The Tony Alva Story | Jeff Grosso’s Loveletters to Skateboarding | Skate | VANS

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  • čas přidán 16. 09. 2020
  • One of the key figures in the early evolution of skateboarding from a wholesome, contest based "sport" into the freewheeling art form that it is today was Tony Alva.
    Tony is now 63 years old, the oldest professional skateboarder in the world, is considered by many to be the godfather of modern day skateboarding. Alva’s brand of aggression and bravado in the 70’s set the stage for the way skateboarding would be forever defined.
    Vans’ The Tony Alva Story chronicles T.A.’s humble beginnings on the streets of Santa Monica to his rise to superstardom as part of the legendary Z-Boys, his inevitable drug-induced implosion and his ultimate rise from the ashes to accept his rightful place as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations of skateboarders the world over.
    Written & Directed by Rick Charnoski & Coan "Buddy" Nichols/Six Stair Productions
    Starring: Tony Alva, Jeff Grosso, Wynn Miller, Steve Olson, Shepard Fairy, Gus Van Sant, Josh Brolin, Jeff Ament, Glen E Friedman, Robert Trujillo, Brad Bowman, Pete Zehnder, Jeff Ho, Stacey Peralta, Elijah Berle and more.
    Music Credits:
    Josh Landau, Eliminator
    SUBSCRIBE: bit.ly/1aIFFTY
    About Vans Skate:
    Videos from the Vans Skate Team.
    Skate Team Members:
    Anthony Van Engelen, Gilbert Crockett, Chima Ferguson, Geoff Rowley, Tony Trujillo, Kyle Walker, Andrew Allen, Chris PFanner, Curren Caples, Daniel Lutheran, Dustin Dollin, Elijah Berle, Omar Hassan, Pedro Barros, Lizzie Armanto, Rowan Zorilla, Ronnie Sandoval, Chris Russell, Christian Hosoi, Jeff Grosso (R.I.P.), John Cardiel, Ray Barbee, Steve Caballero, Tony Alva
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    About Vans:
    Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans® authentic collections are sold in 84 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans® has over 2,000 retail locations globally including owned, concession and partnership doors. The Vans® brand promotes creative self-expression in youth culture across action sports, art, music and street culture and delivers progressive platforms such as the Vans Park Series, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, Vans Pool Party, Vans Custom Culture, and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, House of Vans.
    Vans Top Athletes:
    Anthony Van Engelen, Geoff Rowley, Kyle Walker, Chima Ferguson, Gilbert Crocket, Tony Trujillo, Elijah Berle, Rowan Zorilla, Lizzie Armanto, Joel Tudor, Leila Hurst, Nathan Fletcher, Dane Gudauskas, Tanner Gudauskas, Patrick Gudauskas, Mikey February, Dakota Roche, Scotty Cranmer, Kevin Peraza, Dennis Enarson, Larry Edgar, Angie Marino, Jake Kuzyk, Hana Beaman, Mary Rand.
    The Tony Alva Story | Jeff Grosso’s Loveletters to Skateboarding | Skate | VANS
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Komentáře • 2K

  • @Thatsnotmynametoday
    @Thatsnotmynametoday Před 3 lety +1160

    So good but my heart broke when Grosso said “I had no plans of being 60”. RIP Grosso

  • @vehas1015
    @vehas1015 Před 3 lety +702

    I think the fact this is free for viewing is remarkable

    • @mikaelgaiason688
      @mikaelgaiason688 Před 3 lety +12

      Why? Only idiots still pay for media

    • @davidpash2169
      @davidpash2169 Před 3 lety +11

      Jeff grosso said it himself "there was never any money in skateboarding " king of the road 2018 I think

    • @billperron2
      @billperron2 Před 3 lety

      @@mikaelgaiason688 Check out this guy. He's older and at the end of his video, he gets so much air it's insane..... ...czcams.com/video/v0_T9DkOe9k/video.html

    • @billperron2
      @billperron2 Před 3 lety

      @@davidpash2169 Check out this guy. He's older and at the end of his video, he gets so much air it's insane..... ...czcams.com/video/v0_T9DkOe9k/video.html

    • @davidpash2169
      @davidpash2169 Před 3 lety +4

      @@billperron2 bro wtf is this lmao

  • @wobblertv8083
    @wobblertv8083 Před 2 lety +68

    Saw Tony Alva pull a huge aerial in 78 in London. it was like seeing Jesus....unbelievable at the time. I'm 56 now and still skating on my Alva board .

  • @ABROWN6336
    @ABROWN6336 Před 3 lety +153

    My first board was an Alva board. The 77 re-issue. He inspired me even as a girl to start skating when I was 15 or so.
    Thanks to all the photographers and friends with cameras that documented throughout the decades. What would we have without you? Film lives on.
    RIP Grosso, you've taught me much about skate history through Loveletters.

    • @eganc1976
      @eganc1976 Před 7 měsíci

      Ben Gravy has a sic promodel you should look into shredding for the yewwwww

  • @thirdvisiongarage9148
    @thirdvisiongarage9148 Před 3 lety +138

    “He invented the frontside air, what the fuck have you done?” RIP Grosso ♥️♥️♥️♥️

  • @whatmemories3728
    @whatmemories3728 Před 3 lety +299

    Now we need the jay Adams documentary!

  • @ballsackramen7842
    @ballsackramen7842 Před 11 měsíci +12

    I will be 58 this year and I've been skating since I was five I am taking a break for about the past five years because of injuries,,,,,, I think I own at least 12 or 13 boards still and I am going to go out and skate tomorrow regardless of how much it hurts because I still love it ,,,,,,,God bless u TA

    • @termikes174
      @termikes174 Před 8 měsíci +1

      How was your sesh?! You still gettin some? I’m 46 and really working to carve out time for some skating. I hope to be at it in 12 years like you! Cheers

    • @salvadorortiz6572
      @salvadorortiz6572 Před měsícem

      Tony Alva is the best!!!!

  • @seano79
    @seano79 Před rokem +70

    I always sucked at skateboarding but really appreciate it and it's culture. Such a good documentary. Love what he says at the end!

    • @bertrod92
      @bertrod92 Před rokem +9

      Me too, I can’t even ollie. But at 30 there’s nothing that feels better than kicking off down a hill and I will continue doing it until I can’t.

    • @jamesdjl4359
      @jamesdjl4359 Před rokem +8

      @@bertrod92 don't give up on those Ollie's my friend. They take a while to get the hang, but when you do it opens up so much more diversity/fun. It took me forever to Ollie, then even longer to Ollie consistently while moving. But once I got it, the flood gates burst wide open. That was 20 years ago and even if I don't touch a board for years...I can still hop on and feel out an Ollie like it's second nature. Good luck.

  • @AdamCeladin
    @AdamCeladin Před 3 lety +484

    This Documentary is Heavy...What a Legend Alva is !!! RIP Grosso

    • @navajospy2556
      @navajospy2556 Před 3 lety +7

      ayy love your content although i haven't watched you in over a year ill definitely come back. been getting good really at throwing knifes too.

    • @cashox4
      @cashox4 Před 3 lety +2

      great docu - never seen one on the alva team before - so nice to fill in the blanks !

    • @brittanyhart5770
      @brittanyhart5770 Před 3 lety

      Lll
      L
      B uu

  • @ericd8687
    @ericd8687 Před 3 lety +112

    This was the best 53 minutes I've ever spent in my life! Thank you.. definitely hit home...

    • @darkwingduck7212
      @darkwingduck7212 Před 2 lety +1

      The Duane Peters documentary is much better. It’s called “ Who Cares”!

  • @sharongoodsell9341
    @sharongoodsell9341 Před 4 měsíci +2

    Great story fills in the gaps , im still here at 64 young , its torture 🇦🇺

  • @stirgy4312
    @stirgy4312 Před rokem +23

    Wow Tony at the end talking brought me to tears. It's all about the true essence of joy, compassion and finding balance.

  • @eroc4686
    @eroc4686 Před 3 lety +158

    The last clip of him by the mural explaining things is the best part.

  • @Burnerforalearner
    @Burnerforalearner Před 3 lety +48

    I skated today, came home tonight and watched this. Gonna go skateboard tomorrow. We love you and miss you Jeff. Thank you Tony.

  • @markprice2225
    @markprice2225 Před 12 dny +1

    I don't think anyone else has watched this more than myself. It's Always just a scroll down away or ready to play after whatever I'm watching is done! I got an old school 33" 🛹 with multi color mini logo wheels all because of Alva

  • @Marx-Lennon
    @Marx-Lennon Před 3 lety +13

    This is legit one of the best documentaries ever made

  • @jodo1971
    @jodo1971 Před 3 lety +24

    I still skate and I’m 50. Always loved Alva’s skating, but wasn’t crazy about his attitude. Shits come full circle because I now love his attitude..

    • @thebendu33
      @thebendu33 Před 2 lety +2

      I used to skate in the mid 80's was not super good. Now my oldest daughter is skateboarding, and I got back to it. I love to ride with my cruiser. I never did skatepark as a kid, there were non in my area in that time, but I tried it a few time, and boy I love it. I'm 46 now, and hope I will be able to ride for long

    • @shawnr741
      @shawnr741 Před rokem +1

      I’m 47 and still at it

  • @scottherringla
    @scottherringla Před 3 lety +30

    Growing up as a skater in the midwest, Alva/Adams/Peralta were the biggest influences on my adolescence. I used to draw the "Awa" logo on my notebook in algebra. I had to have the board when it came out. I strongly believe that the Alva Skate ads revolutionized advertising, not just skating.
    This film stirs the soul, just like Z-Boys did. WELL PLAYED, SIR. Long may you skate & influence...

  • @auldsk8r
    @auldsk8r Před 3 lety +4

    An amazing video about a truly amazing skateboarder, surfer, musician, and human being. TA has been one of my heroes since I first picked up a skateboard in 1976. I'm 59 now and still skate when I can, inspired by TA, the late, great Jay Adams, and a host of other skaters/surfers. Sad to hear about Jeff Grosso, R.I.P.

  • @DonaldTurner
    @DonaldTurner Před 2 lety +3

    turning 60 myself this month. started skating in 75. of course all the names, the mags, the life.. influenced me. I too, got clean, 28 years ago. it was truly, get clean or die. thank you vans for sharing this. peace Jeff. and thx Tony

  • @k0nstntcs798
    @k0nstntcs798 Před 3 lety +10

    I’ve never known much about mr Grosso, but a few sentences into his intro and it’s so obvious how absolutely freaking beautiful that person is. RIPower

  • @dookiegamer2223
    @dookiegamer2223 Před 3 lety +14

    TA is skateboarding! I'm 48 and haven't been on skateboard since high school. But this guy is the reason I was ever on one. Thanks Vans!

    • @huh2495
      @huh2495 Před 3 lety +3

      Nice
      Hell yes
      I'm 54 skate every day
      Have a sick mini bowl in grants pass oregon come skate if you get out oregon way
      I am Oldmangregskates on Instagram
      If you wanna ride
      P.s. my daughter rides an Alva

  • @Rocknracing69
    @Rocknracing69 Před 3 lety +18

    Absolutely amazing story! Alva is truly legendary!!! To see him at 60 skating blows me away! I am 52 and could never ride again without ending up in the hospital :D

  • @rileyjamesmusic9333
    @rileyjamesmusic9333 Před 3 lety +16

    Such a bummer Grosso passed. Dude was so cool.

  • @sapphire4465
    @sapphire4465 Před 3 lety +22

    The Lord's of Dogtown... My absolute favourite movie and my first found love for skateboarding was because of Tony.. !

    • @arribaficationwineho32
      @arribaficationwineho32 Před 2 lety

      Loved that movie as I learned how it started. I remember they surfed around pilings under wharfs that were covered with oysters or barnacles. It blew my mind.

  • @blarbinski7034
    @blarbinski7034 Před 3 lety +18

    R.I.P Grosso. Both these dudes had a lot of passion for the four wheeled wooden toys we all love and cherish. Cheers

  • @sostokedon80sskateboards93

    Thank you Tony for being you! And, to everyone who contributed and produced - Thank you. As someone who only ever did neighborhood street skating, I feel skating for sure was a personal journey that kept me in a good place during trying times. Now, enjoying a full blown mid-life crisis and skating again, skating is saving me - again. It's the best! AMAZING VIDEO!!!

  • @senseruthless5387
    @senseruthless5387 Před 3 lety +6

    THANK YOU for uploading this gem! Stay safe everyone and never let go what makes you feel truly alive...humble is the way of the walk!

  • @tunelowplayslow5623
    @tunelowplayslow5623 Před 3 lety +21

    “I competed with the sun for the center of the universe.”
    Beautiful.

    • @UggNINE
      @UggNINE Před 3 lety +1

      well him and the sun both lost that battle ... seeing how neither are the center of the universe ..."beautiful" maybe... until you think

    • @dbspaceoditty
      @dbspaceoditty Před 3 lety +1

      thats literally a very narcissistic thing to say. havent watched this yet because i already know he is a abusive piece of shit.
      look up narcissism if you dont know what it is

  • @lemondevil8767
    @lemondevil8767 Před 3 lety +143

    "I'm not a slave to drugs, I'm not a slave to alcohol, I'm not a slave to money, I'm not a slave to my cellphone, I'm not a slave to my fuckin' car... I can give a fuck, man. I got this, and I got this. And that's all I need."

    • @BigSkippy1263
      @BigSkippy1263 Před 3 lety +2

      I miss Shogo,too. He was my favorite Z- boy.

    • @TOMG12XU
      @TOMG12XU Před 3 lety

      TRUTH.

    • @ncbloom
      @ncbloom Před 2 lety

      roots.

    • @johnpark888
      @johnpark888 Před 2 lety

      Yeah like some of these dirtbbiking sell outs.. jumped in jumped out sold out and are now doing nascar??? I dont see the correlation other then spoiled

  • @Jameskeith1972
    @Jameskeith1972 Před 3 lety +9

    Tony is a super cool cat. He used to come hang out at tekgnar with me when I used to work there. Very positive vibes always!

  • @NKDV76
    @NKDV76 Před 2 lety +8

    Hands down the best documentary including any movies that were made about Tony Alva or with him in it! Kudos my friend you killed it! Tony is honored and rightly so.

  • @RemingtonTerritory
    @RemingtonTerritory Před 3 lety +13

    Today’s my 2nd day with my first skateboard. I fell 103 times but landed my first kickturn in the bowl! Best feeling ever I can’t imagine what their feeling when they land these tricks. I also may have broke my pinky. Can’t wait for tomorrow to do it again!

  • @earthsoulshavegrownup7895
    @earthsoulshavegrownup7895 Před 3 lety +19

    I will never forget meeting Tony Alva. I was 10 years old skating at the original "PIPELINE SKATE PARK" in Upland, Ca. Behind him at the full pipe before he dropped in.
    He was so cool! He talked to me about skating. Told me some tricks on how to flow with the board and how to deal with the fear. He really impressed me as a kid.
    I ran to the snack bar and borrowed a pen then ran back and asked for his autograph in front of everybody. He told me f#@k no! Lol
    I noticed later in life that he always takes time to give autograph when kids ask! It made me think that day was life changing for both of us.....

    • @whyami8024
      @whyami8024 Před 2 lety +1

      Those were the days. Growing up in Alta Loma skating the Pipeline..... miss it.

    • @earthsoulshavegrownup7895
      @earthsoulshavegrownup7895 Před 2 lety +2

      @@whyami8024 Next after next! 🤣

    • @whyami8024
      @whyami8024 Před 2 lety +1

      @@earthsoulshavegrownup7895 Classic!

  • @scubbarookie
    @scubbarookie Před 3 lety +1

    RIP Jeff... Love you Tony! You guys gave a voice to the outcasts that had no voice in the mainstream! You men made everyone question who we all were, and if we were gonna be ourselves or goin the muted mainstream! Thank you for making it all fun and keepin' it real! 👍

  • @iankilfoil6428
    @iankilfoil6428 Před rokem +1

    Awesome video! I started skating back in the 1970s and remember Tony Alva being THE skater! I had all the mags with all his pics! It's great to see he got clean and sober and is still going strong!

  • @user-uo1qr6vn1q
    @user-uo1qr6vn1q Před 3 lety +8

    Best hour I’ve spent in a long while. So many great memories of many of those people and many of those times. Back when skateboarding felt like a family to everyone on a board. Thanks for helping get this done Steve. RIP Jeff. And keep ripping TA.

  • @eduardojuarezsanchez8091
    @eduardojuarezsanchez8091 Před 3 lety +28

    Rip Grosso lived his truth until the end. Great piece! I hope this enables more of these types of documentaries to pop up. Keep up the great work.

  • @ipod9771
    @ipod9771 Před 2 lety +10

    I find myself watching this over and over again. Almost as comfort food. Alva x Skate culture 🤘🏼

  • @WhiteBuffalo032
    @WhiteBuffalo032 Před 3 lety +7

    Seeing Alva clean and skating warms my heart. I'm 50 still bombing the hills in my hood in Texas. Skate life.

    • @craigharvey3427
      @craigharvey3427 Před 3 lety +1

      Keep on bombing dude.
      Just built my first mini - 45 and still rolling!

    • @moisessoto1492
      @moisessoto1492 Před 3 lety +1

      That’s skateboarding 🔥

  • @deaconthedevil3441
    @deaconthedevil3441 Před 3 lety +20

    I grew up in Santa Monica in the 80’s/90’s, my mom went to school with these guys at Lincoln and Samohi in the 70’s. Had the pleasure of playing a show with TA in 2012 (with his band GFP), and the dude was so humble and rad. Nothing like the stories I heard growing up, he even helped us load our amps during sound check. It was interesting to hear the story behind that switch in attitude. Local Legend.

    • @shmh6002
      @shmh6002 Před 3 lety

      These guys didn't go to school lol

    • @virginiakrueger4780
      @virginiakrueger4780 Před 3 lety

      @@shmh6002 Sure they did, at least in Junior high. I don't recall seeing him in high school , but in junior high he was always around. He might have been in high school, but with 4000 students it would be easy not to cross paths.

    • @guilhermeazevedo4076
      @guilhermeazevedo4076 Před 3 lety

      World Legend

  • @rodshinn4124
    @rodshinn4124 Před 3 lety +19

    Thank you Vans for posting this vid I watched the hole thing, I had no idea how cool Tony Alva was, what a Legend. At the end of the vid when the guy said get off your ass and go skate I when into a parking lot and skated for hours and got my first rolling ollie, thank you again Vans for this vid.

  • @valdirsantos1214
    @valdirsantos1214 Před 2 lety +1

    From Brazil
    I am 60 years old ...in This moment I have tears in my eyes
    I remember all reports
    Tony Alva forever

  • @TheCiaMKultra
    @TheCiaMKultra Před rokem

    This Doc would be impossible to beat ! Truly inspirational , Nostalgic as well as motivational to create positive directions every time you wake up to skate another day . RIP Gro

  • @AustinKloudChloesPetRhino
    @AustinKloudChloesPetRhino Před 3 lety +10

    I’m 48 years old.... I grew up skating and surfing, I had both Tony Alva and Jeff Grosso skate boards from the 80’s. This video is a great trip **also it’s great to see pictures of Shia Labeouf’s Dad, ripping those pools back in the day.

    • @uglycasanova4240
      @uglycasanova4240 Před 3 lety +1

      I'm right with you.. I'm 50 now and still skate some hills and parking garages.

  • @joem4012
    @joem4012 Před 3 lety +7

    This was awesome !! I met Tony back in 82 or 83 in RI. Fred Smith would come and skate my ramp in Misquamicut with a bunch of his buddies and one day Tony came with him. Tony hung out for a couple days and what a blast it was !! Such a cool experience and memory. Glad he’s still skating and ripping !

  • @RahduDrahkqul75
    @RahduDrahkqul75 Před rokem

    Top notch, what a great documentary. Top - to - bottom didn't skip a beat it just showed everything and everyone. Tony's gone through all the generations of shred.
    ~ Thanks to Van's & Jeff

  • @mrcomenttoe2009
    @mrcomenttoe2009 Před rokem +1

    Being raised in Hollywood from 73 to 75 then still living in the valley and a kid from the arcade the skater cross this was awesome to be a part of this

  • @bowerydoll
    @bowerydoll Před 3 lety +5

    So glad to see this today. Really gave my old spirit a lift. Grosso forever💗

  • @Mia-zm7mj
    @Mia-zm7mj Před 3 lety +7

    Thank you so much for finally posting this guys at six stair!! I’m so stoked what you guys did with Jeff over the past 10 plus years has been truly unique and amazing work.

  • @claytonmundy7451
    @claytonmundy7451 Před rokem +1

    This man is my hero skateboarding will never die and we all owe it to Tony this is the best documentary ever

  • @tntstorms7969
    @tntstorms7969 Před 2 lety

    Tony Alva has been a true pioneer and legend in skateboarding for a long time. I got my Alva board back in 1981 and bought another one in 2011. I am thinking of buying the one he has in the final clip of this video. Great video.

  • @oscarb5903
    @oscarb5903 Před 3 lety +38

    I’m a huge grosso love letters fan. I know he passed and was heart broken when I found out but please don’t ever stop the love letters if not for us do it for grosso. These are the shit when your injured and can’t ride.

    • @kevineder590
      @kevineder590 Před 3 lety

      what he said, I'm injured and can't skate!

    • @Creaturefiendyo
      @Creaturefiendyo Před 3 lety

      Kevin Eder me too brother heal up quick

    • @austenpearson
      @austenpearson Před 3 lety +3

      Unpopular opinion incoming, but I'd prefer to see the letters respectfully die when they are out of episodes filmed with Grosso. It was his baby to begin with, and his character that kept it going. I think it would be disrespectful for it to live on under someone else's name.
      By all means have a similar concept and keep the skate history coming, but don't call it the letters.

    • @alanhartley800
      @alanhartley800 Před 3 lety

      I would love to see “The Letters” continue. The short list of people who could carry on Grosso’s legacy would be Lance Mountain, Steve Alba, Lucero, and Steve Olson. I don’t think Lance would be able to do it because he is sponsored by Nike. Olson might be the only one charismatic and punk rock enough to do it right. Either way RIP Grosso!

    • @oscarb5903
      @oscarb5903 Před 3 lety

      I’d like to se it be a different retro host each episode depending on the episode if there going over like the bones and Alva feud let’s see Hosoi. If it’s retro vans talk let’s see caballero. Let’s see some vallely, lance mountain, shit even hawk would be alright as long as he doesn’t get all big headed. It will never be the same without grosso but he would want it to go on for all of us who can’t go out and ride. Let’s see some of his close friends give it a shot.

  • @scottcheely7553
    @scottcheely7553 Před 3 lety +6

    Alva, trully one of the Father's of modern skateboarding! Grosso ruled to educate us all with the Letters! RIP brother!

  • @mifi5913
    @mifi5913 Před 3 lety +1

    I’m 56 and I still have my Alva skateboard from the 70’s. One of my prized possessions.

  • @bobbyhexlrod1651
    @bobbyhexlrod1651 Před 8 měsíci

    Tony Alva was my first deck a gazillion years ago (1980). I was just a kid staring up the wall and the Tony Hawk, Rob Roskopp, Christian Hosoi, and many others caught my eye, but Alva's notorious rebellious attitude and lore won me over. Thank you for the memories.

  • @commandZee
    @commandZee Před 3 lety +14

    SO DOPE!!!
    Someone's got to pick up the mantle and keep Jeff's Loveletters alive!

  • @niltonbeloti2101
    @niltonbeloti2101 Před 3 lety +26

    This is raw skate, to the fullest, everyone who skateboarded someday owe this dude! True legend! Thanks for this and for this documentary!

  • @alephtav1901
    @alephtav1901 Před 3 lety +1

    Tony Alva, Loving you Bro!!! You truly did change the course of human history. THANK YOU for being you man! R.I.P. Jeff much l I'll be and gratitude for the Love Letters... this one brought tears to my eyes🔥🔥🔥🤙🤙🤙

  • @DirtyWindshieldSeries
    @DirtyWindshieldSeries Před 11 měsíci +3

    This Doc is Epic! So True, about that Spotlight/ Interview in 1978. I was 9 at the time, and I was absolutely mesmerized by it!
    TA's Boards are Still the Best! And in 2023, if you skate and don't know what that logo represents, and what it means to riding, and the entire Culture of Skateboarding, you best be checking it out. Skating don't matter where you come from, or who you are, just keep trying to get better at it.
    Thanks for Posting this Doc. I like to come back to it, every once in awhile. These Guys Were, and Still Are, Legend.

    • @DirtyWindshieldSeries
      @DirtyWindshieldSeries Před 11 měsíci +2

      Good to see TA still riding high, without the chemicals and booze. Inspiring.

  • @purplereigninblood
    @purplereigninblood Před 3 lety +5

    Thank you Alva !! 18 ...Forever Grosso RIP!!!

  • @Strawman333
    @Strawman333 Před 3 lety +41

    I'll never forget that b&w "leather jacket" ALVA team photo.

    • @artdudivin
      @artdudivin Před 3 lety +1

      I sticked that picture on my main school book in 1988 !

    • @Strawman333
      @Strawman333 Před 3 lety

      @@artdudivin had the poster on my bedroom wall as a kid. Those guys were so badass to me!

    • @artdudivin
      @artdudivin Před 3 lety +2

      @@Strawman333 You could find a poster..!? I'm jealous !! ;o))

    • @biancastrickson5834
      @biancastrickson5834 Před 3 lety

      That actually hangs on my desk

    • @bakeNeat
      @bakeNeat Před 3 lety +1

      @@artdudivin there should be a reprint I would hope. I want this poster!

  • @markrhedae5399
    @markrhedae5399 Před rokem

    Cool documentary on one of my skate heroes from the 70's.Tony & Stacey Peralta gave us the inspiration to build ramps and half pipes and raid any empty pools that we could find. I met him twice when the Hobbie team came to the UK. Once in my home town of Bristol and another time at Skate City in London....he gave me a high five when I climbed out of the black bowl after pulling off a sweet ride and ending up by doing a power slide on the vertical and managing to get back up on the board. It is still one of my fondest memories from the late 70's. Thanks for immortalising one of the greatest skaters in history. Respect from Spain 🤙🏼

  • @carloswescherneto1120
    @carloswescherneto1120 Před měsícem

    What a legend. Skateboarding plays a big part in my life and in many other people. Thanks to you and the other Z-boys. God bless you!

  • @AmnWest25
    @AmnWest25 Před 3 lety +60

    That was damn good. Miss you Grosso

  • @alva8818
    @alva8818 Před rokem +2

    Alva definiu meu estilo de andar de Skate! Muito bom esse documentário!!! Skate na veia dos irmãos!!!🇧🇷

  • @TitoHerreraB
    @TitoHerreraB Před 3 lety +1

    GREAT DOCUMENTARY!!!! Thanks for making it free to watch Vans!!!! TONY ALVA = LEGEND!!!

  • @hippywolf
    @hippywolf Před 3 lety +2

    Dude will never know it but this show helped me stay clean many times. I would slip a bit and then turn this on and knew Grosso did it. So thank you Vans, SixStair and Grosso (rip in power!)

  • @cowboysfan782008
    @cowboysfan782008 Před 3 lety +7

    I was also born in 1968 and had Jay, Alva, and all the other guys on my walls in the late 70s as a kid. I'm so glad they did this doc on Tony but saddened by Grosso's death and this is the 1st I heard about it. Didn't know him but you could tell he was a good person.

  • @TheMarct707
    @TheMarct707 Před 3 lety +218

    RIP Grosso

  • @amys.johnson8449
    @amys.johnson8449 Před 7 měsíci

    Tony Alva is amazing and inspiring.I love when he says, "When you make a board by hand you put the soul in it." 😊

  • @josephavalos7894
    @josephavalos7894 Před 3 lety +2

    Damn this was so legendary! I miss Grosso he was the realest open book of living life on the edge! Shout out to Jesse his bud and my bud! Robin & Gloria in San Antonio

  • @mikefitchNYC1971
    @mikefitchNYC1971 Před 3 lety +12

    Awesome documentary! Alva is still the man 40 years later!

  • @user-gd7fx4jf5c
    @user-gd7fx4jf5c Před 2 lety +4

    60 and still killing it 🗡 Love your work Alva..

  • @matthewgutierrez8817
    @matthewgutierrez8817 Před rokem +1

    This is my reminder of why I am and always will be a skateboarder!!! R.I.P. Grosso!

  • @kyledamron
    @kyledamron Před rokem

    Tony Alva is the man. RIP Jeff Grosso I loved this series and I loved Jeff and related to him so much

  • @lixibao
    @lixibao Před 3 lety +12

    "Coping is abusive." loved that and all his commentary.

  • @beemelonhead1
    @beemelonhead1 Před 3 lety +19

    Dude. The boneless 180 to tail bonk revert at 35:04
    So sick I can't stop watching it. You're welcome for the time stamp. Watch it at .75x speed

  • @carlislebetone5973
    @carlislebetone5973 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Although some of us never seen the lime light of being a pro skater, I’ve skated with some very talented thrashers on the Indian reservation. Sadly there was hardly anybody that owned video recorders or cameras back then. Nearly 50 yrs old now but I can still balance on a board. Thx for the memories.😊❤

  • @johnmcaleese8459
    @johnmcaleese8459 Před rokem +1

    God, I'm from Philadelphia way out on the east coast and these guys were my hero's ! Should came to Cherry Hill N.J. to skate at this awesome indoor park that was built. He blew our minds !! There was a 3/4 pipe there and he was going to the top. He defied gravity. 40 some years later, I still don't know how he did it and can remember it like yesterday. His long hair just blowing behind him. He was the coolest cat on earth that day !!!!

  • @houstonskateboards3013
    @houstonskateboards3013 Před 3 lety +9

    Loved it. Bravo! This story definitely needed to be told. Thanks!

  • @overtonesnteatime198
    @overtonesnteatime198 Před 3 lety +7

    Why do i feel like i’ve ben waiting my whole life for this.

  • @simonvance8054
    @simonvance8054 Před 2 lety

    I love learning about the history of skateboarding... the 80's pros was my era... I love that Tony Alva is over 60 and still sneaks into backyard pools...that's inspiring to me!..

  • @SLAYERSWINE1
    @SLAYERSWINE1 Před 3 lety +2

    It was because of guys like Tony Alva that inspired me to be one of the first guys on NW side of Chicago to get a skateboard when I was 12 in 1977.

  • @RaulMeatFactory1975
    @RaulMeatFactory1975 Před 3 lety +11

    Killer Doc, RIP Jay, Shogo, Grosso

  • @darrentyler1817
    @darrentyler1817 Před 3 lety +15

    TA you are a legend. RIP Grosso

  • @brianharder7714
    @brianharder7714 Před 3 lety

    Okay, that was fucking great! Like many on here, this was my childhood and TA was the man. I sessioned with him and Kent Senatore at the opening of a skate park that TA designed in Northern Cal. What an honor that was. Must have been 1978 or so. Watching this and all the footage was so much fun. To see him come out of all the debauchery to where he is now makes my heart sing. So great that it is all documented here with all my favorite heros. Sad Jay couldn't make it. Definitely some casualties along the way.

  • @stingylizard
    @stingylizard Před rokem

    Salute,Grosso--hat's off for that guy,always. As for Tony Alva...wow,thanks for the inspiration to skate ditches and pools,circa late 1976-early 1977. Life changing,seeing Alva in a mag back then. Skated EZ7 in '76 with some surfer dudes,they was all on and on about some guy's named Tony and Jay Boy...

  • @skarceoneafd9609
    @skarceoneafd9609 Před 3 lety +4

    Your memory will live with skateboarding 🛹❤️ Grosso forever

  • @Alopezpreciado
    @Alopezpreciado Před 3 lety +9

    Love u TA . Great video best ending ever!

  • @raigosuija5509
    @raigosuija5509 Před 3 lety +1

    best video I've seen so far! Been there but on bmx in a small country in a small city make the same stupid mistakes and trying to fix them for the sober future of the sport(lifestyle)
    Cheers to Alva and the skate crew to inspire us all over the world!

  • @fullcirclerepair2655
    @fullcirclerepair2655 Před 2 lety

    Awesome much thanks to Sandy and all her support since I was a kid at Sidewalk Surfer Scottsdale Arizona! Sidewalk Surfer Still rocking hard! Best skate shop in Arizona

  • @someblokecalleddave1
    @someblokecalleddave1 Před 3 lety +4

    Good video - yeah I'm 60 and that brought me to tears.

  • @mexifoodlover
    @mexifoodlover Před 3 lety +47

    Rode for Alva from. 95 to 97 cookie head, Lincoln Ueda, Matt dycke....good times 41.58 skated this pool with many including D way who did Ollie to nose tail grab yank in over the death box ....

    • @zzbudzz
      @zzbudzz Před 3 lety +2

      @Roger T Groh ^----GOOD ONE !

    • @marcelboogaard2099
      @marcelboogaard2099 Před 3 lety

      ZZBUDZZ
      He’s a Joker alright

    • @mexifoodlover
      @mexifoodlover Před 3 lety

      @@marcelboogaard2099 who ? Me ? Calling me a liar ? Confused....Need proof ?

    • @mexifoodlover
      @mexifoodlover Před 3 lety

      @Roger T Groh you're not calling me a liar right ?

    • @mexifoodlover
      @mexifoodlover Před 3 lety

      @Roger T Groh believe me I'm calm....internet policing

  • @fullcirclerepair2655
    @fullcirclerepair2655 Před 2 lety

    I am 58 and still love it, Tony Alva I'll always remember I am a dead cat local from Phoenix Arizona also loved riding with the Ping Don H0 and Steve Shelton awesome video thanks a lot from Gnarly Craig d.c. local

  • @rwnicholls
    @rwnicholls Před 3 lety +2

    So damn inspiring! Alva figured out life! RIP Grosso!

  • @lizardvictor6051
    @lizardvictor6051 Před 3 lety +5

    Great reminder of our roots. #grossoforever

  • @kellyshull3519
    @kellyshull3519 Před 3 lety +90

    "The bottom is really, everyone is growing up and you're not" damn

    • @caliman5547
      @caliman5547 Před 3 lety +1

      Damn heavy statement...

    • @nikoulph
      @nikoulph Před 3 lety +2

      He defy time :) challenges what everyone thinks about growing

    • @MrHip76
      @MrHip76 Před 3 lety +1

      Brolin is the man. Alva found his way

  • @justinjungwirth
    @justinjungwirth Před 3 lety

    I usually never comment on videos, but this film hit me hard. This anger inside me since I was a kid, my escape was skateboarding. Thanks to Tony Alva I have been skating for 10+ years now. Skateboarding is the shit 💯

  • @GiveMeYourNachosButthead

    Tony is a badass and such a chill dude! Met him twice in my northern Cali hometown years back! Of course he’d come up this way for the weed 😎, and our awesome skatepark which is mostly bowls. The 2nd time I met him I gave him a joint, and he gave me a hug lol. I didn’t bother him for autographs or selfies, just gave him a handshake both times and said “Thanks for what you do!”