Bradley Nowell (1968-1996) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the ska punk band Sublime. He played guitar and bass, as well as some keyboards, and was the primary songwriter for the band. His distinct, smooth vocal style blended punk, reggae, and ska influences, and he often wrote about his personal experiences and struggles with drug addiction. His death from a heroin overdose in 1996 at the age of 28 led to the band’s dissolution. His posthumous solo album, Brad Nowell Acoustic: Live, was released in 1998.
| Name | Bradley Nowell |
| Born | February 22, 1968 |
| Genres | Ska, punk rock, reggae, hip hop |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, bass guitar, keyboards |
| Associated acts | Sublime, Long Beach Dub Allstars, Dub Cat |
| Labels | MCA, Skunk |
10 Best Bradley Nowell Quotes
“I never plan ahead. I just go with what happens.”
– Bradley Nowell, from Rolling Stone
“The first time I ever got high was with a joint of oregano.”
– Bradley Nowell, from Rolling Stone
“I bought my first guitar in fourth or fifth grade. I had to save up my own money — I think it was $135. It was a Yamaha dreadnought.”
– Bradley Nowell, from Guitar World
“Some people just don’t understand our music, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get into it.”
– Bradley Nowell, from Guitar World
“Just playing for people who don’t care about what you’re doing is a great experience — it’s like a challenge to try to make them care.”
– Bradley Nowell, from The Guardian
“We’re not a punk rock band, we’re not a ska band, we’re not a reggae band — we’re just Sublime.”
– Bradley Nowell, from The Guardian
“I’d rather play to five people and have them all be into it than to play to 500 people who are just standing there.”
– Bradley Nowell, from The Stranger
“I believe that young people have the most energy and are the most creative, and if their energy is channeled in the right direction, great things can happen.”
– Bradley Nowell, from The Stranger
“I’m just trying to write lyrics that people can relate to and express myself.”
– Bradley Nowell, from Loudwire
“I don’t think I ever wanted to be famous, I just wanted to play music, and that’s it.”
– Bradley Nowell, from Loudwire
4 Bradley Nowell Quotes About Sublime
“We want to play music that we enjoy. We don’t care about what other people think. We’re happy to play in front of 10 people or 10,000 people. We just want to have a good time.”
– Bradley Nowell, from PunkNews.org
“Sublime was basically a party band. We wanted to make people feel happy and have a good time. That was our main goal.”
– Bradley Nowell, from YouTube
“We’re just a bunch of kids from Long Beach trying to make it.”
– Bradley Nowell, from YouTube
“We just want to get up on stage and have a good time.”
– Bradley Nowell, from YouTube
6 Inspirational Bradley Nowell Quotes
“Sometimes I think that I’m just doin’ this because I just don’t know any better.”
– Bradley Nowell, from Sublime.net
“If you don’t have a good message, then you don’t have anything to stand for.”
– Bradley Nowell, from YouTube
“I just want to make music that will last after I’m gone.”
– Bradley Nowell, from YouTube
“I want to write songs that people can relate to on some really personal level, and songs that can really touch people’s hearts.”
– Bradley Nowell, from YouTube
“I just want to make music that will make people feel good and make people think.”
– Bradley Nowell, from YouTube
“I’m trying to write songs that are honest and true and real and come from my heart.”
– Bradley Nowell, from YouTube
8 Famous Bradley Nowell Quotes
“I don’t want to be just another guy with a guitar.”
– Bradley Nowell, from Sublime Sound
“We’re all just out here trying to make a living, but at the same time, trying to make something of ourselves.”
– Bradley Nowell, from Mental Floss
“I’m just a punk rocker trying to make it in this world.”
– Bradley Nowell, from Interview Magazine
“I feel punk is a state of mind. It’s not about how you look or how you dress. It’s how you think.”
– Bradley Nowell, from Rolling Stone
“I’ve been in a really good mood for the last couple weeks. Nothing to complain about.”
– Bradley Nowell, from Spin Magazine
“I’m a big fan of Bob Marley and the Wailers. I’m also a big fan of the Clash, the Beat, and Fishbone.”
– Bradley Nowell, from OC Weekly
“I’m just trying to make an album that I want to listen to.”
– Bradley Nowell, from Grammy.com
“It’s not because I’m punk rock or anything, it’s just the way I am.”
– Bradley Nowell, from Vice
7 Bradley Nowell Quotes About Love
“I just want everyone to be happy, that’s all. Love one another”
– Bradley Nowell, from YouTube
“She’s the one that I love, it’s her that I need”
– Bradley Nowell, from YouTube
“I love playing live for the people. That’s where it’s at. There’s nothing like playing for people who love you and care about what you do.”
– Bradley Nowell, from YouTube
“My love will be in the sky above and beyond”
– Bradley Nowell, from YouTube
“My love will never die, it’s gonna stay alive until the day I die”
– Bradley Nowell, from YouTube
“Love is like a flower, it needs to be nurtured and cared for”
– Bradley Nowell, from YouTube
“Love is what I’m all about”
– Bradley Nowell, from YouTube
7 Bradley Nowell Quotes About Life
“I just want to be remembered as somebody who did something worthwhile in life.”
– Bradley Nowell, from Rolling Stone
“I’m not asking for a lot, really. I just want to be able to do what I do, have a bit of a good time, and leave my mark on life.”
– Bradley Nowell, from Rolling Stone
“I’m all about having fun, so if I’m not having fun I’m not doing it.”
– Bradley Nowell, from Rolling Stone
“I’m trying to enjoy my life and put some positive energy out into the world.”
– Bradley Nowell, from Rolling Stone
“I’m not trying to change the world, I’m just trying to make it a better place.”
– Bradley Nowell, from Rolling Stone
“I want to be able to make a living and be able to do the things I want to do in life.”
– Bradley Nowell, from AllMusic
“I just want to make as much music as I can and express myself in as many ways as I can before I die.”
– Bradley Nowell, from AllMusic
5 Quotes About Bradley Nowell
“Bradley Nowell was an amazing musician and a great person. He was a true artist and he is still missed”
– Anonymous, from Quora
“I can only imagine what Bradley Nowell would have accomplished if he were alive today. The world was robbed of a true musical genius”
– Anonymous, from Quora
“Bradley Nowell was one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the 90s and his music is timeless”
– Anonymous, from Ranker
“Bradley Nowell’s music was like a voice for people who didn’t have one. He was a poet and a true artist”
– Anonymous, from AZquotes
“Bradley Nowell was a true pioneer in the music industry. His talent, energy and passion will never be forgotten”
– Anonymous, from BrainyQuote
Interview with Bradley Nowell
Frequently Asked Questions About Bradley Nowell
1. What were some of Bradley Nowell’s most famous quotes?
Bradley Nowell was an American musician, singer, songwriter and guitarist best known as the co-founder and lead singer of the ska punk band Sublime. Nowell’s songwriting and lyrical content were an integral part of the band’s success, and he is remembered for his unique vocal style, melodic songwriting, and tragic death. Here are some of Bradley Nowell’s most famous quotes:
- “Life is too short to sit around thinking about your regrets.”
- “Live life to the fullest and never worry about what people think.”
- “No matter how hard things get, never give up on your dreams.”
- “Music is the language of the soul.”
- “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
- “The most important thing in life is to stay positive and never give up.”
- “The only thing that matters is that you are true to yourself.”
- “You can’t control everything, but you can control your attitude.”
- “No one can tell you what to do, but you can always ask for help.”
2. How did Bradley Nowell’s music influence the punk rock genre?
Bradley Nowell’s music had a profound influence on the punk rock genre. His music was characterized by a raw and energetic sound that combined aggressive punk rock riffs with melodic reggae and ska elements. His lyrics often explored themes of love, loss, and freedom.
- Nowell’s music provided a unique blend of punk and reggae elements, creating a distinct sound that influenced many punk bands.
- He often wrote lyrics that touched on personal issues, such as love, heartbreak, and freedom.
- Nowell was also one of the first punk musicians to explore the genre’s political side, writing songs that addressed issues of racism, classism, and economic inequality.
- Nowell’s influence on the punk rock genre cannot be overstated, as his music helped to shape and define the genre.
3. What was the last song Bradley Nowell wrote before his death?
Bradley Nowell was an American musician, singer, and songwriter best known for being the founder and lead singer of the ska punk band Sublime. Sadly, Bradley Nowell passed away in May 1996 due to a heroin overdose.
Before his death, Nowell wrote a number of songs. One of the last songs he wrote before his death was titled “Waiting for My Ruca”. The song was released on the album “Sublime” in 1996. It has since become a fan favorite and is a great example of Nowell’s songwriting skills.
The lyrics of the song are about a man waiting for his lover, Ruca, to come back home. He is in a state of anticipation, hoping that she will return soon and that they will be reunited. The lyrics are heartfelt and evoke a feeling of longing and sadness.
The song was an instant classic and is often cited as one of Nowell’s best works. It is a testament to his songwriting ability and his lasting legacy.
- Waiting for My Ruca (1996)
4. How did Bradley Nowell’s life story inspire the band Sublime?
Bradley Nowell was a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist who had an extraordinary impact on the punk rock scene in the 1980s and 1990s. His life story and music inspired the band Sublime, a ska punk band from Long Beach, California. The band’s members, Nowell, Eric Wilson, and Bud Gaugh, formed the band in 1988. Here are some ways Nowell’s life story inspired the band Sublime:
- Nowell’s struggles with drug addiction and depression were a major source of inspiration for the band. Several of their songs, such as “Badfish”, “What I Got” and “Wrong Way”, were direct reflections of Nowell’s battle with addiction.
- Nowell’s unique style of punk rock that incorporated elements of other genres, such as ska and reggae, was an important influence on Sublime’s sound.
- Nowell’s love of California and its culture were a major influence on the band’s songs, which often incorporated references to the state’s culture and lifestyle.
- Nowell’s passion for music and his enthusiasm for living life to its fullest were a major source of inspiration for the band.
The legacy of Bradley Nowell and his music live on in the band Sublime, who have become one of the most beloved and influential punk rock bands of all time.
5. What impact did Bradley Nowell’s lyrics have on his fans?
Bradley Nowell’s lyrics had a profound impact on his fans. His words resonated with the youth of the 1990s and continue to do so today. Here are just a few of the ways Nowell’s lyrics impacted his fans:
- His lyrics provided a voice for Gen Xers and Millennials, expressing feelings of alienation and angst.
- His lyrics offered hope and a sense of belonging for those struggling with depression, drug addiction, and other issues.
- His lyrics inspired fans to pursue their dreams and live life to the fullest.
- His lyrics served as a reminder to focus on the positive and not let the bad times bring you down.
- His lyrics provided a platform for social and political issues, giving a voice to the voiceless.
Nowell’s lyrics will live on for generations to come, and his impact on his fans will never be forgotten.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bradley Nowell was a legendary artist and musician who had a profound impact on the music industry and the punk rock genre. His work and words continue to inspire and motivate many artists around the world. His quotes demonstrate his unwavering belief in the power of music and its ability to bring people together. He will forever be remembered for his passion and influence in the music world.
