I don’t remember exactly when I first heard a song by Incubus. But I do have a very fond memory of my now best friend of fourteen years and I bonding over “Stellar” and “I Wish You Were Here” when we first became friends. It’s kinda what set off our friendship now that I think about it. They became super popular in the 90’s and so being a 90’s baby myself, I had to be at this show. And did I mention Sublime with Rome was opening? It was truly a win-win in my book.
This was my first time at Lakewood Amphitheatre so aside from looking at a few photos on their Instagram I wasn’t sure what to expect. Once I got parked I hurried out of my car and quickly wished I wore different attire for the Atlanta humidity. On top of being 95+ that day the humidity was intense. But I knew it wouldn’t be cool in the slightest, so I made my way to the ticket counter and met my Live Nation chaperone for the evening who would escort us to the stage for each artist.
First up was The Aquadolls. The Aquadolls were founded in La Mirada, California in January of 2012 by Melissa Brooks; the lead singer and songwriter for the band. Melissa began recording bedroom demos of her songs eventually releasing “We Are Free” in early 2013, and then debuted her album Stoked on You in December 2014. Fast forward a few years to July 2018 and the new era of The Aquadolls commenced with Jacqueline Proctor (drums) and Keilah Nina (bass). Following their sophomore album, they self-released the single “Suck on This” in the summer of 2019. Then in July of 2021, The Aquadolls signed to indie label Enci Records and released their latest single “Disappearing Girl”, followed by “Xmas Wrapping” in November 2021.
They took the stage with major energy and big smiles. I was super excited to see that this was another girl group like when I photographed Meet Me @ The Altar. I wasn’t sure what to expect them to sound like or what genre they would be, but I was pleasantly surprised when I heard their first feel-good track of the night. Their music made me feel like I should have been on the beach somewhere with my toes in the sand. The harmonies were on point too! I could tell the front row was enjoying themselves too because they were dancing and swaying along with the band members on stage. I couldn’t help but dance either. Their music sounded so carefree and fun and really helped me forget how blistering hot it was, even under the shade of the amphitheater. They all looked as if they were having tons of fun too! They will for sure be someone I keep an eye on and maybe even catch a full set next time they are in town!
Next up for the night was Sublime with Rome. They are a musical collaboration between Eric Wilson, formerly from ska punk band Sublime and singer/guitarist Rome Ramirez. The group’s name is a reference to the singer’s first name, but also to the fact that they perform songs by the original Sublime, which was fronted by Bradley Nowell until his unfortunate death in 1996. The members are Rome Ramirez (lead vocals, guitar), Eric Wilson (bass, backing vocals) and Carlos Verdugo(drums, percussion.) Ramirez began performing with Bud Gaugh (Sublime) and Wilson in 2009, where they played under the name Sublime until Nowell’s estate issued a legal challenge to the use of the trademarked name for a venture not including Nowell. As a result, they changed their name to Sublime with Rome in January 2010. The group played at the 2009 Smokeout Festival and embarked on their first tour in 2010, before releasing their debut album, Yours Truly, on July 12, 2011. Gaugh left the band, and was replaced by Josh Freese. The lineup of Wilson, Ramirez and Freese recorded the group’s second album Sirens, which was released in 2015. Sublime with Rome’s third lineup change took place in 2017, when Verdugo replaced Freese. In May of 2019 the new trio released their first album together, and the third for Sublime With Rome, titled Blessings featuring their song “Wicked Heart” as the album’s first single, which reached No. 34 on Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart.
As soon as the stage lights changed and smoke started to roll out everyone in the crowd screamed. I couldn’t help but get excited as well. I wasn’t sure what they would perform but I knew all I wanted to hear was “Santeria”. They Opened with “April 29. 1992 (Miami)” while they performed, imagery of riots, police officers, etc. illuminated on the huge screens behind them. They stayed pretty stationary for the most part aside from a few members moving around a little, so it was completely different from what I just experienced at my last metal show. Which was nice because I wasn’t worried about missing focus like I usually am. Rome was nothing but smiles the whole time. It was obvious he was loving every second on that stage. Next they performed “Badfish” which I was super excited to hear and soon learned that so was everyone else because the whole crowd quickly joined in and sang along. I couldn’t help but sing too and smile. It was surreal to me at that moment that I was even there seeing and hearing what I was. Then they performed “Pawn Shop” which excited me because I knew this one as well. They had the whole crowd swaying and smiling. It’s also important to note that Rome’s vocals were amazing and made it all that more surreal because he sounded exactly like he had in all the songs I had listened to all the years I’ve been listening to Sublime. If you’re a fan as well I highly recommend you check out the tour before it’s too late. You won’t regret it!
Finally, it was time for Incubus to take the stage. Incubus is an American rock band from Calabasas, California. The band was formed in 1991 by Brandon Boyd( lead vocals), Mike Einziger (lead guitar), and José Pasillas (drums) while enrolled in Calabasas High School. They later expanded to include bassist Alex Katunich, and Gavin Koppell; both were later replaced by bassist Ben Kenney and DJ Kilmore. After their first two albums, Fungus Amongus (1995) and S.C.I.E.N.C.E. (1997), the band earned mainstream recognition with the release of their 1999 album Make Yourself which gave birth to several hits, including the band’s highest charting song “Drive.” Success continued with the albums Morning View (2001) and A Crow Left of the Murder… (2004). Their sixth studio album, “Light Grenades”, debuted at No. 1 in 2006 and was followed by Incubus’s first greatest hits album Monuments and Melodies in June 2009 and the band’s 2011 album, If Not Now, When?. Incubus also released an EP, Trust Fall (Side A), in early 2015, and two years later, the band released their eighth studio album, titled 8, on April 21, 2017. A second EP, Trust Fall (Side B), was released on April 17, 2020.
The lights dimmed and it was suddenly pitch black. Everyone screamed and then out of nowhere a spotlight appeared on stage and illuminated Brandon. The rest of the stage slowly glowed to life and they started their set with “Nice To Know You” which quickly had the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs. Not a single soul was silent. Everyone I saw knew the words, like ALL the words. I only knew the chorus and felt ashamed. Next was “Circles” I didn’t know this one but once again the crowd knew all the words. I even saw one girl on the front row crying at one point. I imagine she was overjoyed with what she was witnessing just like I was. It made me smile to see her happily living her dream. The whole band sounded seamless together and it was very apparent they had been performing together for a while. They didn’t jump around or do any crazy dance moves, but I saw several of them lost in the moment at different times during the night and was reassured that they were having a good time on stage performing for us. Next up was “Wish You Were Here” which quickly had my eyes watering. Brandon’s vocals were immaculate and it was even better than I had imagined it would be live. I felt like I was dreaming honestly. I hate to keep using the word but it truly was surreal. All in all, it was an amazing show and I can’t believe I was there. After all these years they all still sounded so amazing and truly belonged on that stage. I can’t wait to see them again because it was the highlight of the year for me.
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