Possessed to Skate: The Story of Suicidal Skates 🛹

In the gritty, sun-bleached streets of Venice, California, where punk rock and skateboarding collided in a haze of rebellion and creativity, a movement was born. That movement gave rise to Suicidal Skates—a brand that didn’t just sell boards, but embodied a lifestyle of defiance, speed, and raw street energy.

Origins: Brotherhood and Board Culture

Suicidal Skates traces its roots back to 1981, when Mike Muir, frontman of the legendary punk band Suicidal Tendencies, moved in with his brother Jim Muir, a founding member of the iconic Dogtown skate crew. The Muir brothers were immersed in the Venice skate scene, where the lines between music, art, and skating blurred into one explosive subculture.

Mike’s band, Suicidal Tendencies, quickly became the soundtrack of skateboarding’s underground. Their aggressive, anti-establishment lyrics and thrash-punk sound resonated with skaters who felt alienated by mainstream culture. It wasn’t long before the ethos of the band spilled into the world of skateboarding gear—and Suicidal Skates was born.

What Made Suicidal Skates Legendary

Suicidal Skates wasn’t just another deck company. It was a visual and sonic rebellion. Their boards featured bold, gritty artwork—often created by longtime collaborator Mike Strachan—that reflected the chaos and intensity of the streets. The brand’s most iconic slogan, “Possessed to Skate,” became a rallying cry for skaters worldwide.

They were known for merging punk aesthetics with functional design. Their decks weren’t just art pieces—they were built to shred pools, bomb hills, and survive the punishment of hardcore street skating. Suicidal Skates also helped pioneer the crossover between skateboarding and music, with their gear often doubling as merch for the band.

Sponsorships and Influence

While Suicidal Skates wasn’t a traditional sponsor-heavy brand, its influence ran deep. The brand was closely tied to the skateboarding community through collaborations and cultural impact. Skaters like Lance Mountain contributed artwork for early Suicidal shirts, and the brand’s gear was worn and skated by countless underground legends.

The music video for “Possessed to Skate” became an anthem and visual tribute to skateboarding, featuring wild tricks, backyard pools, and the kind of raw energy that defined the era. Even pro skaters like Danny Way later skated to Suicidal Tendencies tracks in major skate videos, cementing the band and brand’s place in skateboarding history.

What They're Up To Now

Fast forward to today, and Suicidal Skates is still rolling strong. The brand has re-emerged under the Dogtown X Suicidal banner, bringing the Muir brothers’ legacy full circle. They continue to release limited-edition decks, apparel, and even their first-ever Suicidal Skates wheels—designed for all terrains and printed with classic artwork.

Recent drops include the Adrenaline Addict capsule collection, featuring signed decks, bold graphics, and gear that pays homage to their punk roots. They’ve also collaborated with Venice-based rock band The Shrine, blending music and skateboarding in true Suicidal fashion.

Suicidal Skates isn’t just a company—it’s a cultural force. It represents a time when skating wasn’t polished or corporate, but raw, loud, and unapologetically rebellious. And decades later, it’s still Possessed to Skate.

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