New Jersey. It’s hockey mascot is a devil, the Hindenburg disaster (inspiration behind Led Zeppelin’s name and original album cover) happened there, and Fred Gall and his Tempur-pedic live there. That’s a pretty stacked byline if you ask us.
Also out of the armpit of the U.S. is Metal Skateboards, started in 1994 by Fred, Lou Metal and Jerry Fisher. Birthed from one too many acid trips, late night skate sessions, and a desire to start a no frills, evil skate company out of the East Coast, Metal is a part of skateboarding history often forgotten.
While it’s been 30 years since its original inception, the rusty gears behind Metal are turning again, pulling in names like Ben Raybourn to skate for the brand and releasing boards that match the Jersey ethos.
Seeking the undocumented history of Metal, we linked up with Fred, Lou, Donny Binaco and Jenkem correspondent Zac Tait at the abandoned Casino Skatepark on Asbury Park Boardwalk. Embrace the crust and enjoy the history lesson on Jersey skateboarding and beyond.
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May 23, 2024 12:01 pm
These people have had 10xs the experience of most twice their age.
May 24, 2024 4:57 pm
Fred Gall is a national treasure.
Want me a Metal board now. Amazing how something can spark you, huh?
May 25, 2025 5:28 pm
Need to release the early footage from 95- 97 with Fisher. I remember seeing clips of shit way back when down at the shop or at Lonnie’s house. That shit needs to come out of the dark and into this evil world. Jerry fucking ripped, as well as the whole fucking team.