In a dark venue, as songs such as “What I Got” and “Santeria,” flow from a stage, people might think Sublime is performing right then and there. But what they’re actually hearing is Badfish, a Sublime tribute band that has developed the kind of following usually reserved for mainstream acts.
Badfish will be performing at the House of Blues in New Orleans on Friday for the fourth time since the band began touring in 2002.
Badfish performed its first show in front of 500 people in the group’s home state of Rhode Island. Thirteen years later, the band is still touring and playing the songs of its favorite band.
The four-member group had no idea it would become as                   successful as it has. Fans of Sublime would drive all over the state to hear the music they loved so much. After attending the show, many called Badfish the “rebirth” of Sublime.
The name of the band is a tribute to Sublime in itself. “Badfish” is a song from Sublime’s 1992 album “40oz. To Freedom.” 
Badfish went on to sell out countless theaters and clubs in the U.S. The band expands its tour dates every year, but always makes a trip to Louisiana, said Joel Hanks, bass guitarist and original member of Badfish.
“We always try to make a stop in either New Orleans or Baton Rouge every year,” Hanks said. “We try to explore and always try to find some great food.”
Hanks said New Orleans has a certain appeal, and he loves             performing at the House of Blues under the “amazing lighting.”  
The band exclusively performs songs from before Sublime’s revival, Sublime with Rome, began making music. 
Badfish plays the music its band’s members loved to listen to growing up. This is because they want to stay true to the songs that inspired their group, which were performed by Sublime with its lead vocalist, the late Bradley Nowell. 
“In 1997, everyone I knew was listening to Sublime,” Hanks said. “At every party, Sublime was just everywhere. We just decided that since we liked the music, we should just have fun and play it.”
Being a tribute band doesn’t mean Badfish’s career has been easy. Members of the band have come and gone over the last 13 years. Hanks said his experience with Badfish has been hands on. 
“I’m actively involved in all parts of the business,” he said. “I do a lot with the agents and booking the tour dates. We rotate songs, but sometimes we don’t even use setlists. There’s a lot to do when running a business, and that’s partially what Badfish is.” 
Badfish has met the original members of Sublime on multiple occasions. The band has had a close relationship with former Sublime drummer Bud Gough. 
Badfish has even played shows with Sublime, which Hanks said is “an amazing experience.” The approval from former Sublime members continues to motivate Badfish while on tour. 
“One of the original members is a good friend of ours,” Hanks said. “When Sublime first reformed as Sublime with Rome we got to meet them. We’ve even met Bradley Norwell’s wife and son.” 
Badfish has replicated Sublime’s sound, but not the band’s mannerisms. The band doesn’t try to become Sublime when they put on a show. Badfish  attempts to carry on the memory of Sublime through its tours while maintaining an individual identity.
Badfish will be performing on Jan. 23 at the House of Blues in New Orleans. Tickets are $15  for general admission and $18 the day of the show. Tickets can be purchased at the House of Blues box office or at ticketmaster.com.
“In 1997, everyone I knew was listening to Sublime. At every party, Sublime was just everywhere.”