SUBLIME FAMILY JAM | A CONVERSATION WITH KELLIE NOWELL
SUBLIME FAMILY JAM
Love’s What I Got | A Conversation with Kellie Nowell
May 8, 2024 by Kevin Gomez
The impact Sublime has on Southern California music is undeniable. Their meteoric rise was that of a legend, and when the light flickered out, the world lost more than just a music icon. With all tragedy, there also comes a byproduct that can a legacy that mirrors the power and influence their word of love, affection and inspiration brought to countless millions.
Sadly, we all know the story of the life and struggles Bradley Nowell. In his tragic passing, he left a legacy through his family and friends that is undeniably a true testament to the power of family and love.
Bradley’s sister Kellie started the Nowell Family Foundation to help assist struggling musicians battle opioid addiction. Kellie was once quoted as saying it won’t help bring Brad back, but it might prevent someone else’s family member, “from getting the same devastating news that [I] did all those years ago.” I spoke with Kellie about the incredible work the Nowell Family Foundation has done, some exciting projects coming up, and a must-see event coming up for any hardcore Sublime fans.
Kevin: When did the Nowell Family Foundation come about?
Kellie: We started it in July of 2017. At the beginning of that year, Jakob, my nephew, was in rehab. One of the things we noticed is he tended to gravitate toward other musicians in the program. We were talking about the differences because when Brad went through rehab, he wasn’t allowed to have a guitar and that was such a big thing for him. Not to say if he had a guitar that would have made all the difference, but I do think that would have helped.
There are things that are unique to people in the music industry when they’re going through this, because obviously being a sober musician is very, very challenging. It’s a foundation to raise awareness about the opioid crisis happening in the country. We put on events to raise money and awareness to give musicians scholarships for treatments. And here we are seven years later.
Kevin: As you know better than anyone, musicians and addiction, unfortunately far too often go hand in hand. The fact that you guys are reaching out to that specific subset of people is admirable and awesome.
Kellie: I believe musicians are influencers. By helping musicians then they can take that to sort of influence their fans and community, and hopefully have an exponential effect on this damn opioid crisis.
She paused and continued, I mean, my brother passed away in 1996, and here we are three decades later, and the battle of opioid addiction is more prevalent than ever. And Jakob is the same age that Brad was when he died. So, it’s so serendipitous to see it all coming together right now.
Kevin: Wow, that’s so true. Can you tell me about Bradley’s House?
Kellie: Bradley’s House is a sober living house that opened in December of 2023. Right now, we have eight beds and it’s currently all male – I would love to have a house for women, as well.
She paused ,then said, If we owned our own property (as opposed to our current lease) we could allow for pets, and horses, and our residents could be working in the yard and gardening. Before Bradley’s House, we had raised about $350,000 through pure fundraising. We’ve had about a dozen guys go through and successfully complete the program. We offer them a 90-day stay free of charge. We take care of their food and room and board. We take them to meetings and outings, daily check-ins, group stuff.
Kevin: How did the Foundation and Bradley’s House get their start?
Kellie: Law Records’ general manager, Paul Milbury had an idea for a benefit album, which eventually became “The House That Bradley Built.” It’s 55 acoustic tracks celebrating Brad and Sublime and the music that inspired them. They raised $150,000 just from that album. That’s why we were able to open Bradley’s House in December. All the profits went directly toward that.
Kevin: Can you tell me about the Nowell Family Jam at the Oceanside Museum of Art on May 11?
I think all you have to say is “rare, never-before-seen Sublime memorabilia” and people are going to come out in droves.
Kellie: (laughs) That’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. I have this dream of one day opening up a music venue with a Sublime Museum in it, and we would call the venue, “Pawn Shop.”
She went on, but the Nowell Family Jam was the idea of our new chairman, Kevin Shin. It’s going to be hosted by Jakob and (Sublime bassist) Eric Wilson. There’s going to be special guest appearances by DJ Mama Troy, Burritos and some special surprises. One of the largest collectors of Sublime memorabilia, a gentleman named Tony Bailey, has loaned his entire collection.
There’s a bunch of show flyers and press photos. We have Brad’s brown guitar, letters that Brad sent from camp and college. Plus whatever else I can find at dad’s house. I’ve been putting it off – I don’t like going through all the old stuff. It’s very emotional.
I feel really fortunate that I can still hear his voice all the time. He’s so present in my life and that’s a huge blessing, but it can also be very emotional. As much as I wish he was still around to play the music, I mostly wish he was still around to be my brother and to see his son grow up.
Kellie: Brad and Sublime had a huge impact on so many people’s lives, and here you are, helping people in your brother’s name and legacy who are battling the same demons and addictions he had. So, it’s all come full circle.
Kellie: Exactly. It really has. And it’s all because of what Brad did so long ago. It just blows my mind that the Sublime community still embrace us after all this time.
Thank you Kellie for speaking with us and all your work with the Nowell Family Foundation. ‘
Please join them this Saturday, May 11th for the Sublime Family Jam benefit concert at the Oceanside Museum of Art.
