Everything happens for a reason. I met Matt Coplon (who filmed clips and edited this) through writing letters and trading tapes/records of our respective obscure hardcore bands around 1995-96. None of us knew we both loved BMX until 1998 when I mentioned coming over to Florida to enter X-Games qualifications in St-Petersburg. When bridges between the DIY HC/punk and BMX scenes took me on bridges over the Tampa Bay. A place I had only heard of through its death metal history. It’s no coincidence I’m here, I love both. DEATH Leprosy. MORBID ANGEL Gateways to Annihilation. ASSÜCK Misery Index. REVERSAL OF MAN… And now HORSEWHIP. That music scene. These bands and records. These people.
Skatepark Of Tampa. The most iconic skatepark in the world. Supporting BMX since Day 1. UNBROKEN played in 1993. If only I could have been there. Or ASSÜCK. Or any of the many 90’s shows the park welcomed.
2018, I want to see this little edit as a chance to thank SpoT for the great times and all my people in Tampa, from BMX, skateboarding and music, and in more than one case sharing these worlds. Just like flatland can inspire some street/park riding. It’s all connected. This edit wouldn’t be without taking in all of these different sources of energy and inspiration.
Love riding to death. See you next time Tampa.
Peace.
Music:
NO JOY
Slug Night
Wait to Pleasure
Mexican Summer records
Thank you:
Matt Coplon @Profile, Brian Schaefer and crew @SpoT, Jasamine White-Gluz & No Joy, Brett Rohlfing, Lucas Porzio and Tom Sevisual.
