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Sublime Brings Legacy to Life at Innings Festival 2026

By Clarissa Darling on March 3, 2026

Under the Arizona evening sky at Tempe Beach Park, Sublime transformed their 6:35 p.m. set on the Home Plate Stage into a joyful celebration of sun-soaked ska-punk on Day 3 of Innings Festival 2026. With Jakob Nowell’s warm, unmistakable vocals channeling the band’s signature mix of reggae rhythms, punk energy, and hip-hop swagger, the performance felt both nostalgic and freshly alive — the kind of carefree, genre-blending sound that still feels uniquely vital in today’s music scene.

The band Sublime performs at the Innings Festival, February 20, 2026, in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo credit and copyright Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

Band Background

Formed in 1988 in Long Beach, California, Sublime originally consisted of the late Bradley Nowell on vocals and guitar, Eric Wilson on bass, and Bud Gaugh on drums. The band’s groundbreaking self-titled album arrived in 1996, just months after Bradley’s tragic passing, cementing classics like “What I Got,” “Santeria,” “Wrong Way,” “Badfish,” and “April 29, 1992 (Miami).”

After a long hiatus, Eric and Bud reunited in 2009 with Rome Ramirez as lead singer and guitarist, touring successfully for 15 years as Sublime with Rome. Rome amicably departed at the end of 2024 to focus on his solo work. He was replaced by Jakob Nowell — Bradley Nowell’s son — who stepped in to front the original rhythm section, bringing a new chapter to the band while honoring its roots. The trio has remained stable since, releasing new music and touring steadily. Sublime has appeared at major festivals worldwide and continues to draw multigenerational crowds with their laid-back yet energetic live shows.

Jakob is now coming into his own, as we caught him in Minneapolis last summer, and he had to sit down on the stage, visibly moved by the outpouring of the fans.

Band Members

Jakob Nowell – lead vocals, guitar
Eric Wilson – bass, organ, percussion, backing vocals
Bud Gaugh – drums, percussion

Setlist

Verified setlist from Innings Festival 2026:

April 29, 1992 (Miami)
Date Rape
The Ballad of Johnny Butt
Wrong Way
Right Back
New Thrash
Garden Grove
Smoke Two Joints
STP
Badfish
Jailhouse
Scarlet Begonias

There’s something quietly powerful about watching a band’s story continue across generations in such a natural way. Sublime’s Innings Festival set wove together beloved classics with the easy chemistry that only comes from deep musical family ties, creating an hour that felt like a warm invitation to anyone who has ever loved a summer anthem. If their tour or festival schedule ever lines up with your plans, it’s the kind of performance that gently reminds you why certain songs — and the bands behind them — never really fade away. Grade A+