In the Scene with Sublime with Rome
Photo by Gabrielle Hall
8.25.18 | by gabrielle hall
With eleven shows remaining in 2018, performing everywhere from New York to Brazil, Sublime with Rome is back at it again. Hitting the road with past albums “Yours Truly” and “Sirens,” as well as covering the greatest hits from Sublime, and bringing new music to the table, these boys are giving fans everything they could ever want and more. Most recently, Rome Ramirez, Eric Wilson and Carlos Verdugo have been headlining the 2018 Angry Orchard Rock the Roots tour, and fortunately for us, Scene:ORL was able to check in at the Orlando date.
Accompanied by local vendors, sponsored social beverages, and cliché Florida weather, Sublime with Rome brought out fans from all over the Central Florida area. They graced the stage with well-known artists Lupe Fiasco, New Politics, Collie Buddz, and Florida natives, SOWFLO. The lineup made for an amazing festival, and it was to no surprise a majority of the crowd was there for the main act.
Eric Wilson, original member of Sublime, had the crowd dazed in his presence. Photo by Gabrielle Hall
All throughout the day, guests filed in adorned with Sublime t-shirts and memorabilia. Fans, old and new, prepared themselves for the show and their chance to get a taste of history. During the evening, Scene:ORL chatted with some fans that came out to have some fun. Two women specifically stood out, a mother who has always been a Sublime fan and a daughter who cannot get enough of Rome. “Growing up my mom would blast Sublime’s ‘40 oz. to Freedom’ CD in the car and I’d seen a photo of her at one of their shows,” Shane told us. “I got more into Sublime with Rome, either way their music is something we can both enjoy.” Interjecting, Shane’s mother Maria shared, “I’m glad the legacy is continuing after all these years.”
By the time Sublime with Rome took the stage, fans had been lined up and waiting with anticipation. The excitement was sparked on a false start as roadies checked instruments and microphones. However, the green light soon arrived as the lights dimmed and cheers filled the air. Walking out first was Eric Wilson with a half smoked cigarette in hand, a studded vest, and his biker hat. Followed behind him was Rome Ramirez smiling from ear-to-ear. Next out, Carlos Verdugo headed to the back third of the stage showing off his body suit of tattoos and taking a seat at the drums. As the crowd’s roar continued, the band, complemented by a DJ and trumpet/synth player, played the first seven notes of “Date Rape,” which was more than enough to ignite the audience.
Fans belted out lyrics to every song. Photo by Gabrielle Hall
Singing along with every word to every song, fans were living life. Succeeding in the nostalgia factor, the band played a number of classics including “Wrong Way”, “Garden Grove”, “Murdera”, and “Take It or Leave It”. They also hit the crowd with their newest song in three years, “Wicked Heart” which was also serenaded back to the boys on stage. “This is the best f---ing job in the world,” Ramirez yelled into the microphone between songs. Even event security couldn’t resist lip-syncing on duty.
All in all, this night was one for the books. With one more two-day stop ahead of them on the Angry Orchard Rock the Roots tour, the boys are more than likely to exceed fan expectations. To stay up to date on all things Sublime with Rome, head to www.sublimewithrome.com and be sure to hear their latest track, “Wicked Hearts” if you haven’t already done yourself the favor.