Back in the mid-90s, Sublime and 311 were at the top of their game. In 1995, 311 released a self-titled album that went multi-platinum, and in 1996 Sublime did the same. It was the heyday for the bands’ instantly-recognizable mix of reggae, alternative rock, ska and punk; such days are arguably no more, but the legions of fans that admired them both are still out there, and they have likely collected a few more in the years since.
A fair amount of those fans gathered on July 12 at Stage AE in Pittsburgh, PA for the fifth show of this year’s Unity Tour, which takes Sublime (now under the moniker Sublime with Rome, after a legal battle with Bradley Nowell’s family, and the addition of Rome Ramirez to its roster in 2009) and 311 cross-country through August 26. It’s the kind of tour that both bands are likely thrilled to be a part of, but also that they need in order to keep themselves in the public eye. Few bands can keep themselves going for so long (both formed in 1988), especially when their signature brand of genre-bending isn’t all that popular anymore.
Nevertheless, this new venue was packed, and there was enough energy there to prove that these musicians still have it “going on.” Most of that energy made its way close to the stage, in the pit, even during the show’s early hours (between 5:30 and 7:30) during which there was a steady trickling of tattooed and tank-topped individuals coming through security, crowding the beer vendors and staking out prime spots of real estate on the lawn. Overhead, the sky was blue and the sun was hot. Sweat and sunburns were destined to attend before long.
Bring on 311, they seemed to say. Bring on Nick freakin’ Hexum.
At 8:30, Sublime left the stage and the sun began to dip under the horizon. It was a nice transitional note and afforded the crowd some time to gather themselves, refuel and get ready for the main act. The setup was quick and 311 came onstage at around 9. Unlike Sublime with Rome, who seemed to show their age physically if not musically, 311 was looking good. Hexum still had boundless amounts of energy and plenty of nerdy dance moves. His voice, too, was in top shape.
The 311 set was accented with lots of running around by the two vocalists, backlighting and songs from their new album, Universal Pulse. “Sunset in July,” the main single from this album was a crowd-pleaser, as was “Rock On,” which marked the first live performance of the song. Interspersed were the more well-known 311 songs: “Transistor,” “Come Original,” “Flowing,” and “Down,” the show’s closing song. Throughout, the show was characterized mainly by Hexum’s vocals, but intense and steady guitar work melded with the bass line to perfectly complement them.
About two-thirds of the way through the set, some gongs and a bass drums were brought out and an extended bass solo was performed by the entire band. This was probably the highlight of the night, as it was a way for everyone to stretch their musical capabilities and perform something the audience likely hasn’t seen before. Though there wasn’t anything particularly dynamic about the presentation, which is what can be said about this entire show, it was nonetheless enjoyable.
As “Down” finished, the crowd erupted in applause. 311 bounded off stage, still energetic, and the venue was cleared in a very orderly fashion. The night had some fine performances, but this tour isn’t one that only a casual fan of either band should spend the money on. Hardcore fans will enjoy themselves, as will anyone who enjoys either of the band’s new albums.
311’s Universal Pulse and Sublime with Rome’s debut album, Yours Truly, are both available now.
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