Sublime, The Interrupters Transform Brooklyn’s Avant Gardner

On August 21, Brooklyn’s Avant Gardner Great Hall transformed into a high-energy celebration of ska, punk, and reggae spirit as Sublime returned to the stage with The Interrupters as the night’s openers. The Interrupters wasted no time firing up the crowd, kicking off their set with “Ghost Town,” a nod to their ska-punk roots, before diving into fan favorites like “Gave You Everything” and “Title Holder.” 

Frontwoman Aimee Interrupter’s raw, soulful vocals paired perfectly with the band’s relentless energy, with highlights including a fiery rendition of “Judge Not” and a quick but nostalgic snippet of The Outfield’s “Your Love” from Kevin Bivona. As the crowd sang along to “By My Side” and shouted every word of “Take Back the Power,” the band closed their set with “She’s Kerosene,” leaving the room buzzing and perfectly primed for Sublime.

When Sublime hit the stage, the energy in the Great Hall went up another notch. They opened with “Garden Grove,” instantly pulling fans into the groove before tearing into “The Ballad of Johnny Butt” and “Ebin.” The room pulsed with unity during “5446 That’s My Number / Ball and Chain” and “Right Back,” while “April 29, 1992 (Miami)” had the entire venue shouting the lyrics in unison.

Sublime’s knack for blending punk urgency with reggae’s laid-back flow shined through with covers like “House of Suffering,” “Smoke Two Joints,” and “Jailhouse,” seamlessly woven into a set stacked with classics. Moments of nostalgia mixed with raw energy on “Wrong Way,” “Badfish,” and the ever-anthemic “What I Got,” before the crowd swayed together during “Waiting for My Ruca.” The set closed with a powerful one-two punch of “Same in the End” and “Santeria,” sending fans out into the Brooklyn night on a high note.

From start to finish, it was the kind of show that reminded everyone why Sublime’s music continues to resonate across generations. With The Interrupters setting the stage and Sublime delivering a hit-filled performance, the night was a true celebration of ska-punk energy and timeless California cool in the heart of New York.

Photos by: Gabriela Maccarone