Skate Rock

Skate Rock is a musical genre that emerged in the late 1970s and grew in popularity throughout the 1980s and 1990s. It is closely associated with the skateboarding subculture and features the heavy use of distorted guitars, speedy drumming, and punk rock energy. The roots of Skate Rock can be traced back to punk rock bands such as The Sex Pistols, The Ramones, and The Clash. These bands had a significant impact on the youth culture of the late 1970s, inspiring many young people to form their own bands and express themselves through music. Skateboarding was also becoming increasingly popular during this period, with young people across America taking up the sport as a form of rebellion against mainstream culture. Skateparks were being built in many cities, and skateboarders were starting to organize competitions and events. The intersection of punk rock and skateboarding was a natural one, with both subcultures sharing a spirit of rebellion and non-conformity. Skateboarders started to embrace punk rock, and punk rockers started to embrace skateboarding, leading to the birth of Skate Rock. Some of the earliest Skate Rock bands included JFA (Jodie Foster's Army), Suicidal Tendencies, and The Faction. These bands had a fast, aggressive sound that perfectly captured the energy and excitement of skateboarding. Skate Rock continued to grow in popularity throughout the 1980s, with more and more bands adopting the style. Notable Skate Rock bands from this era include the Descendents, Minor Threat, and Big Boys. The popularity of Skate Rock also had a major impact on the skateboarding industry. Skateboard companies started to produce videos that featured Skate Rock music, which became an important part of skateboarding culture. The music and the sport were increasingly intertwined, with Skate Rock becoming the soundtrack for the skateboarding lifestyle. In the 1990s, Skate Rock continued to evolve with the emergence of new bands and subgenres. Some Skate Rock bands began experimenting with elements of grunge, metal, and alternative rock, while others stayed true to the punk rock roots of the genre. One of the most influential Skate Rock bands of the 1990s was Fugazi. The band's politically charged lyrics and explosive energy made them a favorite among skaters and punk rockers alike. Skate Rock has continued to influence music and skateboarding culture to this day. Many modern skateboarding videos still feature Skate Rock music, and the genre has inspired countless musicians over the years.

Tony Alva: Tony Alva is a skateboarding legend and accomplished musician, particularly in the punk rock scene. He formed his own band, Tony Alva and the Skoundrelz, in the early 80s and has since been a part of many other musical projects. Bad Brains: Bad Brains is an influential punk rock band known for their energetic live performances and fusion of punk rock with reggae and metal. Their music has also been closely associated with skate culture since the 80s. Jello Biafra: Jello Biafra is the outspoken former frontman of the Dead Kennedys. His distinct voice and politically charged lyrics have made him one of the most iconic punk rock figures of all time. Circle Jerks: The Circle Jerks were an early 80s punk rock band known for their fast-paced, aggressive sound and irreverent lyrics. They played a significant role in the development of skate punk and were popular among skateboarders in their early days. Descendents: The Descendents are a punk rock band that formed in 1977 and are known for their melodic sound and humorous lyrics. They have been a significant influence on the skate punk scene and continue to be popular among skateboarders today. Dead Kennedys: The Dead Kennedys were a highly influential punk rock band known for their provocative lyrics and unique sound. Their music has been closely associated with skate culture since their beginnings in the late 70s. Dinosaur Jr.: Dinosaur Jr. is a band that formed in the 80s and helped to bring alternative rock to the mainstream. Their unique sound, which features loud guitars and mumbled vocals, has continued to inspire skaters and musicians alike. Black Flag: Black Flag is a legendary punk rock band that formed in 1976. Their aggressive sound and DIY spirit have had a significant influence on punk and skate culture alike. Suicidal Tendencies: Suicidal Tendencies is a skate punk band that formed in the early 80s and is known for their high-energy sound and aggressive lyrics. They have been embraced by the skateboarding community and continue to have a strong following today. Wu-Tang Clan: Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group that formed in the early 90s and is known for their martial arts-inspired lyrics and cinematic sound. Although they are not typically associated with skate rock, their music has a strong following among skaters and has been featured in many skate videos over the years.

1. "Thrasher Skate Rock Vol. 1" 2. "Thrasher Skate Rock Vol. 2" 3. "Thrasher Skate Rock Vol. 3: Wild Riders of Boards" 4. "Thrasher Skate Rock Vol. 4: Blazing Wheels and Barking Trucks" 5. "Thrasher Skate Rock Vol. 5: Born to Skate" 6. "Thrasher Skate Rock Vol. 6: Road Rash" 7. "Thrasher Skate Rock Vol. 7: Ripping Thrash" 8. "Thrasher Skate Rock Vol. 8: Grace and Fury" 9. "Suicidal Tendencies - Join The Army" 10. "Suicidal Tendencies - How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today" 11. "JFA - Valley of the Yakes" 12. "Agent Orange - Living In Darkness" 13. "McRad - Absence Of Sanity" 14. "The Faction - Epitaph" 15. "Dogtown & Z-Boys" 16. "Gang Green - You Got It" 17. "The Big Boys - Where's My Towel/Industry Standard" 18. "Bad Brains - I Against I" 19. "Dead Kennedys - Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables" 20. "DRI - Four of a Kind" 21. "The Minutemen - Double Nickels on the Dime" 22. "Dinosaur Jr. - You're Living All Over Me" 23. "Descendents - Milo Goes to College" 24. "Naked Raygun - All Rise" 25. "The Adolescents - Blue Album"

One book on the subject is "Disposable: A History of Skateboard Art" by Sean Cliver, which features a chapter on Skate Rock. Cliver describes Skate Rock as a combination of "fast and loud punk rock with the raw and rebellious aesthetic of skateboarding." He further notes that the genre was driven by bands such as JFA, The Faction, and Suicidal Tendencies, who were popular among skateboarders in the 1980s. Another notable book is "We Got Power!: Hardcore Punk Scenes from 1980s Southern California" by David Markey and Jordan Schwartz. The book includes a section on Skate Rock, with interviews and photographs of bands such as The Faction and Suicidal Tendencies. Markey and Schwartz describe Skate Rock as a "soundtrack to skateboarding," and note that it was distinctive for its fast, aggressive music and lyrics that dealt with skateboarding, rebellion, and anti-authoritarianism. In "The Beach Boys FAQ: All That's Left to Know About America's Band," author Jon Stebbins discusses the influence of Skate Rock on The Beach Boys' music. Stebbins notes that Skate Rock was popular among surfers and skateboarders in California, and that the genre's fast, high-energy music influenced The Beach Boys' later albums, such as "M.I.U. Album" and "Keepin' the Summer Alive." Several musicians have also commented on the impact of Skate Rock on their music. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl spoke about his love for Skate Rock. He noted that bands like The Faction and JFA were "part of the soundtrack of [his] adolescence," and that their music inspired him to start playing drums. In a 2019 interview with VICE, Mike Muir of Suicidal Tendencies discussed the band's connection to the skateboard scene in Venice Beach, California. Muir noted that Skate Rock was a reflection of the energy and attitude of skateboarding, and that the genre was "about being yourself and doing what you want to do."

Skate Rock emerged against the backdrop of Reagan's America in the 1980s. This was a time when the country was going through significant economic, political, and social changes. The conservative government had cut funding for social welfare programs, leading to widespread poverty and homelessness. The punk culture of Skate Rock was a direct response to these issues, which protests the authoritative actions of the government and its failure to address social issues. Skate Rock emerged as a subculture of punk music, which has its roots in the mid-1970s. Punk music was often associated with an anti-establishment attitude, and this is evident in Skate Rock as well. The punk culture had its influence on Skateboarding, which was a rebellious activity that was not widely accepted. Skateboarding was often seen as a destructive and dangerous activity that needed regulation. Skateboarders began to hold competitions on empty swimming pools and parking lots, creating the first skate parks, where they would listen to punk music and perform stunts. The punk culture gave the skateboarders a sense of community, which they embraced. The growth of Skate Rock can be attributed to the development of technology, which allowed for the creation and distribution of music. Record companies such as Thrasher and High Speed Productions saw the potential of the skateboarding subculture and its link with punk rock music. Thrasher magazine, in particular, played a significant role in the development of Skate Rock, promoting bands and creating compilations of Skate Rock songs. The development of audio recording and production tools allowed for the creation of the DIY (Do It Yourself) culture, which gave rise to independent record labels. The DIY culture allowed Skate Rock bands to record and distribute their music without needing a record deal. These external conditions helped bring Skate Rock into existence. However, it was the artists, journalists, and other figures that promoted the culture that made the genre popular. Bands like the Suicidal Tendencies and JFA (Jodie Foster's Army) were among the first to mix punk rock with skateboarding and become popular in the skateboarding scene. Skateboarding contests featuring these bands alongside the action became popular, and soon, the genre grew.