Reunited punk icons Sublime are facing a lawsuit from the family members of their late singer if they go ahead with plans to perform at this weekend's Smokeout Festival in California.

The surviving members of the band announced plans to stage a comeback at the event last month, acknowledging it would be their first show together since the death of frontman Bradley Nowell in 1996.

But, on the eve of the show, Nowell's family threatened bandmates Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson, along with the singer's replacement Rome Ramirez, with a lawsuit if the band hits the stage as Sublime.

A statement from the family reads, "Prior to his untimely passing, both Bud and Eric acknowledged that Brad Nowell was the sole owner of the name Sublime. It was Brad's expressed intention that no one use the name Sublime in any group that did not include him, and Brad even registered the trademark Sublime under his own name.

"As Brad's heirs, and with the support of his entire family, we only want to respect his wishes and therefore have not consented to Bud and Eric calling their new project Sublime... Out of respect for Brad's wishes, we have always refused to endorse any group performing as Sublime, and now with great reluctance feel compelled to take the appropriate legal action to protect Brad's legacy.

"Our hope is that Brad's ex-bandmates will respect his wishes and find a new name to perform under."

At press time, Sublime remain on the Smokeout bill, alongside Slipknot, Deftones, Cypress Hill, Geto Boys, Goodie Mob, Pennywise, Redman & Method Man and Bad Brains.

See more photos of Sublime here!

Image © Geffen Records

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)