Clad in a striped tank top with a neon green cannabis emblazoned on his guitar, Rome Ramirez rocked to a 21+ crowd Thursday night at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland with Sublime members Eric Wilson on bass, Bud Gaugh on drums and Todd Forman on saxophone and keyboard.

At 22, it’s strange to think that Rome would not have been let into the venue when he first collaborated with Sublime in February 2009.

Rome’s voice is melodic and full, and he nails the music that former frontman Bradley Nowell established in 1988, which coincidentally was when Rome was born.

Nowell died tragically of a heroin overdose at 28, four months shy of the release of Sublime’s self-titled third studio album in 1996.

As of last year, Sublime would go on to sell over 17 million records worldwide, but has not played the songs for which they’re most famous for live in 15 years, until they found Rome.

Headlining as Sublime with Rome led many to wonder if they were a cover band for the real thing.

But the original Sublime name died with Bradley and after lawsuit threats from Bradley’s family and a judge’s ruling, the original members decided to rename their new band, Sublime with Rome.

And though Rome’s voice is similar to Bradley’s, it’s not as sandpapery, raspy or as slightly sad. But he’s got immense talent and originality, and his addition to the band will undoubtedly please the overprotective fans of Sublime.

Rome learned to play guitar at 11, and his first song was Sublime’s “Wrong Way.”

“My biggest inspiration as a kid was Bradley, so when you're constantly comparing me to Brad you're comparing me to one of the greatest. Nothing wrong with being compared to one of the greatest. You can compare me to my favorite all day long," said Rome.

The Dirty Heads opened for Sublime with Rome, and they brought the crowd to their feet as they swayed and danced in the aisles to the mostly reggae numbers.

“Stand Tall” led to the audience singing along, as well as their last song, “Lay Me Down,” in which Rome was featured.

Dustin “Duddy” Bushnell’s voice reminds one of Eminem, but their distinctly different styles set Duddy apart. You picture a beach, a lot of sun and palm trees swaying in the distance when you hear The Dirty Heads.

As Sublime with Rome came on, screams from roughly 3,700 people erupted into the showroom and the shaking floor from the crowd jumping up and down was a testament to how much these guys are loved.

“Date Rape” from their debut album “40 Oz. to Freedom” was the second song in and they played an equal mix of ska, reggae and punk from “40 Oz.” to “Robbin’ the Hood” to “Sublime,” plus a handful of new songs they expect to release as an album next year.

Rome would at times look at his band mates and break into big smiles.

“Not only did I idolize them, but those guys were my favorite band. Now I get to play with them. That's a feeling, man, it's incomparable. It's like winning the lottery. You really have to be in that situation to understand how it feels. It's crazy. I'm excited every day. Is it destiny or is it luck? I've had this conversation a million times," said Rome.

The greatest part of the concert came at the end, when for their encore they played “What I Got,” and last song of the night, “Santeria.”

The crowd was worked into a frenzy cheering them on and even though some folks put their fingers in their ears to drown out the sound, nothing could’ve stopped the screams.

SLIDESHOW:

Reach Roselle here.
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