Sublime Re-launches with Bradley Nowells Son Jakob, Announces New Album and Tour

After a decade of silence, the Long Beach ska‑punk trio known for blending reggae, punk and hip‑hop has returned to the stage and the studio, this time led by Bradley Nowell’s son Jakob. The new lineup—bassist Eric Wilson, drummer Bud Gaugh and vocalist Jakob Nowell—will drop a full‑length record, Until the Sun Explodes, on June 12 2026 through Atlantic Records and kick off a nationwide tour later that summer.

Jakob Nowell, born June 25 1995, joined the band in 2023 following work with LAW and his own project, Jakobs Castle. He had already performed with Sublime on several occasions before being named the official frontman. The trio’s new material will be paired with the classic hits that fans have long associated with the group.

Sublime’s roots trace back to 1988, when Bradley Nowell, Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh met at California State University, Long Beach. Their first two independent releases, 40 oz. to Freedom (1992) and Robbin’ the Hood (1994), built a regional following that would eventually propel the self‑titled album of 1996—released two months after Nowell’s death—to No. 13 on the Billboard 200. Tracks like “What I Got,” “Santeria” and “Wrong Way” became staples, and by 2009 the band had sold more than 17 million albums worldwide.

In 2009 the surviving members attempted to revive the brand with guitarist Rome Ramirez, forming Sublime with Rome. A 2024 court ruling barred that lineup from using the Sublime name without permission from Nowell’s estate, prompting Wilson and Gaugh to return to the original name in 2023 and bring Jakob into the fold.

According to the band’s official website, Until the Sun Explodes is the first full‑length release featuring Jakob on vocals. The album’s title track serves as the lead single and is available for streaming ahead of the release date. The project is described as an “epilogue” that honors Bradley Nowell’s legacy while presenting a new generation’s perspective.

The upcoming tour will begin in August 2026, with dates announced across major U.S. venues. The band’s management has stated that the tour will include a mix of classic hits and new material from the album. Fans of the original lineup have expressed enthusiasm for the reunion, citing the continuity of the band’s signature sound and the symbolic significance of Jakob stepping into his father’s role.

Industry observers note that the re‑formation aligns with a broader trend of legacy acts re‑introducing themselves to contemporary audiences. The partnership with Atlantic Records provides a major label platform for the new release, while the band’s long history of independent touring and grassroots promotion remains a key part of its identity.

The band’s official social‑media channels have posted rehearsal footage featuring Jakob, Wilson and Gaugh, highlighting the collaborative songwriting process that mirrors the original trio’s approach. The footage shows Jakob contributing chord progressions and vocal melodies, while Wilson and Gaugh provide rhythmic foundations.

As of now, Until the Sun Explodes is scheduled for a June 12 2026 release, and the tour will commence in August. The band’s return marks a full circle for the legacy of Bradley Nowell and offers a new chapter for fans and the broader music community.