AboutMatt Maguire Expertise I am new to allexperts, but have plenty of knowledge and experience in the realm of Sublime. Guarantee: you will receive an answer within 2 days of posting the question -- I have no feedback so far and would like to build some.
I can answer most questions about the band, the significance of the lyrics, the show dates,
the unreleased albums and tracks, misinformation, and, above all, I am an expert on their
influences and related music.
Experience I have been a huge fan for 14 years, I ran a server which distributed Sublime's live and unreleased music 24/7 for 4 years, I have answered questions about the band daily for years on their old website, and I know some of the largest collectors in the world. I created the 5 CD bootleg "Rewind Selector" which documents the influences of Sublime and was the topic of a Spin Magazine interview.
Education/Credentials I did not study music in college, but I majored in English, so I can write a clear response. I worked as a research assistant in the past, so I have skills in research if I need to figure out an answer.
Past/Present Clients Sublime fans aren't my clients, but I have distributed swag and rare tracks to all those who want them for years at no cost.
Expert: Matt Maguire Date: 4/22/2008 Subject: Songs about H
Question Ok, this is going to sound weird. But quite obviously a lot of Sublime songs are clearly about Brad's heroin addiction (Pool Shark, Ballad of Johnny Butt, Greatest Hits, New Song, etc.). Do you know if there was ever anything said by Bud or Eric about how it was for them playing songs written by Brad about his addiction? I don't know if that makes sense... like did they ever say if it was weird for them to be playing on songs about how Brad was just absolutely addicted to heroin and thinking about it all the time? It just strikes me as something that would have to affect the other members of the group to a pretty big extent. Thanks.
Answer I don't think there is much said in particular about the songs, but there was plenty said post-Brad about the drugs. In interviews on Stories, Tales, Lies, and Exaggerations and in the book Crazy Fool, all types chime in on the dark side of the drugs, from Gwen Stefani to Brad's parents. Keep in mind that Bud was into heroin first, hence Vargas "stepping in and making it happen" on 40oz to Freedom. Just recently a member of the band's crew died a drug related death, sadly. That stuff can have a hell of a grip.
Many of his songs aren't only about heroin. Brad died from the most dangerous of the drugs, but he also dabbled in speed, pills, excessive alcohol abuse, and more. Ballad of Johnny Butt is a Secret Hate cover, by the way.
I hope this helps to answer your question, but in short, there isn't any footage or recording of the band commenting on the lyrics of the songs or the effect on them. If you ever get a chance to ask, that might be a good question.
