I-95 Exclusive: Bud Gaugh on Sublime’s New Chapter with Jakob Nowell as Frontman

Sublime is Coming to Connecticut

Sublime is coming to New Haven’s Westville Music Bowl on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

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Ahead of this massive show, we had a chance to chat with original drummer Bud Gaugh. One of the most powerful moments in our interview came when we asked about Jakob Nowell—the new frontman of the band and son of the late Brad Nowell, Sublime’s iconic original lead singer.

Brad passed away in 1996, just as the band was breaking into the mainstream, leaving behind a lasting legacy and a young son. Now, decades later, Jakob has stepped into his father's role, bringing the story of Sublime full circle. Hearing Bud reflect on that transition was easily our favorite part of the conversation.

Lou: I think you guys are in the midst of something so special and unique. So many rock stars over the years have had kids who tried music, and Brad's son Jakob is amazing. What is so surprising as a fan is—of course, he looks like him and he sounds like him—but the charisma is very similar.

Bud: "Yeah, he's definitely got a lot of his dad's traits and stuff. You know, when we first started doing this, we were rehearsing in the studio for a couple of days for this H.R. benefit show—H.R., the singer of Bad Brains. You know, it was crazy. One moment in the studio, we were playing, and I just closed my eyes, and it was like—it brought me back 30 years. There are just certain things that he does—he's got like the same stance. You know, the way their guitar strap slings across their shoulder—it's just crazy, man."

You can listen to the complete interview below.

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