Bradley James Nowell (February 22, 1968 – May 25, 1996) was an American musician who served as the founder, lead singer, and guitarist of the band Sublime. He died at the age of 28 from a heroin overdose shortly before the release of Sublime's self-titled major label debut.Raised in Long Beach, California, Nowell developed an interest in music at a young age. His father took him on a trip to the Virgin Islands during childhood, which exposed him to reggae and dancehall music. Nowell played in various bands until forming the group Sublime with bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Bud Gaugh, whom he had met while attending California State University, Long Beach. As Sublime gained success, Nowell struggled with a worsening addiction to heroin, eventually dying of a heroin overdose while Sublime was on tour on May 25, 1996.
Woodrow Wilson Classical High School, University of California, Santa Cruz, Smoke Two Joints, Badfish, Date Rape
Nationality
American
Spouse
Troy Dendekker
Children
Jakob James Nowell
Parents
Nancy Nowell, Jim Nowell, Smoke Two Joints, Badfish, Date Rape
Siblings
Kellie Nowell
Music Groups
Sublime
Star Sign
Pisces
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Trademark
1
Frequently performed shirtless
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Quote
1
Good music is good music, and that should be enough for anybody.
2
I've never raped anyone at least as far as I can remember. We were at a party a long time ago and we were all talking about how much date rape sucked. This guy was like, 'Date rape isn't so bad; if it wasn't for date rape I'd never get laid.' Everyone at the party was laughing about it, and I was cracking up so I wrote a funny song about it. - on the story behind the Sublime song "Date Rape"
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Fact
1
After his death, his last album with Sublime is released as self-titled. [June 1996]
2
Attended California State University Long Beach, and used to perform regularly in the school café and do live outdoor performances on campus before becoming famous. He wore surf trunks, no shirt, and was tanned with long blonde hair and often performed barefoot on stage.
3
Graduated High School in Long Beach, CA in 1986.
4
Became very interested in Reggae after taking a vacation to the Caribean Islands in 1979.
5
Attended UC Santa Cruz before dropping out to pursue music.
6
Had his band's name, Sublime, tattooed across his back. Also had tattoos on his arms showing the waste in the beaches. He claims he started getting the tattoos on his arms to cover up track marks after starting heroin use.
7
After his death, he appeared in Sublime's videos as a ghostly transparent image.
8
Had a dalmation named Lou-Dog bought from a pound. The dog's previous owner was cruel to the dog and would put cigarettes out on it. Lou-Dog stayed on stage while the band performed, and after his death, his parents took over care of the dog until it died years later.
9
Died of a heroin overdose shortly before the release of Sublime's first major label album (3rd album altogether).
10
Former lead singer of the band Sublime
Soundtrack
Title
Year
Status
Character
Hardcore Henry
2015
lyrics: "Greatest Hits" - as Bradley James Nowell / music: "Greatest Hits" - as Bradley James Nowell
We Are Your Friends
2015
writer: "Santeria"
New Girl
2013
TV Series writer - 1 episode
This Is 40
2012
writer: "Santeria"
Guitar Hero World Tour
2008
Video Game writer: "Santeria"
SingStar Amped
2007
Video Game writer: "Santeria"
Remember the Daze
2007
writer: "Santeria" - as Bradley James Nowell
Knocked Up
2007
writer: "Santeria" - as Bradley James Nowell
Jericho
2007
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Fun with Dick and Jane
2005
writer: "What I Got" - as Brad Nowell
Tony Hawk's Underground
2003
Video Game lyrics: "Seed" - as Brad Nowell / music: "Seed" - as Brad Nowell
$19 Million
