Skateboarding and music have always had a close connection. From the early days of the sport, Skateboarders have been known to listen to music while riding, and the sport has been heavily influenced by various musical genres and subcultures throughout its history. This connection between Skateboarding and music is a fascinating aspect of the sport and culture, and it has played a significant role in shaping the identity and expression of the Skateboarding community.
In the early days of Skateboarding, the sport was heavily influenced by the surf culture of Southern California. Skateboarders of this era often listened to surf rock, a genre of music that was popular among surfers and reflected the laid-back and carefree lifestyle of the sport. As Skateboarding grew in popularity, it began to develop its own distinct culture and identity, and this was reflected in the music that Skateboarders listened to.
In the 1970s, punk rock emerged as a major influence on Skateboarding culture. Punk rock reflected the rebellious and nonconformist attitude of Skateboarders, and the genre's fast-paced and energetic sound was well-suited to the sport. Many Skateboarders of this era were also involved in the punk rock music scene, and this connection helped to shape the sport's culture and identity.
In the 1980s, the "golden age" of Skateboarding, heavy metal and hard rock were popular among Skateboarders. This genre of music reflected the athleticism and high-energy of the sport, and it helped to fuel the competitive spirit of Skateboarders. This era also saw the introduction of the first Skateboarding video games, and the soundtracks for these games often featured heavy metal and hard rock songs.
In the 1990s and 2000s, hip-hop and rap began to gain popularity among Skateboarders. This genre of music reflected the urban and street-style of Skateboarding, which was gaining popularity at the time. Many Skateboarders began to experiment with new tricks and techniques, drawing inspiration from the music they were listening to. This period also saw the rise of Skateboarding-themed reality TV shows, such as Rob Dyrdek's "Ridiculousness" and "Street League Skateboarding" which featured hip-hop and rap soundtracks.
In recent years, Skateboarding has continued to evolve, and the music connection remains strong. The sport continues to be influenced by various musical genres, and Skateboarders continue to listen to music while riding. Many professional Skateboarders are also involved in the music industry, either as musicians or as fans, and this connection continues to shape the sport's culture and identity.
In conclusion, Skateboarding and music have had a close connection throughout the history of the sport. From the early days of surf rock to the punk, heavy metal, hip-hop, and rap of today, music has played a significant role in shaping the culture and identity of the Skateboarding community.