Transworld Skateboarding have come up with a proper treat this week, with an upload on April the 11th of the nothing other than 411VM Issue 1 – the date being 4/11 in American format, of course. Released in summer 1993, it kicked off a series which would cover all manner of skateboarding for the next 15 years before the internet sounded its death knell. During that time it was for many their first glimpse of a massive swathe of the pro skate world, one which was welcomed enough that regularity didn’t take long to increase from quarterly to bi-monthly.
With that rolling drum intro now a distant memory and various classic episodes already online in exceedingly pixelated quality, it was a pleasant surprise to find this on the day’s usual internet lurking. For those who know, crack a can, pour some out for a series which completely changed the skate media landscape and wallow in beautiful nostalgic bliss. For those who don’t, prepare for some heavy double flippage…
Kicking off with a Jeremy Wray Profiles section, which sees him rocking the BPSWPH (big pants, small wheels, purple hair) combo hard, definitely makes a statement as an opening gambit. A reminder for those who didn’t delve into his back catalogue after reading his recent Chrome Ball interview of just how ahead of the curve he was, in skateboarding ability if not in fashion sense, plus it’s amusing seeing him questioned by a pint sized Jason Dill. A lengthy Chaos montage and an interview with Erick Sermon of EPMD is followed by Ray Barbee giving possibly the least detailed trick tip of all time – on how to do a backside 360 doubleflip over a hip, “Get to the hip, kick it hard like a double kickflip but at the same time spin your body like you’re doing a 360”. Right, there you go then…
High points of the Wheels of Fortune section include Aaron Bleasdale delivering an absolute merking to the OG Cantelowes layout and a slice of Jesse Paez dopeness which includes the fun fact “Richard, 15, is just a little smaller than his big brother” emblazoned across the screen at one point. A section dedicated to schoolyards should awaken the nostalgia of anyone who grew up watching skate videos in the 90s, at the same time as amusement at Christian Hosoi’s blatant self cheer (note to self – research possible link between meth smoking and self props). An interview about going to prison with Josh Swindell, pre-second degree murder charges, holds extra weight given the power of hindsight, while an Industry section with The Firm makes for much lighter watching.
A tour section sees Alan Peterson and Salman Agah heading down under – which anyone in their right mind is going to want to watch immediately – and includes a few bonus cameos, including one from former Cliche brand manager Al Boglio. The London Metrospective is of course one we’ve shared before but definitely one which deserves repeated viewings, featuring a particularly clean looking Southbank alongside Harrow, more OG ‘lowes, Kingston vert ramp and other notable spots to visit if you happen to have a time machine. The likes of Mike Manzoori, Curtis McCann, Aaron Bleasdale, Winstan Whitter and Paul Shier have no need of a souped up Delorean, because they were there and this edit proves it.
Of course, one of the joys of these clips is seeing footage from people who have disappeared from the world of skateboarding and you’ve never heard of. Some of the best.most amusing names in my hungover state include Gorm Boberg, Bobby Kuhns, Lib Layraman, Mirko Mangum, Joe Gruber and of course Otis. Tonight I might play a drinking game involving taking a swig when any one of them skates across the screen, I’ll let you know how it goes…
