So the 90s really are back. Are we sure we want to do this all over again?
According to a post to Venice, California based Sidewalk Skateboard Distribution’s Instagram, Steve Rocco, founder of World Industries, Big Brother Magazine, et. al. is officially back in skateboarding. (Click the image for all the details.)
Here’s how he explains it:
After flooding the market with worthless cartoon characters, I sold the company and walked away, believing my mission was accomplished. It has, however, come to my attention that skateboarding is still alive. But Barely. . . Therefore, I would like to announce that I am joining Sidewalk Distribution to finish off skateboarding once and for all. Then everyone can rest and enjoy their lives once again.
Is it the return of big pants that got him re-interested? Or does he just have money to burn. On that note: Mr. Rocco if you’d like to pay way too much for a pristine set of years 1-4 of Big Brother, please hit us up. We’d like to buy a new Duffy Boat.
We’ve said it before, but when it comes to doing contracts with artists, and designing products with them, it seems many brands find it’s easier to get deals done when the artist is dead. Roark seems to agree as they’ve launched a new collection of clothing featuring the art of Jean-Michel Basquiat, who sadly died at 27 (he’s in the club) from a heroin overdose on August 12, 1988.
“It’s beyond special to present this collection inspired by the art of Jean-Michel Basquiat and share it with Roark fans,” said Roark Founder Ryan Hitzel, “We explore the merger of rhythm and flow with his iconic symbolism, raw creativity and challenging of the status quo. We find the best version of ourselves in that state of mind, whether we’re surfing, running or adventuring through the world.”
Obviously the collection looks great. As it did when Billabong did the same thing in 2018. For a complete overview, please visit Roark’s website . . . which we’re assuming is on the Internet somewhere.
George Carpenter, son of Burton Snowboards founders Jake and Donna Carpenter has shared his spine surgery story publically for the first time on Instagram. Here’s what he said:
On July 27th, 2023, I underwent an emergency surgery to remove a benign tumor that was within my spinal cord at the T-4 level. Until a week before this surgery, I had been unaware to the presence of the tumor. And we’ll never know why or how it got there. If I had left the tumor alone, I would have been paralyzed in a matter of months. . . Post-surgery, I was left with incomplete paralysis, with very little sensation and no movement below my nipples. Since then, I have regained some function and sensation. I’m living in Denver with my girlfriend Jamie and doing intensive rehab at Craig hospital, one of the best spinal cord injury facilities in the world. . . While I tend to deal with hardships privately, at this point it feels good to share. Much love!
For the rest of the story and continuing updates please check George’s posts on Caring Bridge.
You know the Screaming Lord Salba drill. Find the pools, clean them, skate them. Move on. Watch through because this may include the best “reporter tries skateboarding” footage ever seen thanks to CBS Evening News.
