🛹 A1 Meats: The Cult Skate Wheel Brand That Burned Bright

In the gritty, DIY heyday of early '90s skateboarding, one company rolled in with a name that sounded more like a butcher shop than a skate brand—and yet, A1 Meats quickly carved out a place in skateboarding history. Though their time in the spotlight was brief, their impact was anything but forgettable.

📼 Origins and Identity

A1 Meats was a skateboard wheel company based in the United States, emerging around 1991. While the exact founders remain elusive in the annals of skate history, the brand’s identity was unmistakable: raw, rebellious, and unapologetically underground. Their name alone—A1 Meats—was a tongue-in-cheek jab at the polished branding of bigger companies, and their aesthetic leaned heavily into black-and-white ads, punk soundtracks, and a cult-like vibe.

🎥 Notable Projects and Style

A1 Meats made waves with two standout skate videos:

• Cult Follower (1991): A 14-minute promo that showcased their team’s raw talent and street grit. It featured skaters like Matt Hensley, Kris Markovich, and a very young Jason Dill.

• Dancing in the Dirt (1991): A full-length 34-minute video that became a time capsule of early '90s skateboarding. The soundtrack was pure punk, featuring NOFX’s Ribbed album, and the skating was a mix of street, mini ramp, and vert—gritty, sketchy, and full of heart.

These videos weren’t just promotional—they were cultural artifacts. They captured the essence of skateboarding as rebellion, creativity, and community.

🧢 Sponsored Skaters and Legacy

A1 Meats sponsored a roster of skaters who would go on to become legends:

• Jason Dill: Appeared in their videos at just 12 years old, showcasing a fearless style that would later define his career.

• Kris Markovich: Known for his aggressive street skating and iconic nose bonks.

• Matt Hensley: A pioneer of street skating whose influence is still felt today.

• Kareem Campbell: Brought style and innovation, especially in street skating.

• Others included Laban Pheidias, Leigh Peterson, Ryan Fabry, and John Sonner.

Their team was dubbed “Cult Followers,” a nod to the brand’s underground appeal and loyal fanbase.

🕵️♂️ Where Are They Now?

Here’s the mystery: A1 Meats seems to have vanished. There’s no clear record of when or why they shut down. They may have been absorbed into another company, or simply faded as the skate industry evolved. What’s certain is that they left behind a legacy of punk-infused skate culture and a couple of videos that still get rewatched by nostalgic skaters decades later.

A1 Meats "Dancing In The Dirt" (1991)

A1 Meats Cult Follower