Thrasher Magazine

The skateboarding world took a huge hit to its soul yesterday, with the loss of ‘70s skate maestro, Shogo Kubo. For the skateboarders deeply into hardcore skateboarding during the mid ‘70s, the name and iconic images of Shogo Kubo stood out like lightning amidst the skateboard legends of the day. As a stand-out member of the original ZBOYS line-up, hundreds of thousands of fans around the world eagerly sought out the quiet and mighty skateboarder. Native born of Japan, his path led him to the streets of Dogtown, where fortune brought him to skate on Team Zephyr, the most famous band of brothers ever to rise out of skateboarding. His legend entered our imaginations, completely tucked and stylish, Shogo dripped style. Just look at any photograph of him slicing across the tiles and coping. He attacked frontside carves like a rampaging locomotive, and his laybacks were like butter. Many were the skaters who dreamed they could possess but just one drop of his style, and for decades, many would emulate it, as close as they possibly could.

Gracious, supportive, and generous with his great big smile, Shogo exuded a brand of friendship and warmth to those who met, or got to know him, shall never forget. He left this mortal coil while Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Hawaii. Cause unknown. As a form of salute to a great force, do this. The next time you step on board, throw down the gnarliest grind that you can, and bark the shit out of those trucks. Make it loud enough for him to hear. Let him know, that you know, and you remember. Hail and farewell, Shogo.—Mörizen Föche



Photo: Bryce Kanights