Why is everyone finding this one bizarre? I am talking about Nick Cave and the new skateboard designed by the Australian firm Fast Times, inspired by Nick Cave’s song ‘Nature Boy’ off his album ‘Abattoir Blues’, and illustrated by the artist Chuck Sperry.
Of course, I know why people find the collaboration strange, when you see Nick and his impeccable suits and immaculate white shirts, it is hard to imagine him on a skateboard, but it took me exactly 3 seconds to find a skateboard video on YouTube with a Cave soundtrack… ‘Stagger Lee’ of course! Accompanied by the text: ‘me skating to Nick Cave’s Murder Ballads legendary track. I edited the whole thing. featuring secret footage of me filmed on ultra secret skate missions in ultra dangerous locations where A LOT OF PEOPLE DIED. i made it out alive.’
Of course it makes total sense, what part of ‘a lot of people died’ all these writers did not understand? And who cares if Nick Cave has never stepped a foot on a skate, by the way, I am not even sure of this? After all, his first band The Birthday Party was pretty badass and raw! Plus a bit more research makes you stumble on this video (below) posted by Fast Times, the skate company in question, and explaining:
‘Nick Cave has been a huge inspiration to everyone at Fast Times and continues to influence us with his music and creativity. He has been a regular visitor to our city store over the past couple of years, always generous with his time and support. He is a true legend of Australian music and we are proud to have worked with him to create this limited edition collection.’
So I don’t see anything weird at all… At least, it is much hipper than Kiss’s Paul Stanley filming a commercial for Folgers Coffee!
The board is available for $100 from Fast Times’ web store, or if you aren’t a skateboarder like me, you can always get the t-shirt for (just) $50!