Brain Dead x THEM Skates: The New Future Of Rollerblading

We sat down with the minds behind Brain Dead and THEM skates to discuss their collaborative skate, and the new future of rollerblading.
@wearebraindead
@themskates
Subscribe to Complex News for More: goo.gl/PJeLOl
And follow Complex News on Instagram at / complexnews
Check out more of Complex here:
www.complex.com
/ complex
/ complex
/ complex
plus.google.co...
COMPLEX is a community of creators and curators, armed with the Internet, committed to surfacing and sharing the voices and conversations that define our new America. Our videos exemplify convergence culture, exploring topics that include music, sneakers, style, sports and pop culture through original shows and Complex News segments. Featuring your favorite celebrities, authoritative commentary, and a unique voice, our videos make culture pop.

[@brian_eye]

“…we didn’t have a Tony Hawk or an Andrew Reynold…” DUDE… you’re fucking Jon Julio!

[@michaelbober8024]

Well Tony Hawk and Andrew Reynolds are basically household names at this point. No one outside of rollerblading knows of Jon Julio.

[@Nobody-gm3xq]

@Tarentule not better but just as dope at a different sport. I mostly rollerblade now but I love tony hawk and many other pro skateboarders I watched growing up. Especially Rodney Mullen and Daewon Song.

[@MarceloAbans]

I know, as someone who has had the honor, he doesn't see himself that way. He's so down to earth, he's still "one of us". Arlo said it best: "There was rollerblading, then Jon Julio came and gave it style." - Arlo in Barely Dead As someon who used to work at DBMAG in the 2000s. Julio will be the the sole person responsible for Rollerblading resurgence, hands down. I can't now thank the man enough. Also shout outs to Robby Pitts. He's so cool! Also, Skatboarding had it's crash and I hope this is the shot Rollerblading needs to keep it going.

[@Nite85]

we had Arlo eisenberg 🤷‍♂️

[@krocodeal6919]

Actually our Tony Hawk is Taig Kris

[@ThisWeekinBlade]

Such an amazing collaboration between two dope brands. Thanks for the years of dedication and time you've invested into rollerblading, Jon Julio. We're here, we've always been here, and always will be here. Come join the community, the doors open. - Travis | Blader Union

[@airdolphin]

Shout out to Robbie Pitts for getting noticed outside of rollerblading!!

[@xgreenxcloverx]

Longtime inline skater here, and I gotta say it really warms my heart seeing so many people discover inline skating for the first time. And also the many people rediscovering it! Shouts out to the pure, unadulterated joy of having these Toys Beneath Our Feet! And MAJOR props to Jon Julio for the MASSIVE amount of work he's put into the inline skating world.

[@FlowSkate]

It is a great feeling for all of us long time skaters to be part of this time in our sport. Thank you for this.

[@qpraulitoqp]

Shop taskkk

[@noah7060]

Namaste ❤️

[@elpismi5811]

Has this seriously started to blow up again? I had recently copped a pair pf skates after busting out skates in storage that were a bit tight. Now my skates are too big, and I learned about aggressive inline skating, and it is the dopest stuff! I always played JSRF and always wondered if there were real skates that had some gold mobility.

[@StefanBrandowX]

Thank you for this. Rollerblading has been in the shadows for far too long for how rad it is.

[@brian_eye]

The red headed step child of action sports.

[@Sigmanovar]

It was in a goofy movie and there was another Disney movie about blading

[@pouringblue7]

Airborne

[@nakitojimo2001]

@@Sigmanovar : Brink

[@MushroomBlading]

Rollerblading.

[@afifnabawi3763]

I watch almost all your videos and I love wizard skating. Please make tutorials, you guys are awesome. Rollerblading.

[@intuitionskateshop]

Is . . .

[@tmttmf]

@@intuitionskateshop everything

[@Boyish000]

@@tmttmf I need...

[@Nerdcoresteve1]

Waaaaaaat? ...... Cool

[@turksterone]

as soon as julio said "legend" roadhouse appeared on the screen behind him! magical!

[@illdwes]

I still got the crayola wheels on my old oxygens

[@JumpStreetPodcast]

he said it...rollerblading is popping off!

[@drewbachrach]

Great to see the inline culture represented correctly in mainstream media for a change.

[@intuitionskateshop]

Dude! This is what I was alluding to when we were rolling to the official 'Official Sunday Brunch' premiere in the Crown Vic the other Saturdee!

[@cubanito411]

Facts!

[@SHINOBIBLADECLAN]

Themskate is 💯% Skater owned, and jon Julio dedication is inspiring, can’t wait to see more great things come out of them ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Nobody-gm3xq]

@Tarentule positivity

[@pouringblue7]

I think you meant to type can't, but typed can. Haha

[@willshred4money]

Skating is so fun and Them is such a great company. As person who got back into over the last year, I just want to thank you! Thank you for everyone who stuck around and did the really hard yards to make such an amazing foundation! I feel guilty that I wasn't in the sport during the darkest times but I'm so thankful for the people who kept their priorities right and made such great decisions to get the sport where it is now. If you rollerbladed from 2009 - 2020 I just want to say, THANK YOU! WE OWE YOU EVERYTHING!

[@eliasrivera560]

As a skateboarder for many years, i’m switching over and giving rollerblading a go for the next coming years and i’m very exciting for a new start and to see where this would leave me and will be riding Them Skates as my first pair. Watched a Part tonight from you guys and learning more about the sport. My twin brother told me i should get one but i dragged on time but i’m ready for the change for sure and very very excited

[@ianckoerner]

I grew up BMXing but we always dug hanging around the in-line guys. They would often help us film because it was easier for them to follow the guy on the bike cuz they just cruise through skateparks and can hop up and down stairs super easy and it makes the footage look way smooth. I got a pair of skates a little while ago and just enjoy rolling around the new park here in Fayetteville NC. I never understood the hate towards aggressive blading.

[@newthrash1221]

Daniel shimizu skating dunks was such a throwback mention for me. His skating looked so sick in nike dunks.

[@mattraker4542]

I almost never thought I’d see the day when rollerblading is FINALLY being represented in a way, and given the props that it deserves, on such a mainstream platform. Makes me incredibly happy. Thank you thank you thank you, Jon for everything you’ve done for our amazing sport and community!!

[@BemagOfficial]

Thank you Complex for sharing the story of such a hard working individual like Jon Julio and the amazing work of Them Skates. Blading has never been in a better place than it is currently and we are very fortunate to have the exposure from such a respected site. And this is just the tip of the iceberg! There is a vast inline skating community that needs to be seen!

[@GaryPhillipsATIS]

shout out to bemag and the bemag message board OG's

[@hoax34]

Soon…

[@youtibbles2546]

thatswhatsup

[@bladetilldead]

Thank you Brain Dead for supporting our sport and the Legend himself John Julio!!!!! Amazing collab! Much love!!!

[@BLADINGonTheBrain]

“There’s rollerblading and then there’s” the incredible community that has stayed dedicated to the sport for decades. Thank you Complex for shedding light on US.

[@TuckerFreeland]

So great to see blading represented right!!!!

[@jasoncalva]

Absolutely incredible. I think I need that Brain Dead Wolverine shirt as much as I need those skates!

[@YoTrev88]

I've picked up rollerblading recently but I remember watching the Yasutoko brothers as kid in the X-Games and it's dope to see a resurgence in rollerblading again on social media.

[@Horseloverfat2374]

Started when I was 14 in 1993, the first wave. Randy Spizer, Arlo Eisenberg, and JON JULIO were legends who skated for Senate.

[@davidherrera531]

Dope! as a blader for over 25 years I been watching Jon since I was a kid. I love where our sport is going bc its always been about community

[@kevpotts]

Amazing. Thanks, Jon, for pushing rollerblading into the limelight again!

[@project33studios]

It’s amazing to see this. Always happy when inline gets some main stream coverage. Big shout to COMPLEX

[@jeremytroia7321]

So effing awesome!! Thanks Complex for giving our culture a platform.

[@piplup10203854]

This is one of the coolest things ever especially that I just picked up rollerblading 2 days ago!! I am working on building the proper muscles and trying to find my balance but I'll get there!

[@aaronschultz3256]

Rollerblading is such a rad activity. Thank you for shedding some positive light on what we do.

[@radpack999]

Roller blading is not rad

[@conkreetfeet]

@@radpack999 cry

[@Solvingrobin]

Honestly aggressive skating has always been therapy for me this is a push I needed

[@bryceorfield6673]

Jon has and will continue to be the face of blading atleast in my opinion. Progressing still at 44 and creating a brand that Pushed blading further towards the surface of culture. Incredible job Jon, Kyle, Greg and anyone else at them working and promoting blading as often as possible.

[@kevindaugard3244]

Rollerblading has progressed

[@bobbyg3989]

No it hasn’t!

[@filipmartinez1162]

@@bobbyg3989 shut up pusher

[@TooManyWheels]

Seeing all the new THEM products, dany beer's skate, now these, thanks for the hard work and dedication.

[@spaceghxst215]

I met Kyle while living in LA and would always see him while out getting coffee, he’s def a good dude to represent the culture.

[@Jobin909]

Glad to be part of this community for 20+ years

[@RemyCadier]

Those skates look incredible. I’m getting a pair I think!! Really dope, Braindead!

[@KNOTNATION]

Rollerblading is at its peak again ! 1 Love Blade Fam 💚

[@Nobody-gm3xq]

Nah it hasn't peaked yet. Lets go

[@pouringblue7]

No where close to the peak yet. We are on the come up though!

[@pouringblue7]

Inline revival is real. Skating is so fun to watch and do now. Refined in tricks and products, Them definitely being one of those brands.

[@intuitionskateshop]

Yes, JJ! Keep the wheels spinnin' . . .

[@chilli-iceolive-abode2447]

First the Danny Beers then these, loving the crazy designs. 🙏

[@gregoriocreates]

Yess! Jon, I always watched you in all the skate videos growing up. So happy to see this.

[@randmcnally.]

We didn't need a Tony Hawk, we've always had a Jon Julio

[@AntonSeim]

This is sick, I love that rollerblading is coming back. THEM is going to blow up. Great brand.

[@bronzegrippz8424]

Amazing. Jon Julio is the real GOAT

[@jnxmck]

after 20+ years as a rollerblader it's great to see this kinda shit happening

[@MarcusDavisFLR]

I started out as a skateboarder at the end of 5th grade. I ride scooters and im now 25. Blading has touched my soul as well and ur never too old to start anything. Truly inspirational what u guys r doing and super sick 🙏🙌

[@SkyeMaz]

Rollerblading is a lot of fun and this is an incredible story of someone dedicated to sharing it with the world. 🙏🏻 Thank you Jon.

[@cubanito411]

Thank you complex for bringing light our sport!

[@gre-vo]

Commenting for the love of Skating! 💕💕 hoax 2 vhs completely worn out from being watched to many times. Thank you Jon Julio and Brain dead!

[@Habeev07]

Rollerblading is growing organically. Buy some new blades and get out and skate homies: )

[@jonknestrick5219]

Started again back in November after 17 years off. Best move I could've made!!!

[@illdwes]

@@jonknestrick5219 man, I haven't skated (be sides skating to the store or something like that in about the same amount of time) should I get back in?

[@jonknestrick5219]

@@illdwes, absolutely man! Do it!

[@tango31313]

Lessss go

[@luna966mx]

Love to see it, well done!

[@AtongAndal]

Very well said on both Brain Dead and Them's side! 💥🔥💯☝️ That part where right amount of people was said... Damn!!!

[@cameronempey8350]

John Julio has been a role model for me sense I was around 12! Even though I don’t skate like I used to I love following him and his new Brand! Just epic

[@DRUNKBEATZ]

Complex always on point 🎯 enjoyed this a lot

[@PKmode]

JJ's section in VG4 skating to the Jazz by ATCQ was the first section I'd watch over and over again. I had a few videos prior like Hoax 3 but that section was just so inspiring. I loved his style.

[@cmousdale]

Love this video. I've been skating since 94 and its still very much a part of my life.

[@Vercingetorix.Rising]

We are fucking back boys

[@RicardoLino]

Thank You Jon 🙏🏻❤️

[@GlizzyHotpocket]

I wish they would of mentioned that over a decade rollerbladers were under assault by the use of homophobic insults put out by pretty much every major skateboarding company and skateboarding news outlet.

[@xgreenxcloverx]

FACT: Anyone rollerblading during the late 90's and early 2000's was punk AF whether they realize it or not.

[@mattymatt6970]

drop it dude. just be happy it's back. we dont need to bitch about it and shame people about shit that happened 20 years ago. skateboarding and Big Brother know what they did

[@Nace369]

I don't think I've been able to skate a single park without some skateboarder getting butthurt about it and bringing out the big guns, so it's still very much alive.

[@viet-tandoan9780]

Rollerblading on Complex? That's awesome!!

[@NicolaTorelli]

Let’s fucking gooooo!!!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@Itslitinhere]

Rollerblader for years love it’s coming back

[@alanacseas]

so cool to see a blading video from a company like complex! def gonna get more popular

[@telepathy90]

Awesome vid. Love to see this, big up rolling!

[@Wheels1010]

Sick! Great to see blading on your channel. The collab skate looks amazing as well!

[@vinceaquilino6159]

Glad to see all the positive comments

[@wizdqvm3z]

Absolutely Love THEM skates. I wish you guys more prosperity and success.

[@illdwes]

Jon Julio, a LEGEND!!! Thanks for your dedication to the sport and keeping it alive...

[@lowkey_fla]

I used to love rollerblading, this makes me want to buy a pair 😎

[@kevindaugard3244]

Definitely get a pair! It's so much fun

[@illdwes]

Do it bro, My old skates broke. I might do the same

[@SerialWheeler]

Love my THEM 908. Aggressive or big wheels, such a comfy boot. Thanks, Jon!

[@dealwithitsf]

hell yea! love that you posted some real rollerblading

[@youtibbles2546]

it is pretty wild to see rollerblading get some attention like this. big thanks to people like yourself, kendamaUSA, and all the other bladers around the world

[@PhilipLemoine]

Amazing story, Complex News!

[@busterthe2]

I dont know why people stopped rollerblading. Its so fun

[@busterthe2]

@TaketheK I N G D O M I was blading from 1990 - 1995 roughly. There were no public skate parks here in Vegas back then...or anywhere. I had no idea about all that "feel sorry for me" mentality that developed later. How annoying. I definitely noticed hate from skateboarders back then. I'll say that. I pretty much stopped blading because I got my license and started driving.

[@eldente]

@@busterthe2 shit i grew up rollerblading at desert breeze in vegas from 97-2004! Amazing times dude

[@busterthe2]

@@eldente i saw Sugar Ray and Bowling for soup there. Also Better than Ezra. Fun times at Desert Breeze Park 👊👍✌👌

[@coffeepeals3936]

Unfortunately as a kid homosexual slurs and physical threats go a long way without a support system.

[@illdwes]

I skated from 1990 to about 2002. I stopped cuz there wasn't really any one to skate with any more. Still got my Roces 5th element and used them from time to time to get around the neighborhood. Last time I put them on the strap broke ...

[@000slappydirk]

Thank you Them & thank you Brain Dead.... what a great time for the culture.

[@MarceloAbans]

I remember having dry mouth and palms sweaty.. Thank you Jon.. Appreciate it!

[@BUTTERTV]

Much love to Braindead, THEM, and Complex! Cheers!

[@ebnermrenbe]

All the love!

[@irollny]

Real recognize real

[@grimespace]

This video makes me want to shout “JET SET RADIOOOOOOO!!!!”

[@marcbe1569]

Great Video! Great Projects and Collab! Good People and Great Rollerblading! 💪

[@zzirjukez2899]

Shout out complex for putting inline skating on the spot

[@dersitzpinkler2027]

Proud of our community right now. ❤️

[@UnBoxedThoughtsTV]

These look dope!

[@ItsMe-zg4xy]

all the yes

[@Wildwestwesley1991]

Let’s go 💙💙💙💙

[@justas12]

What a collab! Props to the Braindead company.

[@joshuabgibbs]

I never heard of braindead before them started working with them and they are very cool

[@jct1149]

This is awesome! ❤️

[@BigAych]

This looks so cool 😎

[@4everhumbl36]

It is cool 😎

[@jamex123]

So dope!

[@plastikmag]

Props JJ! Thanks Complex!

[@Alphanecevitt]

Amazing tp see this !!

[@pillswheels]

Finally, some nice stuff on Complex!

[@behindfroko2308]

Great, and hopefully much more Rollerblading related Products

[@TRUEBOOST9]

WE BACK BUT NEVER LEFT!

[@mistadoobie5664]

Blade Life🔥🔥🔥 definitely a Lit Underground scene. Night Skating is just a different world🌃

[@IsaacSMILE]

Fair play to Julio. True to the art.

[@TomMoyse]

🧡🧡🧡🧡

[@morgan_lynch]

Bravo 👏🏻

[@audiizestor]

Them Blades 909 gang!!! If it wouldn’t for THEM it wouldn’t be.