Kevin Staab | The Nine Club With Chris Roberts - Episode 260

Kevin Staab discusses skateparks in the 70’s, discovering urethane wheels, seeing Mike McGill do a McTwist for the first time, the first to do a blunt fakie, getting on Powell Peralta, skating Del Mar for the last time during the filming of Thrashin’, board sales in the 80’s, leaving Powell for Sims, the death of vert in the early 90’s, touring with Lalapalooza in the 90’s, breaking his femur, the Vert Alert demos and much more!
#TheNineClub #KevinStaab #PowellPeralta
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Links we talked about in this episode
Switchflip Switch Manny: • Chris Roberts | Switch...
Kevin Staab's Instagram - / staabpirate1
Skating Del Mar: • Kevin Staab skates Del...
Del Mar Finals: • 1985 Kevin Staab Del M...
Savanah Slammah I: • Thrasher Savannah Slam...
Skate TV: • 1990 - Sk8 TV - Kevin ...
Timestamps
00:00:00 Kevin Staab
00:00:40 Breaking his femur
00:09:16 Being a Bones Brigade'r
00:10:34 Discovering urethane wheels
00:17:14 Skating Del Mar for the last time during the filming of Thrashin'
00:21:42 The contest scene
00:24:26 Leaving Powell for Sims
00:37:23 Board sales in the 80's
00:49:56 The death of vert in the early 90's
00:54:13 Touring with Lalapalooza
01:00:10 Hanging with Chris Cornell from Soundgarden
01:10:23 The first blunt fakie
01:13:30 Seeing Mike McGill do a McTwist for the first time
01:20:30 Losing his clothing company 90's and getting his first job
01:44:11 Vert Alert
Edited By: Tim Olson & Roger Bagley

[@editname4279]

Staab is such a rad person. I met him and Hawk at a restaurant in Palm Springs several years back. I was seated next to them and after chatting with them, Hawk gave me his passes to the El Gato Classic they were skating at later in the day. When I arrived at the event a few hours later, Staab introduced me to a number of legends that were hanging out. My mind was blown and I’m forever grateful. 🤘🎱

[@daynmitchell7543]

Yeah sure buddy

[@editname4279]

@@daynmitchell7543 It's cool if you don't want to believe bc it does sound unbelievable. I sometimes still feel like it was a dream, but I still have the pass on a shelf (it was Dec 4-6, 2015). It was one of the raddest days I've had, and Hawk and Staab are two of the nicest people I've met in the skating world. Peace

[@davejs1671]

@@daynmitchell7543 jealousy is such an ugly trait in a person, what is so hard to believe? It's not like the guy is gaining anything by making it up and Tony and Kevin are certainly nice enough for what he said to be the absolute truth.

[@cotinz]

@@daynmitchell7543 when youre not alone in your room playing guitar, this kind of stuff really happens

[@L3TTUC3prey]

@@editname4279 A handful of my buddies and myself were blessed enough to get VIP passes to every single El Gato Classic... well about half of us made all of em, I unfortunately missed the first year but made sure that I never missed another one again. It sorta makes me laugh reading what this guy said knowing first hand myself about the event, and the incredible amount of camaraderie, respect/ appreciation, and overall super positive vibe that undeniably served as one of the cornerstones to that event each and every year. The El Gato Classic is a one off deal that that if you missed, you'll likely never see the likes of again but if you were lucky enough to be there, you knew firsthand how special it truly was and not just for the fans but absolutely for all the pros in attendance as well... hats off to the Elguera Family for making that event a reality, I'm sure it wasn't easy getting all of those guys to be at the same place, and at the same time I have absolutely no doubt about your story. I've always found both of those guys to be 100% genuine, and totally approachable... but I guess haters are gonna hate right lol poor dude 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@jct903]

Man, the Dyrdek interview was beyond awesome, but THIS is the one I've been waiting for!!!! Thank you!! Staab is a lifetime influence for me.

[@JoeShitTheRagMan_GravelGurdy]

This is one of many reasons I watch nine club. I pretty much knew nothing about the guy and now I absolutley love him

[@mommahitachi]

Same. His boards were always in the magazines and were so iconic. My buddy had one of the pirate decks. This has been a eye and mind opener for sure. Cool dude.

[@BrianPayne-ef6kn]

Guilty as well. Loved his graphics when I was a kid though.

[@fireandhammer]

At 46, after a lifetime of skating, art and punk rock, I now am positive that Kevin Stasb is my spirit animal.

[@RickKosickFilms]

This episode of the Nine Club is one of the better ones I’ve watched. Kevin is a great storyteller who’s willing to open up and share about his past.

[@teenoltae]

Those Sims Thrasher back covers were so good.. Staab, Hosoi, Phillips,Kasai 🔥

[@RyanCrase1]

Quick Staab/Soundgarden story. My son’s Godfather and one of my best friends played bass in Soundgarden (Ben). When Soundgarden got back together, Chris knowing I skated asked me if I knew Kevin. I told him yes (I only knew who Kevin was -as a fan of his). So then Chris asked me if I could let him know he was on the list for all of their shows and asked if I could get his address so he could send Kevin some shirts to screen “90’s graphic’s on for him to wear on tour. I reached out to Kevin on Facebook and we’ve been friends ever since. In my opinion, Kevin is skateboarding. RIP Chris.

[@ethanbrooks264]

So so rad. Ben replied to me on Instagram once, and I lost my mind.

[@siouxfallsskateparkassocia5654]

I hand drew the pirate graphic as one of the first times I realized art was something I wanted to do. Becoming a photographer and artist who has pivoted to helping communities build skateparks and am stoked to hear his stories.

[@HappyBowser777]

I wish he would stay for another 2h! Please have him back 🧡

[@mattjones4581]

I'm 49, pretty sure I was 14yrs old when I had his board. Straight legend.

[@fernandomaron87]

Such a cool dude. Thank you guys for having him on.

[@merlebump5328]

agree

[@davedavidson4762]

A Legend. His longevity is awesome. He'll be skating when he's 80.

[@innovawombat]

or 90 ; )

[@ramicigar]

Always loved Kevin’s riding & style. Was lucky enough to meet him in person a few years back. He was so kind, humble and carries a truly unique joyful energy. Much respect.

[@adrianday7378]

what's good Rami?

[@johnsavala8202]

Kevin is all time. It’s people like him that have kept skateboarding legit.

[@WatsonatorTV]

Man, what a super rad individual. Great episode right here, Kevin Staab just oozes positivity and good vibes.

[@richardburns1698]

Staab is such a rad guy. He has such a killer vibe.

[@hellyeah3871]

Tons better than steezus

[@jayeye4798]

I was waiting for Neil Blender to show up in a story. Staab did not disappoint. Great interview!

[@SundaysSkateboarding]

My first pro board was a Staab Pirate. Loved hearing the backstory on his image and graphics, it all worked on me as a kid! 30+ years later, I'm still a fan. Also, I was like #666 on this! Thanks for this Nine Club, this made my week.

[@Phlakaton88]

I appreciate the unvarnished takes on the old days. Staab just resonates so much with me. The kinda guy I could hang with... like most skaters. :)

[@AwakenHumanity]

I'm 44 years old. I've been skating since about '85 but I only got a pro deck at 11... It was a Sims STAAB board. Thanks Kevin for inspiring me to think outside the box.

[@nizzamp]

The Mad Scientist deck is my fave deck of all time. I had several and my all time was the trans purple. LOVED THAT DECK!!! Thanks.

[@leroysearles5430]

One of the good guys, great to listen to him

[@ryckgarcia9297]

Listening to them talk about Tony and my childhood memories come back and how much we looked up to him way back in 85, just chokes me up.. Yeah Tony...

[@davejs1671]

Easily one of my all time favorite interviews!!! Kevin is such a positive guy, it was so much fun hearing about his life.

[@dominickarduino3300]

What a great interview. His mad scientist board was my first board

[@AnttiBrax]

I never was a "vert dog" or followed that scene so I kept wondering how he's been keeping up all these years so it was awesome to hear his story. Kevin seems like a great person who brings joy to people around him.

[@lootcha777]

That was one of the best episodes ever. Please have him back asap

[@Larrylipawitz]

Never had any of his decks but I had a dark grey pirate graphic t-shirt when I was about 12years old,I even wore it in a school photo and it was my favourite shirt at the time..dude’s definitely an iconic personality of skateboarding and rad person.

[@djdef5521]

Another amazing episode with a true legend in skateboarding. Love hearing all the old stories & history, keep them coming with more of the OG’s.

[@rickingcrewny]

Big thanks for an amazing episode. As someone who has been skating for 40 years this was an amazing journey. Thanks Kevin and Thanks 9club for having him

[@toddluque6659]

I loved this interview with Kevin. Please keep having 80’s, 90’s, & 2000’s skaters on as well as the new skaters. Great podcast- great show. Thank all of you at The Nine Club!

[@CRASSsk8s]

Thank you NINE CLUB Thank you KEVIN STAAB!! Another great, captivating interview!! Keeping it. Lit.🔥

[@ericsharp5079]

Wow! Favorite episode ever! Staab was my favorite skater at age 14 and still is at age 48! I had the pirate then the genie as a kid, worshipped those boards. Later was able to purchase them both as originals! Two of my prize possessions! His style resonated with me and my brother as we grew up. Love all your episodes, and appreciate the incredible respect you give to every skater especially the guys who this sport!

[@gnareg]

His energy is infectious!

[@savageoldman]

i skated the pirate board, also the eric nash a few years later. and even the early schmitt stix lucero. i was aware of all the staab models but never put 2 and 2 together on the way it story boarded. thats awesome to learn all these years later.

[@jamest4016]

Christoper Hiett, sent back from the future, to remind us to have fun!

[@Thatsnotmynametoday]

Totally agree

[@anhiirr]

159s or venture 6.1s are a hoot on 9.25" decks ol Christopher rides 159s himself definitely worth a try pretty sure thunder and ace also make 8.75" axle. Too fun to ride an 8.75-9.25 a must have in the quiver for the session when the legs die down and you can retire to the flow/transition section of the park.

[@vix_in_japan]

Absolutely loved this episode, Staab has such energy, positive energy that radiates and really makes me so happy to listen to everything this rad dude had to say. I feel for his injury, no way near as bad but I smashed up my right wrist skating last October (ulna and radius clean breaks) and I really understand his POV and energy about getting well, getting back on the board and just saying screw you to injuries (albeit letting things take their time, I still have a month or two before I can skate again), I got a life to live and I gotta be skating it. Wishing Kevin the best for his ongoing recovery!

[@theramplocal]

Glad to hear Kevin is getting better, dude is an og ripper /legend

[@closaibarra]

Well done boys 👏🏽

[@gizmogibson2987]

Staab needs to be a fill in on the experience!!

[@brianmcdowell540]

Staab is awesome. I used to skate the Y in the 90's (Vision Ramp) and Kevin, Chris Borst, Cookiehead, and John Schultes there almost daily. Such good memories. I remember the first time I saw him riding vert and being amazed how he floated those front side ollies.

[@muertoel]

Honestly smiling ear to ear I enjoy the history so damn much, amazing interview

[@alexanderkang7246]

Man, Powell made a mistake not turning him pro, but then again we never would have seen that Sims Staab graphic if they had. That graphic was the greatest!

[@finnmcginn9931]

Lucero drew that graphic didn't he? I haven't watched yet so I could be wrong.

[@samgreen9752]

This is one of the REAL ones!!

[@michaelmato1223]

I wanted this interview for a while, and it did not disappoint!

[@ktoescos]

I usually watch your interviews in sections from day to day but Kevin's positive vibe kept me watching the entire episode in one sitting. Skating needs more positive personalities like his representing the sport. Thanks for having him as a guest. DOPE INTERVIEW !👏👍💯

[@Z17xMachine]

Ken Park! Ken Park! Ken Park! Ken Park! Ken Park!

[@masturdate]

Yes 🙏

[@michaelteasdale2919]

What a good dude.

[@jonfrugia23]

Love Staab! This was such an awesome episode. A joy to watch!

[@ERICF66]

That was just as 🔥🔥 as I thought it would be!! The 80s was my skate rat days and Staab was one of the guys! I love hearing stories from back then! Bravo Nine Club!!🔥🔥👊🏽👍🏽

[@UrsusArctos8]

Love Kevin Staab 40 years of fandom. He broke his Femur with no insurance and he's still positive about life. Respect, Mentor and a Rad person.

[@hellac6]

Had no idea who Kevin was but glad I watched this, just a real good dude. The world needs more people like Kevin.

[@skate_or_rye]

One of the most awesome dudes and of course, rad skaters!

[@NYRAD02]

What a awesome episode! and Happy new year to all the Nine club Gang and all the Old buddies!! And thank you nine club for everything you do for skateboarding !! all the best for the new year!! Much love 🇿🇦🤘🏻🛹❤️

[@aWhimTested]

This is such a refreshing perspective/interview

[@EverymanJWL]

Great interview!!! Such a cool dude with so many great stories. Another legend who was there for, and contributed to, skateboarding history.

[@m_b_srf]

That Staab pirate used to pop in the California cheap skates ad!

[@RyanCrase1]

About to start this and already know 2 hours isn’t enough Staab, but I know I’ll love it!! Such a good dude.

[@you_down_with_pjc]

Good vibes beaming off this dude. Thank you Staab!

[@grafiskdesign]

Such a sweet dude, rad to the max with so much class.

[@hazeform7689]

oh i love this episode...the kevin staab pirat on sims was my first board....what a memory. he is such a nice guy thx !!

[@jamesholloway1951]

This interview was so colourful I felt like I was watching a epic film 🎥 🙌

[@BobWeaver3000]

legendary!!! Happy new year! got a notification.... saw Kev's smiling face in the thumbnail, mirrored my reaction!

[@merlebump5328]

Great episode. I always knew of Kevin, but not in detail. Such a positive dude. After back surgery, i was also just like "I hope I can just walk normal again". I'm relearning skating and blading slowly, and i don't take anything for granted. Learning is slow, but even the smallest step makes me happy. I'm basically just skating flatground and getting back basic moves atm. And i have drumming as my 2nd hobby. But once again, great show and great positive vibes. Thanks guys

[@coryg4553]

Great episode!!

[@whytebrow]

best episode in a while. what an amazing guy. thank you

[@vincentgioffre9173]

My first Pro Board ever when I was a little kid. Kevin Staab’s pirate deck, the one right behind Crob’s left shoulder :) 🔥 🔥🔥

[@jetblackjake8510]

What a great episode, Kevin has such an infectious personality!! Such a cool guy and as always love hearing their stories, well done!

[@deadmoon5350]

my impression of the mad scientist board when i first saw it was like what kevin said about the sword and skull board

[@rkulla]

Yes!!! Been waiting for this one! Happy New Year!!

[@StumpyMason_]

Hell yeah!! Happy New Year Bud

[@rkulla]

@@StumpyMason_ Happy New Year!

[@joseteixeira7538]

Skateboarding and Punk. The best combination!

[@DavidMartinez-is7gu]

Honestly, seeing Kevin still rock it is super inspiring. I remember watching him on Tony Hawk's Gigantic skatepark tour and feeling amped when he busted out his 540s knowing that it was one of his more difficult tricks at the time. He really enjoys his time on earth and you can feel that positive enegy just radiate from the guy. Super humble & always young at heart. Love it.

[@Chef.Darryl]

Unexpected greatness

[@ryanrowe1975]

Great episode

[@carlitosfrancisco7342]

loved this guy episode ,new fan

[@dylives7667]

We can only aspire to be as cool as Kevin Staab, The Bones Brigade, Jay Z Adams and the rest of the legendary skaters at their age.

[@AnttiBrax]

Jay Adams, while an extremely influential skater, is probably not a cool person you should aspire to be. His involvement in a homophobic killing is a well known industry secret.

[@hellyeah3871]

Dont be like Jay Adams. Seriously

[@thejetsonslol]

One of the best!

[@jasonschwartz9443]

Lollapalooza #2 was the one I went to so missed Kevin. That music event is still going it looks like into 2023. Staab definitely would have fit well on Santa Cruz I feel. Boards had those vibes and graphics. All time greatness in board graphics.

[@muttermotion]

thanx.., #260 IS THE BEST EPISODE...!!! need more stories from STAAB !

[@stevedrtina982]

great episode. love the staab.

[@nickmaitland9323]

One of my favourite episodes!

[@Zeebez]

This was a good one❤.

[@therealandrecorbin4050]

Great interview, such a cool skate personality, love this guy.

[@tourhead]

YES! Been waiting for this one! Thanks!

[@craigzorman5785]

How can you not like Kevin. I rocked the mad scientist board back in the day.

[@erichanhauser3190]

Kevin Staab. Excellent. True Ripper. Forever.

[@rexbryson7083]

Stabb is the greatest ever!! Been my hero since 1980! I love his story! Always what he wanted!

[@tracianderson3378]

OMG, thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU for this awesome interview with Kevin Staab! In the past, I mentioned having him on your show and I'm so STOKED you guys made this happen. Thanks for making my first day in 2023 so bitchin!

[@thenineclub]

Thank you for the support!!!

[@bricemenaugh4828]

Thank God for Staab

[@firstnamebob1709]

What an awesome ball of positivity. Staab always had the coolest / brightest graphics. Seems like the best dude around.

[@PajamaPantsStudios]

The trackerdependent bit is amazing

[@JBG949]

Kryptonics 60mm, 65mm, 70mm (Sizes) Red 78A, Blue 80A, Green 86A (Durameter) I rode for Kryptonics -West(David Moran) G&S/Yo Yo Wheels (Steve Cathy) Sims (Brad Dorfman) ask me anything! I was there first.🌊🤙🏿My home skatepark was Skateboard Oddessy, Mission Viejo, CA. Cheers from Newport Beach, CA.

[@mygoldfishdrown5178]

Yo crob, booooooming into the new year.....o yeah, Staab mad scientist was my first real board back in like 85....crob where am I

[@4282richard]

What an awesome guy.

[@MrShreddykruger]

What an inspiration kevin is.

[@StumpyMason_]

2 hours not long enough!!

[@kevk4558]

Wow! Staab looks amazing! He is definitely on a Peter Pan, forever young vibration. Seriously, the dude could pass for being in his 20's! And still ripping..good on ya, Kevin!

[@amgone75dm]

Wow!! A true legend!!

[@tikotiko5328]

Love this dude.

[@jeremycasavola855]

Kevin is such a rad dude.