included. Highlights included “Kate Is Great,” “True Believers,” and their cover of “Lean on Sheena.” They closed with the sing-along favorite “Gone,” leaving fans hyped and ready for what was next.

Following them, The Interrupters brought high-energy ska-punk from Los Angeles. Their set opened with “Gave You Everything” and included “On a Turntable,” “Raised by Wolves,” “She Got Arrested,” “In the Mirror,” and “She’s Kerosene.” They engaged the crowd with playful stories, helped fans in the pit, and moved around the stage with contagious enthusiasm. The Interrupters reminded everyone that live music isn’t just about the songs—it’s about connection, energy, and fun.

Finally, around 10:40 pm, the moment everyone had been waiting for took place: Sublime. The stage was set with graffiti-style backdrops and a wrong-way street sign, evoking the band’s iconic California vibe. Before the band took the stage, a fan even brought a blow-up dalmatian, which became an entertaining focal point near the front of the crowd while the band prepared.

When the opening chords of “Garden Grove” rang out, the crowd erupted. It was the perfect opener—atmospheric, laid-back, and quintessentially Sublime. From there, the setlist became a carefully crafted journey, balancing nostalgia, high-energy punk, and reggae grooves.

High-energy punk moments included “Ebin,” “Right Back,” “New Thrash,” and “Greatest Hits.” We were entertained with reggae grooves and sing-alongs of “5446 That’s My Number / Ball and Chain,” “Smoke Two Joints,” “40oz. to Freedom,” and “April 29, 1992 (Miami).” They added in the deep cuts and covers of “STP,” “Prince of Sin (Falling Idols cover),” and “Hope (Descendents cover).” They also dazzled the crowd with their new track “Ensenada.”

The closing stretch was pure Sublime magic: “Wrong Way,” “Badfish,” “Jailhouse” (Bob Marley cover), “What I Got,” “Pool Shark”, “Waiting for My Ruca,” “Feel Like That” (Stick Figure cover), “Same in the End,” and finally “Santeria.” Jakob even jumped into the VIP crowd during the final chorus, sending waves of excitement through the audience.

The audience contained a mix of generations. Parents with children, longtime fans reliving their youth, and younger fans discovering Sublime for the first time. While there wasn’t much moshing or crowd surfing, the energy was palpable—dancing, singing, and swaying to every beat. The industrial venue might have been chaotic, but inside, it felt like a beach party transplanted into Brooklyn.

Aside from the music, the band thoroughly entertained the crowd. Jakob’s voice is strikingly reminiscent of his father’s, yet he brings his own presence and energy. He commands the stage effortlessly, moving from intimate solo moments to high-octane crowd engagement. The new material, including “Ensenada,” shows promise and remains faithful to Sublime’s sound.

Another interesting track was “Feel Like That (Stick Figure cover),” which featured old vocal tracks from Sublime recordings layered with a fresh instrumental arrangement, bridging nostalgia with innovation. It felt like a conversation between past and present, giving longtime fans a sense of familiarity while introducing a new sound.

Despite delays, logistical hiccups, and the challenges of a relocated venue, the night was unforgettable. For fans who missed the original era, this felt like a gift: a chance to see Sublime live, honoring Bradley’s legacy while embracing Jakob’s presence and energy.

The setlist was carefully curated to take the audience on a journey—laid-back grooves, punk blasts, deep cuts, and timeless hits. For two hours, an industrial corner of Brooklyn turned into a beach party—complete with smoke, sun-soaked vibes, and songs that feel like summer bottled up in sound.

When the lights came up after “Santeria,” the crowd was buzzing. Jakob Nowell isn’t just carrying a torch—he’s breathing new life into a legendary band, proving that Sublime’s story isn’t over. It’s evolving, and for the fans in that Brooklyn warehouse, it was nothing short of magical.

Catch Sublime on tour now. Get more information on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) pages.