Badfish: Story of a Punk

I wrote and produced the play Badfish: Story of a Punk. The play is based on the life and music of Bradley Nowell from the band Sublime. His story parallels that of many Heroin users but the extremes of his successes and the depths of his failures seemed magnified beyond belief. Brad achieved his lofty goals of signing a major record contract, starting a family, creating a label that is still going today. He seemed to have the ideal life until tanking it all in one fateful night.

The play is based on two interviews I had with Jim Nowell and a lot oresearch. It follows the father-son relationship and those around Brad as he navigates his own addiction and growing fame.

I have gotten great reviews (fans) and taken some shots (critics) for this play, and that's fine, all art evokes something. This play evoked many emotions from many people, from anger to boredom to memories of recovery and loved ones lost. One of the biggest steps one takes in making an art piece is getting over the fear of what people will think. Ideally everyone loves it, realistically, someone won't. Brad's widow, Troy Dendekker, saw this play and I shared a few drinks with her. She made a few factual corrections but embraced the cast and crew.

In all, I explored a life that fascinated me, I met the people that helped shape and who were shaped by his life. Brad seemed like a guy I would like, smart, unafraid and curious. This is one kat that curiosity may have gotten the better of, and he IS missed by many.
The band's fate is still in agony to this day.

Badfish

2002 - San Jose/San Francisco

2004 - San Jose/Santa Cruz/San Francisco

2005 - Los Angeles

Until the Los Angeles production, Badfish was entirely an amateur creation, performed with and created by friends and family. When we reached out to professional actors and stage crew in LA, I was thoroughly overjoyed at the dedication of those people.

I owe an incredible debt to my parents Jere and Susie Lipps, my brothers Matt Simison, Brian Simison, Jamison Lipps and Conor Kellicutt for their dedication. And to my beautiful wife Candice for her patience with a guy who couldn't see much except the project at hand (good artist). A special thanks also goes out to Jon Phillips and Jim Nowell for not shutting me down (on many levels).