Sublime to perform at Vans Warped Tour in Long Beach

Sublime is making a comeback to Long Beach. The renowned band will grace the Vans Warped Tour stage next month, bringing back memories to the city where their musical journey began.

The Mayor of Long Beach, Rex Richardson, unveiled this exciting news during his annual economic forum, Grow Long Beach, highlighting the city’s evolution into a burgeoning center for music, entertainment, and tourism. Richardson expressed his pride in the band, stating that no other group is better suited to represent Long Beach. He then welcomed Jakob Nowell, the son of Sublime’s late lead singer, Bradley Nowell, who has stepped up as the new vocalist for the band.

Jakob Nowell, visibly excited to be back in his hometown, serenaded the crowd with an acoustic rendition of “What I Got,” using a guitar that once belonged to his father. Additionally, Richardson promised to dedicate an upcoming street in Long Beach to Sublime, calling it Sublime Way in honor of the band’s legacy.

The return of Sublime signifies a significant homecoming for the city’s local heroes and serves as a testament to Long Beach’s continuous contribution to music history. In line with this spirit, Mayor Richardson has been advocating for a new coastal amphitheater slated to open next year near the Queen Mary. The drive to position Long Beach as a premier destination for music, entertainment, and tourism is already yielding positive outcomes, with hotel reservations for 2026 surpassing the current year’s bookings.

Looking ahead, Long Beach anticipates a vibrant concert calendar next summer, with an influx of visitors expected over the following years leading up to the 2028 Summer Games. The city is gearing up to host 2 million attendees for a total of 11 Olympic and seven Paralympic events, further solidifying its reputation as a dynamic urban center.

Jakob Nowell, a Long Beach native raised by his grandparents, expressed his excitement about the city’s transformation, underscoring a new era for Long Beach. Sublime is set to release a new single this summer and is actively working on their first studio album in several decades. Despite the passing of Bradley Nowell, the band’s enduring legacy remains an inspiration to music enthusiasts worldwide.

The Vans Warped Tour, featuring a diverse lineup of artists such as Bowling for Soup, Dropkick Murphys, and Ice-T, is set to be the largest music festival in Long Beach’s history. With an estimated 85,000 attendees daily, the event will take place on July 26 and 27 along Long Beach’s picturesque waterfront, showcasing the city’s rich musical heritage.