Bones Brigade: An Autobiography

In the mid-to-late 1970s, skateboarding experienced a period of stagnation. However, with the advent of the Bones Brigade team, a group of young, talented, and aspiring skaters, the sport began to experience a revival. At the time, Powell Peralta, a small skateboard company based in California, was struggling to gain a foothold in the increasingly competitive skateboarding market. Tony Alva, a renowned skateboarder and a member of the Zephyr skateboard team, known as the Z-Boys, had left his team and was working with Powell Peralta's co-founder George Powell. Powell, seeking to revitalize his brand, enlisted the services of Steve Caballero and Stacy Peralta, the latter of whom would go on to become an influential figure in the skateboarding world. Stacy Peralta's decision to leave Zephyr stemmed from a creative difference and a desire for change. A natural innovator, Peralta sought to push the boundaries of what was possible on a skateboard, which led to conflicts with his former team's focus on style and technique. Peralta's passion for filmmaking also played a significant role in his departure, as he felt stifled by the Zephyr team's strict rules. With Peralta on board and Tony Alva in tow, George Powell saw an opportunity to build a team around these talented and charismatic personalities. This marked the beginning of an era in which the Bones Brigade would define the skateboarding landscape. The team's name originated from a Bones wheelset that Stacy Peralta rode for a short time, and later it became a collective identity that symbolized a cohesive group of skaters who transcended their individual differences. The Bones Brigade's influence on skateboarding went beyond their on-mountain exploits. They created a sense of community and inclusivity that attracted people from all walks of life. Skateparks, once considered outcasts of society, began to gain mainstream acceptance, with many now serving as social hubs for young people. Powell Peralta and the Bones Brigade invested heavily in innovative skateboard design and the creation of high-quality products, much of which they self-designed and produced. Their groundbreaking products helped to elevate the sport, making it more accessible and desirable for aspiring skaters worldwide. Stacy Peralta's involvement in filmmaking played a pivotal role in promoting skateboarding to a wider audience, allowing them to showcase their talents in a compelling and artistic format. As the Bones Brigade gained momentum, each member developed their unique identity and approach to skateboarding. Stacy Peralta, Tony Alva, and Steve Caballero showcased their distinctive talents through their skateboarding, which ranged from Alva's daring aerials to Caballero's precise and stylish maneuvers. The Bones Brigade's style, which combined artistic flair with technical prowess, captivated the attention of the skateboarding world. Throughout the 1980s, the Bones Brigade faced numerous challenges, both individually and collectively. Skateboarders like Alan Bosworth dealt with crippling injuries that could potentially end their careers. The team members' individual struggles, coupled with the team's financial and personal problems, ultimately led to their eventual breakup. However, the impact the Bones Brigade had on the skateboarding community during the 1970s and 1980s endured, transcending their individual and collective accomplishments. Even though the Bones Brigade's unity was short-lived, their influence continues to shape the landscape of modern skateboarding. The Bones Brigade played an integral role in making the sport mainstream, paving the way for future generations of skaters and entrepreneurs. Their legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of innovation, perseverance, and a shared passion for a new and uncharted way of life. Their influence extends beyond the skateboarding world as well. Skate culture, born out of their collective creativity and perseverance, inspired and influenced various subcultures and youth movements. The Bones Brigade's story serves as a reminder of the power of creativity and individuality, demonstrating how a diverse group of people can converge on a shared passion to create an unforgettable movement. Years after their breakup came to fruition, some of the Bones Brigade members went on to explore other ventures and creative pursuits. Stacy Peralta ventured into filmmaking, crafting the critically acclaimed 2008 documentary Dogtown and Z-Boys. The film chronicled the story of the Zephyr skateboard team, which featured members such as Tony Alva and Jay Adams. The Bones Brigade's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a force in skateboarding history continues to captivate audiences, showcasing the resilience and dedication required to push the boundaries of their sport. As the members went their separate ways, they forged paths that further shaped the skateboarding landscape and left behind an enduring legacy that forever changed the trajectory of skateboarding culture.