Motorhead Skateboards: The Punk Rock Legends' Influence on Skate Culture

The History of Motorhead Skateboards

Skateboarding and rock music have always gone hand in hand. Many skaters are drawn to the rebellious spirit and fast pace of punk rock music. So it was only natural that one of the all-time great rock bands, Motorhead, would eventually collaborate with a skateboard brand.

Motorhead was formed in 1975 by Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister after he was fired from the band Hawkwind. Lemmy had a gritty, loud, and fast playing style that defined the emerging speed metal genre. Motorhead's songs featured dark lyrics, thunderous drums, and plenty of distortion. Lemmy's gravelly vocals and energetic stage presence also made him a charismatic frontman.

Throughout their career, Motorhead cultivated an image as rough and ready rockers. With songs like "Ace of Spades" and "Iron Fist", they became icons of the metal scene. Their loud, aggressive sound influenced countless bands across many genres.

Motorhead Collabs with Vans

In 2016, the legendary skate shoe brand Vans collaborated with Motorhead on a capsule collection. This partnership was a natural fit, combining Vans' skate heritage with Motorhead's counter-culture attitude.

The collection featured Vans' iconic slip-on skate shoe model decked out with Motorhead's "War Pig" snorting logo. The shoes came in black, white, and red color schemes with metal studs and other punk rock accents. There were also matching hats, shirts and other apparel items with the Motorhead logo.

For skaters and rockers alike, the Vans x Motorhead collection was a chance to pay tribute to one of the most iconic bands in music history. Unfortunately, it also marked one of Lemmy's last collaborations, as the frontman passed away in December of 2015 shortly before the collection launched.

The Motorhead Skateboard Deck

In addition to the Vans footwear and apparel, the collaboration included a skateboard deck featuring Motorhead album artwork. The deck had a standard popsicle shape in a 7.75" width, ideal for street skating.

The top of the deck featured the cover art from Motorhead's “Overkill” album, considered one of their best. It depicted a skeletal soldier on a horse carrying a tattered war flag. On the bottom was a more intricate scene of warriors coming out of the ground among billowing smoke.

These striking album cover images were certainly eye-catching on the underside of the deck as you ollied or kickflipped. The artwork represented the band's heavy metal image and penchant for dark themes.

Skating to Motorhead's Fast and Furious Sound

For many skaters, Motorhead's music is the perfect soundtrack while shredding the streets or skatepark. Their fast tempo echoes the pace of skate tricks, while the crunching guitars and pummeling drums match the concrete impacts.

Songs like "Ace of Spades", "Orgasmatron" and “The Hammer” get your adrenaline pumping for big airs and technical flip tricks. The breakneck speed of Motorhead's album “Overkill” fits right in line with the daredevil mentality of skateboarding.

Beyond their musical similarities, skateboarding and Motorhead also share a rebel spirit. Both have their roots in counter-culture movements that challenged societal norms. Skaters identified with Lemmy's anti-establishment outlook and rough individualism.

Motorhead Graphics on Other Skate Brands

Beyond Vans, other skateboard brands have also incorporated Motorhead imagery into their graphics over the years. Skateboard hardware brand Independent Trucks released a Lemmy Kilmister artist series truck in 2005 featuring hand-drawn portraits of the singer.

Popular deck brand Zero Skateboards also released a Motorhead collaboration in 2009. Their decks featured logos and album art similar to the Vans deck, but with Zero's shape specs optimized for skating pools and ramps.

On these and other skate products, Motorhead's iconic logos and artwork help infuse skateboarding culture with a bit of punk rock rebelliousness. The graphics remind skaters that the sport was born from rebellion and rock music.

The Legacy of Motorhead in Skateboarding

Though Lemmy Kilmister has passed away, Motorhead's influence still lives on in skateboarding culture today. Their anti-authority attitude and fast, aggressive music will continue inspiring young skaters for generations.

Collaborations like the Vans x Motorhead capsule will always be sought after by collectors looking to combine their love of skating and rock history. The deck and shoes have already become prized items for their cross-genre appeal.

Beyond these tangible products, Motorhead also gave skateboarding a bit of their unique spirit. Skaters will continue putting on those gritty metal anthems as they bomb hills and launch big airs. The energy and excitement of skating mirrors the fast-paced rush of Motorhead's live shows.

So for skaters with a punk rock soul, paying tribute to Motorhead is about more than just graphics. It's about channeling that rebellious attitude into your skating and never compromising your originality. Keep the spirit of Lemmy alive every time you step on your board.

FAQs

When did Motorhead first collaborate with Vans?

Motorhead collaborated with Vans on a capsule collection in 2016 featuring shoes, apparel and a skateboard deck.

What Motorhead album art appears on the skateboard deck?

The Motorhead x Vans skateboard deck features the cover art from the band's 1980 album "Overkill".

What Motorhead songs are good to skate to?

"Ace of Spades", "Iron Fist" and other fast, high-energy Motorhead songs make great skateboarding soundtrack.

What other skate brands have used Motorhead artwork?

Independent Trucks and Zero Skateboards have also released products featuring Motorhead logos and graphics.

How did Motorhead influence skateboarding culture?

Motorhead's rebellious attitude and punk spirit resonated with the counter-culture origins of skateboarding.