Sublime Talks Legacy & Teases A 'Big' Year Ahead In 2026

Backstage at this year’s iHeart ALTer EGO presented by Capital One, iHeartRadio's Woody caught up with Sublime — Eric, Bud, and Jacob — to talk about carrying the band’s legacy into 2026 and beyond. Jacob, seated due to a recent injury, joked about the perils of too much partying at the festival, but the energy backstage was anything but low.

The band reflected on the thrill of bringing their music back to fans. “It’s been awesome, man. We’ve been having a blast,” Eric shared. “This year is going to be big for us and all the fans out there.” Bud added that the staying power of their older music comes from its honesty. “We were real back then, and the music was real. Brad sang about our everyday lives and what we experienced,” he said. “People can identify with that. The rhythms, the story — it’s about the tragedy and comedy of life.”

Jacob, stepping into his father’s legacy, has been embraced by the band and fans alike. “We never really planned it out,” Eric said. “It just happened naturally, and he’s done a great job.” The trio also discussed blending Sublime’s classic sound with new material, like their recent hit “Sonata.” “It’s our original recipe with a little extra crispy now,” Bud laughed. “Family pack.”

Despite the pressures of carrying forward such a historic sound, Jacob has thrived, and the band has loved connecting with fans in person and online. From poolside antics at previous events to high-energy performances on stage at Alter Ego, Sublime is making 2026 another year to remember.

“This is what it’s all about — sharing the music, having fun, and keeping the legacy alive,” Eric said. With that, Sublime took the stage, ready to continue the journey that began decades ago but is far from over.