Shockwave roller coaster Six Flags Great America Gurnee Illinois from 1993!

[@chadhartsees]

This is an accurate representation of the experience.

[@tommyhartigan7611]

This thing always looked so cool from the highway.

[@WhoiwunaB]

Yes it did!!

[@jasonmoore5838]

Didn't it? Especially when you drove pass six flags on grand.

[@vhenan2341]

A big piece of my childhood died when they took down this coaster. Watching this is nostalgia at it's finest. Thank you for sharing.

[@WhoiwunaB]

Right! Same here!!

[@michaelnobles2643]

Me too!

[@BigAl1976]

This is the coaster that made me into a complete coaster fanatic - what a rush! It sucks that it's gone now.

[@RY30DM]

While I had been to Six Flags Great Adventure in NJ with my family, once I was old enough to drive, I had to make the drive with a friend from Baltimore to ride Shockwave's twin, Great American Scream Machine. Unfortunately, my dad's brand new Dodge Aries broke down on me, and we wound up having to stay overnight in NJ. I still remember the cab driver being surprised that we would travel that far for a coaster. That really cemented by start of being a hardcore enthusiast.

[@WhoiwunaB]

Same

[@andres_food167]

Ya Superman Ultimate Fligth took its place

[@skippythealien9627]

I forget if it was Batman or Shockwave, which was the first real roller coaster I ever rode but yeah it definitely stinks that Shockwave has been gone...and for almost 20 years now!

[@HondaAccordPerformance]

@@skippythealien9627 I went to Six flags the first time when I was 10 years old and this ride was so intimidating that I didn’t ride it. The next year it got removed and Superman took it place. I still regret not riding it.

[@jonnda]

I miss this coaster so damn much.

[@Davidle141]

jonnda me too

[@marywhite899]

jonnda me too it was the best

[@schmenkspeedtyping218]

the last three arrow mega looper is in six flags magic mountain called the viper

[@davidnevolo4402]

so much cooler looking when you pulled into the parking lot than superman

[@jr864]

It got taken down for Superman but also for safety purposes.

[@arpod1980]

This was the first roller coaster I ever rode. My dad got me on it. I was so freaked waiting in line in anticipation of it but after that, I've ridden the biggest and fastest coasters in several parks since then. Thanks dad!

[@brianf9340]

That is the shockwave for sure. I have ridden it at least 50 times and will never forget that track layout

[@willskretkowicz8798]

Same as Great American Scream Machine

[@davidfernandez4333]

One of the first rides I ever went on as a kid, I was terrified lol. I miss it so much

[@stephheffner1709]

They said save the whizzer and the shockwave became chopped liver.

[@tigerrocks503chase8]

Steph Heffner Lol thats it’s gravestone for Fright Fest.

[@retroreactiveaj7248]

Lol, but the whizzer is actually still here.

[@bruvno18]

The whizzer is only around for novelty I don’t think anyone actually enjoys it, should’ve remove whizzer for xflight, Goliath, or Superman

[@xkee2013]

I was so pissed about this at the time. I was like, "Who the hell said that crap?! Save the Whizzer?! Really?! Save that piece of crap family ride over Shockwave?! You guys can't be serious!!" But apparently they were, SMH. Because they took down my beloved Shockwave instead of that ancient dud of a ride Whizzer for Superman Ulrimate Flight. A ride I was definitely looking forward to and still love today. But when it came to building it, Six Flags should of just went with tearing down Whizzer instead of Shockwave. IMO this was a big mistake by SFGAm and still pisses me off whenever this comes to mind to be honest!!

[@d3adp0ol40]

The Whizzer was kept because of it's uniqueness and history, which resulted in it being given ACE Landmark status. Additionally, Shockwave was plagued with mechanical breakdowns (wheels failing on the trains and the track had a fracture on the first loop because of the intense force) and was aging poorly leading to an increasingly rough ride.

[@djhaloeight]

My buddy who was completely heartbroken when they tore this down was amazed when I told him there’s another Shockwave out in Cali known as Viper. It’s the last 7 inversion Arrow looper standing. Gotta get out there to ride it!

[@kevinblanchard9064]

The first looping roller coaster I ever rode was the Shockwave. RIP Shockwave, you are missed

[@RedLP5000S]

I miss Shockwave so much. I am so blessed to have experienced her in my lifetime. What a savage and satisfying ride she was! It was a sad sad moment in history when she was taken down.

[@doritosauce6632]

Last time I checked roller coasters don’t have genders

[@tdog8600]

@@doritosauce6632 ikr shockwave isn’t a boat

[@unclebruh5990]

i thought it was an f-77 supreme military fighter jet

[@skippythealien9627]

the two rides from Six Flags i miss the most are definitely Shockwave and the Sky Whirl haha. I wish i got a chance to go on Orbit too before they took that down since those Enterprise-model flat rides barely exist these days

[@aaronb9229]

Used to be my favorite! Never a wait, so many re-rides

[@petewheeler7283]

This brings back some great memories. What a great ride. It pissed me off when they took it down. It's so much better than Superman.

[@ericellis309]

I think this was the best ride I ever went on at Great America. Haven't been there in years though. I can't believe you held on to the camera. I also can't believe the camera didn't break.

[@brycefourn2001]

Yes. It used to be the park's greatest thrill ride before Raging Bull appeared.

[@RockyandTuck]

If it were still here, what would you rate this out of ten, with ten being the best?

[@brycefourn2001]

Rocky Tuck I would rate this an 8.

[@Davidle141]

Eric Ellis you should come back! I was like you stayed away a long time....and coming back was pretty amazing! The raging bull, the batsman! You gotta try xflight and Goliath I am sure you'll love it

[@RY30DM]

Long before GoPro's!

[@MrCuddle1979]

Brings back great memories. I miss Shockwave.

[@Kevinb1821]

It looks identical to six flags great adventures great American scream machine.

[@Coolsomeone234]

@@Kevinb1821 and viper at SF Magic Mountain

[@nelliesboy]

This vid brings back great memories! Shock Wave was the first coaster that really scared me. For me, the worst (and the best) part of the ride can be seen at 1:01. That little pause before the drop always got to me. Thanks taking me back!

[@gregorybentley5707]

Piece of history thanks so much for this video

[@goldranger2]

Thanks for posting this! Shockwave was the first coaster I rode at SFGAm, and was also my first big coaster ever.

[@sheputthelimeinthecoconut629]

The sound of the lift brings back memories of waiting in line to get in the park when I was a kid.

[@danmichalowski8413]

Lol that one turn at 1:26... so brutal. Felt like getting punched in the face. Made no sense. This coaster was so rough.

[@chrisanderson1809]

Yeah it was. Maybe it was just me but I always sat in the back like a moron - That thing damn near knocked me out a few times.

[@brianhawkins]

That turn knocked out a loose tooth I had when I was a kid.

[@Mickfly718]

Just watching this video, you can feel the headache. Still loved the ride though.

[@brandonmgs]

U can experience it at sfmm rn lol

[@hellfire8883]

@@chrisanderson1809 yea it definitely was a rough coaster that jarred and slammed your head side to side. My dad almost passed out because it smacks you around so much. Though it was fun.

[@jwlnroe]

loved that coaster - thanks for sharing

[@Seanymaggs]

Thank you SO MUCH for uploading this! I miss this coaster so much!

[@tanyasmith2173]

They used to fix the wheels on the shockwave trains everyday because that drop & that first loop didn't mix. But I loved it, despite the headaches and bruises, that hill was amazingly intimidating, every time!

[@MrBigtomtom06]

The first and last big roller-coaster I ever rode. When we arrived at six flags it was the biggest and first ride we saw. And yes it was a head banger!

[@pookieSR71adams]

What I wouldn’t give to ride this again. My Dad’s company picnic one year rented out Six Flags. We rode Shockwave and Iron Wolf until my recently pierced ears started to bleed. Lost Dad in 2014.

[@RYMAN1321]

Damn, RIP to your dad.

[@RY30DM]

You can come visit Iron Wolf at Six Flags America just outside of DC as that's where it got relocated to. One thing they did change however last year was that they changed from standup trains to sitdown floorless ones.

[@Osmonic74]

My Senior Class's 1993 graduation trip was to Six Flags in Gurnee. I had an amazing girlfriend at the time and we had a great day. The day ended with a few rides on the Shockwave before we headed back to the bus. I wish I could go back to those rides with her now sitting her at 48 years of age. We broke up a month later but the joy we shared on Shockwave will stay with me forever. I hope you are well Tracey.

[@gerarddip]

1:26 this is my favorite part lmao I like how one frame you’re banked like 50 degrees left and then the next frame you’re wings-level WITH NO HEARTLINING 😂😂😂

[@dominiccanis406]

I remember as a kid seeing this coaster and hearing the screams from the parking lot and walking up to the entrance to get tickets. It was very intimidating.

[@skippythealien9627]

hahaha yeah definitely now that experience has been replaced by both Superman and Maxx Force

[@Mallaien]

Watched them Build it in 1987, in 1989 I passed my test to become one of its operators. I worked there the summer of 87, 88, and 89. can't remember how many times I rode it, but it was a lot. I could ride my bike to the park every day, it was only 5 miles away, so I did spend just about every day there during the summers. I even remember going there when it was Marriott.

[@L00PdeL00P]

most underrated megalooper.

[@RY30DM]

Well, it had a twin in NJ, so I'm not sure how accurate that statement is.

[@UR_Right24]

This was my favorite ride in the park from the late 80s to mid 90s for sure.

[@jasonmoore5838]

Remember getting ready to go into six flags and and you would see the rollers go through those loops while hearing the people scream? The anticipation to get in was very high. I couldn't wait to get in.

[@afridgetoofar1818]

We went here in summer of ‘98, and Shockwave is one of the few roller coasters I’ve ever ridden that made me nervous while standing in line.

[@margiewagner3611]

Loved this ride. One year my husband and I rode in the front seat! Scary but awesome!

[@qvcshoplifter7]

Why did they take this down? This one was my favorite, I remember bein sick on the bench after riding it 3 times in a row after the whole day of coasters. Thank you for the awesome nostalgia!

[@samplautz5586]

They had to either take whizzer or this down for superman. The public wanted whizzer to stay so this went

[@doritosauce6632]

Maintenance issues

[@JJRClassic88]

It was loaded with structural and maintenance issues that began showing just several years after it opened. Also the ride quality grew harsher over the year and was losing favor to the public. It was only in operation for 14 seasons.

[@blainewilliams394]

It gave people migraines because it was a headbanger

[@gregm8871]

@@blainewilliams394 Came here to say this. That hard left after the third loop was a killer

[@edmyrvespucci]

my favorite coaster of all time because this was my first roller coaster.

[@melissajacobson2046]

It was my first too. After it got taken down, the raging bull became my favorite.

[@elevatoralarmcoasterandarc1214]

My middle school teacher Mr. W has been visiting Six Flags Great America. One of the coasters he went on was Shockwave. He told me that the coaster was rough.

[@TakashiAmanoOriginal]

Pure nostalgia being mainlined through this video

[@YourLockerzPal]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR UPLOADING!

[@alyfan1]

My dad worked for prairie concrete and poured some of the foundations for this ride. I rode it at least three times every trip to the park. I miss this place so much. All the good rides are gone now. Well except eagle demon and whizzer, think those are the only original ones left.

[@harrisonschneider8333]

Eagle was not an original, but yes, so many good rides are gone.

[@m_ianO]

1:36 you can hear everyone groan with concern as they slammed into those inversions. So classic aero

[@kinggee5605]

Watching this coaster in motion pulling into the parking was just classic. Man I miss those days smh rough ride tho 😂 it really lived up to its name but it’s was also a fun coaster at the same time.

[@ederst9759]

My brother and I rode the 'Gulf Coaster' in 1976, as a joke on the grand opening weekend when it was "Marriot's" Great America in Gurnee. The Shockwave was by far the best coaster of them all, the kiddie "Gulf Coaster", the worst, but I can say I rode almost all of them over a 30 year period.

[@patio87]

I remember having to jam my head in the left corner in order to not get knocked around.

[@NoHomers23]

This ride would beat you the hell up.

[@beautyandbrains1695]

They said that one of the main reasons this was taken down was because the ride had maintenance problems. I wonder if they could just remodel or fix the parts of the ride that were wearing out.

[@ArrowThrills]

They still could have kept it

[@elevatoralarmcoasterandarc1214]

These maintenance issues weren't the only problems that caused Shockwave's demise, but it was so rough and painful.

[@RY30DM]

They did have to take out parts of the loops on its twin in NJ and replace them with new sections, but the layout remained the same. Once B&M came around, people were won over by their smoother designs. Arrows didn't seem so sexy anymore.

[@TheTerminator1919]

Thanks for sharing this! I remember it gave me a headache. :)

[@michaelnobles2643]

The Shockwave was one of the best. RIP

[@magicalranter224]

never got to ride this one 😟 but at least whizzer is still there and it is still beloved and one of the last of its kind

[@TheDuke2086]

the headache was worth the rush. I think my record was 5 times in a row near closing when the lines were short. By far my favorite at Great America

[@Slotten68]

When I was a kid this ride had me momentarily blacking out. Was the most brutal coaster I've ever been on. People were crying when the train came back to the station and as kids you're like "oh shit yo"

[@brianphillips2695]

Rode this probably 20 times, great coaster and some violent runs that would smash your head aginst the head support but was worth the wait in line.

[@maineblack7464]

This was the best and the first coaster you saw coming , and the last you saw leaving.

[@brokenpinatasales]

This just gave me ptsd. Back in 7th grade, we went on a class trip to six flags. I had already been feeling crappy on the bus ride there, but once we arrived and I puked up my breakfast that wasn't agreeing with me, I was feeling OK. First thing my friends wanted to go on? Shockwave. Not wanting to be the wussy, I went along with it. Big mistake. I didn't puke on the ride, surprisingly, but it did enough to my head and stomach that my day was done. I spent the rest of the day following hanging out with one of my friends mom and lying down on benches whenever I had the chance. I haven't gone a roller coaster since. That was in 1992.

[@margiewagner3611]

I even sat up front the last time I rode it. That first hill... wow but what a rush!

[@KinGizzard]

The first coaster I ever road. I think I waited in line for two hours. I rode it 2 more times that day (in succession), but for some reason it wasn't until the 3rd time that I experienced the head battering that the ride became famous for. I loved that coaster, and it remained the first ride I would go on, with every visit to Six Flags, until it was taken down.

[@youtuuba]

I did a study of this coaster, based on going many times shortly before the park was closing for the day, when lines were very short, and I could have more freedom to sit where I wanted on the 'trains'. The ride was very different depending where you sat on the train. Lots of people wanted to sit in the front, but the most exciting (& violent) ride was if one sat further back. Those whip-crack changes in direction were punishing, but I loved it. The only ride in the park I really looked forward to, although the Eagle was big in both old-time charm AND physical size, and was pretty fast for a wooden coaster. And I always went on the Whizzer just because it reminded me of the coasters I rode on in my youth in Germany (which is really where it came from).

[@jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj385]

I went to the park yearly (at least) as a kid, and I can still remember watching Shockwave cycle when my family would go out to the parking lot for lunch. It would break down almost every year. It was an awesome ride, but it had too many problems. Same with GASM

[@jasonkrause6778]

Rode this ride in 02' always a ominous ride it was the first coaster I went on when I arrived I avoided this ride when I went there for my 8th grade class trip in 93" what a monster of a ride !!!!

[@jeanneowens2738]

That left turn after the three loops was brutal. If you didn’t brace correctly it caused headaches & neck pain. I personally was not surprised at all that ride was taken down.

[@killahill88]

Come to 6 Flags Magic Mountain. We still have Viper!

[@alexanderpoderys8059]

Reminds me of my gen millenial childhood. F change, it makes you feel old and nostalgic. Lolz going to six flags in a couple weeks looking to have fun.

[@PlayRouletteProductions]

I miss Shockwave... And the headaches it gave me in the air

[@danmichalowski8413]

Went on this about 10 times in one hour right before the park closed. This was around 2001 I think, even at that point there was basically no one riding it. Started blacking out in the loops the last run and figured I should call it a day lol.

[@RY30DM]

GASM featured a moment the first time I rode it that made me grey out. You have the three loops more or less back to back. Well, after loop 3, I couldn't see anything. Thank goodness the midcourse brake came up when it did.

[@Davidle141]

I never blacked out on the loops it wasn’t that intense.

[@RY30DM]

So this is where the movie term shaky cam came from! We've come so far since then. Who would've ever thought they would've been able to create a video camera as small as a GoPro that features almost perfect stabilization.

[@Yasin_2312]

First coaster with 7 inversions

[@ThemeParkCrazy]

May I use this footage in a video on Six Flags Great America's history? I will give you full credit.

[@Drumdudeexplosives]

I never got to ride this :( at least they still have the demon, now THATS a fun ride right there

[@HawnixArtistry]

Drumdudeexplosives I wish you had gotten to. The Shockwave was one of the best coasters in the park, probably the best before the Raging Bull came out.

[@Davidle141]

Colin Breen most definitely in fact I think if it was still in the park maybe I would like it better than raging bull....it's really hard to say because even though I rode the shockwave countless times and I loved it I still kinda don't remember what it feels like but the raging bull I been riding it pretty regularly the past two years and I love it.....one day i rode it 4 times back to back and decided 3 times is actually the best number per trip and riding on the outside car is the best....I'll see raging bull in a few weeks

[@antduhnee]

Dev-Deh_13 demon sucks it hurts you're head to much

[@northwestfloridarccars5442]

Dev-Deh_13 demons the worst roller coaster in the park

[@tigerrocks503chase8]

Shockwave was rougher than Demon. And there are worse arrow loopers. out there

[@codyjohns6525]

I remember this ride hurt my neck and I just wanted to see if I was alone on that from the comments I realize I'm not lol

[@chrisballentine3380]

this is one roller-coaster I always wanted to ride

[@affoidman123]

Damn! I was just 4 months shy of turning 1 when this was recorded! Haha wild! Awesome footage!

[@VideofromGeorge]

Wow, I was 23 when I recorded this and my brother seen in the footage was 21.

[@chriskobler3352]

What camera did you use? last time I checked the cameras in 1993 where pretty big. I'm surprised they allowed you to bring it on.

[@VideofromGeorge]

Hi8 camcorder. The smaller tapes, not full size VHS. I was able hide the camcorder under my shirt. I was surprised they did not see it. I tried it on the stand up Superman roller coaster, and they took it away from me. I retrieved it after the ride.

[@devyvalentinoify]

The best ride ever at Six Flags Great America

[@MattPerk7]

This was my first "real" roller coaster, lol. I love it

[@programr101]

This was my favorite coaster at Great America

[@nathannnathan85]

omg remember seeing this on the way in and being little like OMG! and then i went on it finally...Was an awesome ride, even if you head and neck hurt the rest of the day lmao.

[@erind8849]

I had gotten my ear cartilage pierced a couple of days before I rode this coaster in 1995. My head banged around so much that it got infected and I had to let it close up. It was worth it to say I got to ride the Shockwave! LOLOL

[@metallifreak100]

I last rode it in 2002 at 13. It was rough, but fun.

[@margiewagner3611]

I always loved this ride. Sad to hear they got rid of it.

[@oneandonlysound99]

when parks used to have real steel coasters. At least Demon is still running, or Blue Hawk at SF Over Georgia, and Viper at SFMM. Is there any actual real steel coasters running at any six flags parks besides these? (not counting mine trains from arrow even if they are technically the same design of sorts). Between the B&M wing, and arrow looper Demon, Great America has won out over the country for my next six flags park visit.

[@RY30DM]

There are lots of "real" steel coasters operating at Six Flags parks across the country. Let the Roller Coaster Database be your guide.

[@jefferyjones8399]

My mom was a roller coaster nut and I remember her complaining about how rough this one was not too many years after this video was recorded.

[@bondbeansbond]

Always wanted to ride her. Was excited for my first potential concussion on a coaster. 😭

[@nakagoe7986]

what happen to shockwave and change into what new safe ride?

[@pinky1933]

I never experienced this ride but it was thee ride back then. As a kid I was scared to even wait I'm line for my brother to ride this. Oh man the memories this brings back. All we do is get older and this reminds me how things get old fast. I remember the space ship that was in the parking lot. And the big circle things that held the cages and you spin slow like a ferris wheel. The demon is still there but sadly Iron Wolf is gone also. And they even took out the Concord. Lol as a kid I loved the Wizzer. Oh good times.

[@Davidle141]

Wow wow wow....concord is still there.

[@rjohnson80100]

I miss that ride so much

[@jimmaloney1121]

Out of the trilogy I only was able to ride Viper at Magic Mountain. I wonder if the other versions rode any differently, either rougher or smoother. Anyone know?

[@batmandalorian5504]

Jim I have only ever ridden Shockwave at Gurnee so I can't speak for the other coasters but I can tell you that this ride was a headbanger. It was/still is one of my favorite coasters of all time and I couldn't even begin to guess how many times I've ridden it, but it was B.R.U.T.A.L. as others have mentioned. (Not only that but it was kind of a weird layout with those shape curves before and after the loops, then slowing down almost to a stop before going into the corkscrews.) I have to believe that Viper would ride the same way as the layout is the same and manufacturer.

[@delvinmccann8073]

I was really young but this is one of my first coaster with loops .. it was pretty extreme for me at the time

[@RY30DM]

It still would be pretty extreme if it were still standing.

[@PatsSoxCeltsHawks]

I never got to ride Shockwave, but I was able to ride the clone Viper, at Six Flags Magic Mountain, and I absolutely loved it. I love Superman as well, and it's great to have a flying coaster here. It would be nice if Shockwave was still there though.

[@musclecarfan74]

A friend of mine and I rode it in 1992, we were in the front, at the top of the hill he spits into the air, it hits someone a few rows back, as we heard the person.

[@ZiPolishHammer]

Classic. I've ridden this at its Californian twin Viper and both leave you a bit winded by the end. Intense rides.

[@RY30DM]

Viper is actually not its twin. The front half of Viper has a different layout. Great American Scream Machine at Six Flags Great Adventure in NJ was its exact twin, with a difference of three feet in height. If they weren't painted, you wouldn't be able to tell them apart!

[@triple7marc]

This coaster had a very nice color scheme.

[@hellfire8883]

This was definitely a fun coaster but it really was rough it would jar the rider and slam your head side to side especially the turns after the loops. It was a classic that greeted you right near the entrance to the park. Its too bad its gone but im glad i experienced it. My dad almost passed out because of all the turmoil is caused to the body.

[@oltrusty3865]

I wish this ride was still open I never got to ride it :(

[@sixfootfive6556]

I swear I rode this as a teenager. I remember slightly blacking out on a steep hill with a twist.

[@Mallaien]

The Gforce you got going thru the second and 3rd "twin loops" were brutal, and hitting that first break stop was really bad if you were at the front of the train. The best seat was the last seat, you got negative G's at the top of the hill as the front of the train pulls you over the top of the lift. you also suffered less head banging going into the first block breaks because it was already going slow by the time the end of the train hit that nearly 90 degree turn.

[@oneandonlysound99]

So much cooler and engaging than a superman ultimate flight can ever be. Should've been fixed up and preserved, same happened to it's sister mirrored model in NJ "Great American Scream Machine" but at least this park still has "Demon." Calling these places so great but tossing away huge epic arrow coasters for smaller gimmicky B&M's, including X-Flight of bad vest restraints. We want REAL COASTERS BACK! Thank you S&S and Vekoma for trying (Steel Curtain is so awesome) despite lack of getting into the USA enough with the bigger stuff!

[@RY30DM]

I don't know why S&S can't get Steel Curtain working right, but it's had a lot of downtime. There's nothing complicated about it either. It goes up a chain lift hill, and it goes throughout the rest of the ride with gravity. Simple.

[@stevemeinecke]

god how much i miss that ride that was a beast love rip

[@LashannaStith]

I would have loved Shockwave!

[@KartKing4ever]

It went right over the entrance? That's so badass.

[@Coaster_Universe]

No, just near it.

[@Hextraordinary13]

Shockwave was "the shit." best damn roller coaster at Six Flags Great America in the 90's!