As soon as the lights went out, screaming ensued and the band kicked into “Beautiful Disaster” -- but there was nothing disastrous about the beautiful show 311 put on Saturday night in Irvine. The Omaha band that for decades has blended cool rock, rap and reggae into the catchiest of songs returned this weekend to a familiar O.C. stomping ground, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, for the second of three Southern California stops on its annual Unity Tour, this year also featuring Sublime with Rome.
There was plenty of head-bobbing, moshing, jumping and everything in between Saturday night, thanks to lead vocalist Nick Hexum’s energy, SA Martinez’s rapping (though it was nice to get a break from that during the likes of “Amber” and “Beautiful Disaster”) and the rest of the band’s talents, all showcased throughout the set, including via an entertaining solo from drummer Chad Sexton.
“What we have here is a whole positive celebration!” Hexum said to cheers while dedicating “Down” to “all the old-school 311 fans in the house.”
There were plenty on hand, from moshers in the pit to devotees squeezed onto the lawn, and they took in a show packed with favorites. Among the more hardcore of songs was “Jackpot,” which brought out the intensity of the crowd, many of whom threw their hands up while screaming the title.
Not hearing “I’ll Be Here Awhile” or “Don’t Tread on Me” in the mix was a disappointment, but 311 outdid itself when the band joined Sexton in a brief but awesome drum session, banging large tom-toms in sync before Hexum tossed his sticks to two lucky fans and launched into “Come Original,” causing hands to go up in the air. Their set lasted nearly two hours, and while some made their way to the exits early (beating typically bad traffic out of Verizon), most stayed behind until the stage's bright green, purple and at times red lights went dim.
This also was a homecoming (of sorts) for Sublime with Rome after touring the states for some two months. “I f***in' love this sh**, man. We’re home, we’re playing for you m*****f******,” said 23-year-old replacement vocalist and guitarist Rome Ramirez - although, Fremont native that he is, he wore a Giants cap for this visit. (Drummer Bud Gaugh and bassist Eric Wilson are the ones from Long Beach.)
A mix of Sublime staples and a few (like standouts “Panic” and “PCH”) from the band’s July debut with Ramirez, Yours Truly, kept this T-shirt-reppin’ crowd (most of whom smoked more than two joints) in a nonstop frenzy. It was a sight to see, a Sublime fan base that pulled from both corners of the spectrum, from older fans who remember the late Bradley Nowell like it was yesterday (and possibly wanted to check out his vocal doppelganger) to a new generation of youth, some young enough to sit on their parents’ shoulders, who were too young to have seen the real thing.
The consensus was clear, if the two fans behind me were any indication: “He’s cool,” said the energetic blond about Ramirez. “I know,” replied the older gentleman next to her.
Far from a tribute band, Sublime with Rome proved they have a growing, well-deserved following for both their revival and new material. It was easy to see why Saturday night as soon as Ramirez opened his mouth, given his uniquely beautiful voice and the distinctive falsetto he often places at the ends of verses. (His rendition of “Rehab,” inspired by Amy Winehouse’s passing last month, really shows off his skill. Too bad he didn’t perform it here.)
Comparing him to Nowell doesn’t do either singer any justice: Ramirez should be praised for his chops as much as Nowell should be remembered for his mercurial talent.
The new Sublime got through as many classics as they could in the 90-some minutes they had, managing to include “Doin’ Time,” “Wrong Way” and “Badfish” (my all-time fave), all of which had the ska lovers in attendance joining in and grooving to the beats, with bodies swaying and hands flailing. I almost chuckled when Rome asked who knew “Santeria” to help sing it -- as if any self-respecting Sublime fan wouldn't. (I’m sure he deliberately mentioned that for the reaction it evoked.)
During one of Ramirez's finer guitar solos, some concert-goers were temporarily distracted by a guy burning a fire (using who-knows-what) in the lawn area, as has happened at so many Weenie Roasts in the past. Kinda cool, but I couldn't help but wonder: Where was security?
Audience participation during “What I Got” (abetted by a guitarist Ramirez called Cheese, if my ears didn’t deceive me) was at a high level, the frontman sparking another singalong: “It’s your turn, Orange County!” he said, holding the mic toward the crowd, who then chanted the chorus.
Rowdy fans were quick to show their dismay by yelling “no!” and booing at the mention of the set coming to a close; clearly they hadn't had enough and weren’t ready to see the band go. The vocalist quickly put a stop to that, however, re-energizing the crowd for the remainder of the show. It was as if they had read the crowd’s mind in choosing to end with “Date Rape.” “Orange County, one last time, let me hear you f***in' scream!” Ramirez shouted as he rocked out, feeding off fans' energy.
Chants of “we want more” after they left the stage were in vein. Yet Sublime with Rome still left concert-goers with fun memories from a band whose original spirit is being kept alive by a strong new voice.