For the Love of Skateboarding
This was the last interview Grosso did for the Loveletters to Skateboarding series. He and Cher exchange emotional stories about life, love, skateboarding and the LGBTQ+ scene.
Vans is thankful to everyone who shared their story, strengthening the community of skateboarding. If you are a person in crisis or in need of a safe and judgement free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at 1-866-488-7386.
Skateboarding legend and long-time Ally to the LGBTQ+ community, Barker Barrett, sits down with Cher Strauberry for an informative chat about how to be a supportive Ally, while also laying down some heavy curb skating.
Vans’ Loveletters To LGBTQ+ was filmed earlier this year, before the passing of legendary skater and host Jeff Grosso, who was a champion for inclusive skateboarding. We believe this message of unity and equality must be told, and that all voices of the LGBTQ+ community deserve to be heard. Grounded in the brand values of inclusivity and being open to everyone, Vans believes this unifying message must be told, and stands in support of the LGBTQ+ Skate Community as we continue to drive positive change. – Vans
With Propeller being the first ever full-length skateboarding film from Vans, there was no question that it needed to pay homage its roots. Opening with an 80’s style backyard ramp session quickly became the plan, but what most don’t know is that Jeff Grosso single-handedly made it happen. From finding the location to assembling the skaters, Jeff became the heart and soul behind the shoot. Here for the first time is a full cut of what went down during those three epic days. This is a tribute to Jeff and everything he brought to our world through his boundless love for skateboarding. Featuring Jeff Grosso, Steve Caballero, Christian Hosoi, Lizzie Armanto and Omar Hassan.
Grosso Forever.
The old adage has never rung more true: legends never die. In memory of beloved Vans family member and skateboarding icon, Jeff Grosso, some of Jeff’s closest friends come together to celebrate his life during a virtual birthday gathering.
Grosso leaves behind a prolific legacy of skateboarding history, having touched the lives of skaters of all ages and backgrounds with his cunning commentary, tenacious attitude, and enduring activism for preserving the core. The special ceremony will showcase never-before-seen-footage of Jeff by Greg Hunt from the Vans Propeller vert sessions, birthday edits by Six Stair Productions of personal video dedications from friends and family. Moderated by Chris Nieratko, the event will close with an intimate memorial gathering with respected skate names such as Steve Van Doren, Loveletters to Skateboarding co-creators Rick Charnoski and Buddy Nichols, John Lucero, Steve Olson, Steve Alba and Lizzie Armanto.
Despite the era of social distancing, Vans brings us all together for this unique and truly special moment – a heartfelt ode to many lives lived by a passionate man who loved skateboarding more than anyone. Jeff Grosso, you are missed! – VANS
The collective skateboard world mourns the loss of our dear friend, Jeff Grosso. Our thoughts are with his family during this time.
“To say Jeff’s impact on Vans, our people and skateboarding was unparalleled, would be an underestimation of how much of a role he played in the lives of us all. From curating content that highlighted the global skate community, to his unique and raw commentary of the skate industry, and mentoring up-and-coming athletes – there was nothing that Jeff wouldn’t do to uplift skateboarding and the people around it. Jeff Grosso is the epitome of skateboarding”. — Steve Van Doren
Jeff Grosso 1968-2020 and forever.
What is a Caster Disaster? Who gets credit for the first Ollie? First grind on a handrail? Who was Grosso’s favorite skater in 1990? Best 360 flip? In this Special Edition Love Letter Grosso sits down with Vans’ newest signature pro, Rowan Zorilla, and San Pedro’s finest, Ronnie Sandoval, after a day of skating to see how much the youngsters know about this thing called skateboarding.
If skating was born from surfing and surfing originated in Hawaii then Hawaii is skateboarding’s mecca. Jeff Grosso ends Season 10 with a deep dive into the roots of what we talk about when we talk about love.
The AGGRO ZONE by Neil Blender was, “The best thing Transworld ever did,” according to Grosso. In Six Stair’s ongoing effort to archive all things skateboarding, they’ve just completed scanning the first 10 years of Transworld Skateboarding. This is for those who never knew or need a reminder.
Back in the late 1970s/early 1980s copers were cool… and then they weren’t. Learn the brief history of one of the more useful gimmicks in skateboarding.
Black Label Skateboards has been going for 30 years and is still going strong. Grosso gets nostalgic for the early 1990’s when John Lucero founded the company and Grosso was the resident pro.
Grosso sits down with FA’s Anthony Van Engelen to talk about the early 90s, big pants, small wheels, school yards, influences and life going full circle in this Loveletter to AVE.