Badfish, Sublime Tribute Band, Returns to Portland, Maine, on 4/19

Badfish is coming back to the State Theatre in Portland on... 4/19. Ahhh, we were so close!  We almost secured them on the sacred day that is 4/20 for a third year in a row. This time, it will be the eve of, so more of a pre-party, warm up this year.

Let’s take it back for a sec. Sublime, the SoCal legends, hit the mainstream in 1996—tragically just months after the death of their frontman, Bradley Nowell. Their self-titled album, packed with all the bangers you know and love like "What I Got", "Santeria," "Caress Me Down" and  "Wrong Way"  became the soundtrack of the late '90s.

I remember working at a record store in New Hampshire that fall, and it felt like every other CD (or cassette tape—because yes, I’m ancient) I scanned was that iconic album that fearured Bradley's back tattoo of the band's logo on the cover. Sublime was everywhere, even without their beloved lead singer.

Flash forward to 2001, when Badfish hit the scene—not just as a Sublime tribute band, but as the Sublime tribute band. Named after the classic track, they brought Bradley's energy and vibe back to the stage, building a loyal fan base that’s been vibing ever since.

Now, Portland gets to feel those beachy ska-punk vibes again when WCYY presents Badfish at the State Theatre on Friday, April 19th. It's the perfect way to kick off 4/20 weekend. So, grab your tickets, light your... calendars, and get ready for a night of Sublime nostalgia.