The Return of Skateboarding Maverick Steve Rocco: A Positive Shift for the Industry that some feel has become soft.
Mar 27, 2024
In the colorful tapestry of skateboarding history, few figures stand out as distinctly as Steve Rocco. An industry maverick, innovator, and provocateur, Rocco's influence on skateboarding in the late 1980s and early 1990s was profound. Now, as rumors swirl of his return to the skateboarding scene joining forces with Sidewalk distribution, many wonder what this means for the future of the sport and its culture. The answer? It's likely a positive shift, and here's why. Before we get to that, we're questioning many things ourselves as well. Has Skateboarding changed to much for Steves line pushing antics. Is the Skate culture to soft for Steve Roccos antics and comical ways. It's one thing to make funny Skate graphics, but it's another thing to shake up the industry as we saw back in the 80's. Time will tell.
Steve Rocco burst onto the skateboarding scene in the late '80s with an audacity that was both refreshing and disruptive. He wasn't content with the status quo; instead, he sought to challenge it at every turn. In doing so, he founded some of the most iconic and influential companies in the industry, including World Industries and Blind Skateboards. And not only did he change the look and style of the common skate board company, but also changing the ways how product was released. Changing graphics every couple of weeks rather than keep the same board graphic for months to years shook the industry. Creating a buzz for epicly important graphics and how often people saw them was all Steve and his commanding ways. And when we say important graphics we mean the ones that needed to be in black bags when on the shop wall.
World Industries, founded in 1987, quickly became a powerhouse in the skateboarding world under Rocco's leadership. Known for its irreverent graphics, edgy marketing campaigns, and a team of talented riders, World Industries helped redefine what skateboarding could be. It wasn't just a sport; it was a culture, a lifestyle, and World Industries was at its forefront, pushing boundaries and breaking rules. Pooching riders for other teams by throwing around more money than big industry leaders was Steves Specialty.
Blind Skateboards, another brainchild of Rocco, was equally groundbreaking. Founded in 1989, Blind Skateboards was known for its innovative board designs, a team of legendary riders like Guy Mariano and Jason Lee, and a commitment to pushing the envelope. With Rocco at the helm, Blind Skateboards became synonymous with progression, creativity, and a fierce independent spirit that resonated with skateboarders around the world. Blind is where the envelope was pushed. Making comical graphics that were not gotten by some but hilarious to others were a norm when Steve was in the drivers seat.
So, why is Steve Rocco's return to the skateboarding industry a good thing? For starters, Rocco has a proven track record of shaking things up and pushing boundaries. And at a time in the industry where is seems any chicken scratch garbage can be made into a board. His entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to challenge the status quo are precisely what the skateboarding industry needs right now. In an era where many brands play it safe, Rocco's return could inject a much-needed dose of creativity, innovation, and excitement back into the industry. No doubt Steve Rocco had a notepad for ideas the decades he's be non present.
Additionally, Rocco's return could also signal a renewed focus on authenticity and grassroots skateboarding culture. In an industry that has become increasingly commercialized and mainstream, Rocco's emphasis on genuine skateboarding and the core values that make it so special could serve as a valuable reminder of what truly matters. Also at a time where it seems ever crew becomes a company and talent has taken a back seat. The small independent skater ran company's will hopefully be the ones to prevail.
Of course, it's essential to approach Rocco's return with cautious optimism. While his influence and impact on skateboarding are undeniable, the industry has evolved significantly since his heyday. However, if anyone has the vision, passion, and determination to navigate the complexities of today's skateboarding landscape, it's Steve Rocco. Steve wrote the early days road map to success that many companies in the industry today now use so why can't a new road be created?
In conclusion, Steve Rocco's return to the skateboarding industry is a promising development that could breathe new life into the culture. With his history of innovation, creativity, and a relentless drive to push boundaries, Rocco has the potential to inspire a new generation of skateboarders and reignite the passion and excitement that has always been at the heart of skateboarding. So, here's to Rocco's return and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for skateboarding! Im sure we will get some insight on what we often asked our selves. What does Steve Rocco think of the olympics? What Rider Would Rocco steal from which company? Is Steve Rocco laughing at half of these companies now? With Brittany Spears colabs becoming normal we finally ask What will Steve Rocco Do to this current Skate culture?