Concert Review: Sublime tribute band lives up to anticipation

Badfish, the tribute band to one of the most popular reggae-punk bands, Sublime, rocked out the House of Blues in Anaheim on Sunday. From 7 p.m., when the doors opened, the crowd was eagerly waiting the arrival of the band. As the curtain slowly opened, the screaming fans cheered "BadFish!"

Drummer Scott Begin pumped up the crowd early as lead vocalist Pat Downes showed off his ability to sound identical to the late Bradley Nowell with the opening fan favorite “Ball and Chain.” However, the band could not be complete without Ben Schomp on guitar and keys and Joel Hanks on bass. As the band played the crowd couldn’t hold in their enthusiasm and sang along to every word. 

In between songs the band even talked to the fans and cracked a few jokes. At one point the entire venue became silent in anticipation of the next song.  A few people could be heard in the silence requesting “Caress Me Down,” another great hit from the Sublime catalogue. Conscious of the fan’s requests, the band played the raunchy party starter.
The great performance was followed by a five-minute solo from each band member. A fellow friend of the band joined them on stage and played along with Begin. “The sound is beautiful” a fan was overheard, describing the music the two were making.

Even on saxophone Downes had the crowd in amusement. The multitalented band is an overall must-see and with the beaming lights, the loud drumming hitting your chest, the hype of the screaming and jumping fans was the result of a great show.