Sublime are one of the most notable and successful ska-punk bands of all time. After the passing of singer Bradley Nowell in 1998, Sublime would re-emerge in 2011 with their new singer/guitarist, Rome. Way back in 2012 we were lucky enough to have them tour our shores off the back of the then release, Yours Truly. Now they are back down under again to unleash not only all the goodness of the past but the present as well, with tracks from the 2015 release, Sirens.

Sublime take to the stage and there is no real messing about as they open things up with Date Rape and Smoke Two Joints, which as you would expect got the Big Top blazing, followed with Wrong Way. Wow! I am just stunned. That is one hell of a set opener after which, Sublime With Rome, receive a standing ovation from the crowd with wolf whistle and all. Front man Rome takes a second to catch his breath and acknowledge the crowd and show his and the whole bands appreciation for being back after all this time.

You got to love that chilled Sublime sound filling up the halls of the Big Top. The bass and guitar just had us all grooving along nodding our heads and feeling real chilled. Tracks like Badfish and Doin Time were well received and sounded great. I loved the cover of The Descendants, Hope. It wasn’t all chill all night as the odd circle pit got going, I even saw one crowd surfer. But for the most part it was chicks on dudes shoulders and the sway of bodies feeling the vibe. The night was so cool it would have been impossible not to have a good time. Oh, have I mentioned the sweet smell of Mary Jane that hovered for most of the set list, just adding to the whole awesome live music experience we were all having.

All good things must end and tonight they ended in a superb fashion as they gave us, What I Got and Santeria. People are often skeptical when a new frontman takes over, but I found Rome paid the utmost respect to the original Sublime entity, and after tonights cracker of a show, I can see a defiant love reaffirmed for the band as they laid down their sound of absolute Ska Punk goodness.

Review – Chad

Photo Gallery – Christian Ross