Memos Tagged ‘Talent Being Raped’


Mar22010

Sublime Going On Tour….?

Awhile back I wrote an article about bands who continue to make records after the lead singer dies, trying to live off that person’s talent. We can now add a new band to that list: Sublime.

If you’ve never heard of Sublime chances are you don’t smoke weed, didn’t go to college or weren’t a teenager at some point in the 1990’s. Sublime was an intoxicating mix of stoned out/chill reggae, punk and California sunshine. Lead singer, Bradley Nowell died in 1996 right before the release of their 3rd album that catapulted them into mainstream success. A lot has been done in the following years to capitalize on their success, another cobbled together studio album of new songs and old outtakes, a live album, an acoustic album, a box set, a re-release 2 disc version of their self titled album and countless greatest hits packages. Now they are going out on tour.

In 1997, the remaining members of the band formed The Long Beach Dub Allstars with some other musicians carrying on the Sublime vibe with all new material but eventually broke up in 2002. Now, (billing themselves as) Sublime With Rome are hitting the road with Bradley Nowell replacement, Rome Ramirez for a few shows and the some possible recording sessions.

SublimewRome Sublime Going On Tour....?

Seriously? Give it a rest guys. The man is dead. Show some respect for his talent instead of raping it.

You can read the Billboard article here.



Jul102009

When The Lead Singer Dies, Don’t Rape His Talent

You know what recent trend is pissing me off more and more? Great bands who feel cheated because their iconic singer died and decide to tour with a different (always inferior) lead singer. How can you replace Jim Morrison, Freddie Mercury, Layne Staley and (I guess) Steve Perry? The answer is, you fucking can’t! Take the money you already made off their talent and pack it up. If you are going to continue touring, at least have the common decency to change the name of the goddamn band. Paul Rodgers singing with Queen is no longer Queen. It’s a simple equation. I know the Doors changed their name to the 21st Century Doors but that is only after John Densmore (the original drummer) sued them!

Another thing, so called “supergroups” don’t work. See: Audioslave, Velvet Revolver etc, etc. And while I’m at it, please die Scott Weiland and Courtney Love. It’s about time.

Thanks.