AboutGMan Expertise I can answer any/all questions in regard to "sublime". I was down with the band and Skunk Records since 1991; the year they released their second cassette, "Jah Won't Pay the Bills" until the end in 1996. I have answers to all of your questions about their music, their releases, their unreleased music, their promos, merchandise, and the like. You ask it, I'll answer it.
Experience I have extensive knowledge of "sublime" from their origin(s)through the end of their career. I have been involved with "sublime" from the early years when Kelly Vargas was on Drums, I know everything that there is to know about their early career, their rise to fame in the early 90's, & on through until May 96' when Brad passed away. I specialize in the band's merchandise. I have been collecting everything that is "sublime" since the beginning and have extensive knowledge on the subject. They released an unparalleled amount of DYI promotional merchandise before being signed to MCA & I would be glad to help you find out what piece of their BIG puzzle you are holding on to and/or what you'd like to get your hand on!
Publications I am a regular on all of the sublime chat boards and was a constant on the now defunct sublime board, "The Curb" where many people considered me the "go to guy" for information on "sublime" and the rarities that they left behind for us all.
Question Hey GMan,
I wanted to know if you could drop any knowledge on the Costa Rica trip in 93 that there is a video clip of the band playing "Leaving Babylon". was this part of a string of shows down there? any idea if there is any more video from this event or recording? Also how did they get brad to go? I know that my friends that are deep into opiates typically don't get on planes for fear of not finding them on vacation or getting busted on the plane. Either way from the video it looks like it was a sick show!
Answer Hey Chris,
Sorry for the delay... I was researching this.
All I got on this so far: I found out was that the guys came across a little money in 1993; possibly from the sale of "All You Need" to the "Fox Hunt" video game, and decided to go down to Costa Rica. They went there for some relaxation, a vacation from doing shows every night, and some inspiration for songs.
Supposedly, there were no "shows" down there. They just borrowed some equipment, set up and played. They had a video camera so their buddy, Tom Watt recorded it when they played. "Leaving Babylon" is just ONE song from a night of music that we can all hope to see in the future when the full "show" is released.
I was told that it may have also been for Brad to dry out because he was still in his early days of heroin addiction & it was easier for him to just put it down for a while back then. At this point, he was mostly strung out on Speed. I can't completely confirm that "reason" for the trip yet though.
I am still researching this so I'll get back to you when I find out some more info.
