Considered musical innovators and pioneers of the ska/reggae/punk spinoff genre. The band formed in Long Beach, California by vocalist/guitarist Brad Nowell, bassist Eric Wilson, and drummer Bud Gaugh. From virtually the band's inception to after its demise, Nowell's dalmation, Lou Dog, would be the official band mascot. For periods in which Gaugh was in rehab, drummer Kelly Vargas filled in when necessary.
Though the band's career was cut tragically short by the overdose of Nowell, they built a solid cult-following and reached mainstream popularity with their third and final outing, "Sublime". Though Nowell would never live to see the entity that would be his band, his legacy continues with the popularity of his music.
The band broke up shortly after Nowell's death, as they saw no way they could continue under the Sublime banner. The two would go on to form the Long Beach Dub All Stars, with Wilson moving on to Long Beach Shortbus a few albums later. Bud Gaugh has apparently retired from professional musicianship.
