Photo by: Blogs.DenverPost.com

A new chapter in the ska-punk legacy of Sublime is evident in the group’s current tour that features  singer Rome Ramirez whose name has become part of the band’s new name, now Sublime with Rome.

Fans need not worry since the band sounds as good as it did back in the 1990s.

Always innovative, the group was known for blending a variety of musical styles. From ska to reggae, hip-hop to punk, their music is both raunchy and fun.  

The story behind the band is filled with strange twists and sadness. Formed in Long Beach, Calif., in 1988, the group slowly went from the garage punk band playing back yard parties to a highly respected and beloved group credited with helping to revive interest in the punk scene.

The group’s debut album, 40 Oz. to Freedom was an underground hit for those in the know. It wasn’t until the release of the band’s third album, Sublime, and the success of song, “What I Got” that they became bona fide stars.

Sadly, lead singer Brad Nowell died of a heroin overdose before experiencing the band’s future success.

After Nowell’s death the group immediately disbanded. In 2009, they reunited and are now touring with Ramirez to much success.

Playing to a sold out crowd at the Fillmore on April 27, Sublime with Rome performed basically every song any fan would want to hear. Starting things off with “Get Ready,” Ramirez and the group blazed through classics like “Jailhouse,” “Wrong Way,” “Scarlet Begonias,” “Santeria” and “Under My Voodoo.”

The set was a true homage to Nowell and the spirit of the group.

Ramirez sounds enough like Nowell that you could almost forget for a minute he wasn’t up there playing.

Although the concert ended after only an hour and a half, the group played enough of its songs that it felt like they had played for an extra two hours.

With an encore of “What I Got” and “Badfish,” it’s clear Sublime with Rome should keep touring and possibly with new material.