Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (THPS), released in 1999, is a landmark title in the skateboarding video game genre. Developed by Neversoft and published by Activision, the game was revolutionary for its time, featuring fast-paced, arcade-style skateboarding action combined with a robust soundtrack, which became a defining aspect of the game. One of the standout features of THPS was its diverse and energetic soundtrack, which introduced many players to punk rock, ska, and hip-hop.
The soundtrack’s influence extended beyond the game itself, as many of the featured tracks became synonymous with the late ’90s and early 2000s skate culture. Songs like “Superman” by Goldfinger and “Police Truck” by Dead Kennedys helped cement the game’s status as a cultural touchstone. Let’s take a look at the whole soundtrack, 25 years after the release of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater;
“Police Truck” – Dead Kennedys
“Police Truck” by Dead Kennedys is a fast-paced, politically charged punk rock anthem from 1980. Originally a B-side to “Holiday in Cambodia,” it’s one of the band’s most memorable tracks. Dead Kennedys, led by the provocative Jello Biafra, are known for their biting satire and critique of American politics. “Police Truck” delivers a powerful message against authoritarianism with its raw energy and rebellious spirit, which perfectly fits the rebellious vibe of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater.
“Here and Now” – The Ernies
The Ernies, known for their fusion of ska, punk, and alternative rock, brought a vibrant and youthful energy to this track. “Here and Now” features a lively rhythm with upbeat guitar riffs and infectious melodies, making it a fitting addition to the THPS soundtrack. The song’s feel-good vibe complements the game’s high-energy skating action and adds to the overall fun and dynamic atmosphere, much like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater itself.
“Vilified” – Even Rude
“Vilified” by Even Rude is a high-energy punk-rock song that embodies the aggressive spirit of skate-punk. Although not as widely recognized as some of the other bands featured on the soundtrack, Even Rude’s driving guitars, pounding drums, and intense vocals fit perfectly with the fast-paced action of the game. The track’s raw, unapologetic energy mirrors the excitement and intensity found in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater.
“Superman” – Goldfinger
“Superman” by Goldfinger is a high-energy ska-punk anthem from their 1997 album Hang-Ups. The song’s infectious rhythm and catchy melody made it an instant hit, especially after its feature in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. It became Goldfinger’s signature track and is considered a defining ska-punk song of the late ’90s. The track remains a nostalgic favorite, representing both the punk-ska scene and the skateboarding culture of that era, much like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater.
“Jerry Was a Race Car Driver” – Primus
“Jerry Was a Race Car Driver” by Primus is a distinctive, bass-driven alternative rock track from their 1991 album Sailing the Seas of Cheese. Known for their eclectic and experimental style, Primus blends funk, punk, and progressive rock with this song. The standout slap-bass riff by Les Claypool, coupled with the band’s quirky rhythms and vocals, makes it a hallmark of Primus’ unique sound, adding to the diverse soundtrack of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater.
“Screamer” – Speedealer
“Screamer” by Speedealer is a high-octane punk track known for its intense energy. Emerging from Texas and originally known as REO Speedealer, the band mixes punk with elements of metal and speed rock. “Screamer” showcases their aggressive sound with raw, defiant lyrics and a loud, driving beat. The track’s energetic punch and rebellious attitude make it a standout for fans of punk and speed rock, well suited to the kinetic gameplay of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater.
“Cyco Vision” – Suicidal Tendencies
“Cyco Vision” by Suicidal Tendencies is a classic punk track from their 1987 album Join the Army. Known for pioneering the crossover thrash genre, Suicidal Tendencies blends punk with thrash metal in this fast, furious song. The lyrics convey a rebellious and unfiltered outlook on life, capturing the band’s signature style of raw, energetic punk and their commentary on societal issues, fitting well with the theme of rebellion in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater.
“New Girl” – The Suicide Machines
“New Girl” by The Suicide Machines is an energetic punk rock song from their 1996 album Destruction by Definition. The track combines punk with ska elements, capturing the excitement and chaos of starting a new relationship. With its playful lyrics and high-energy sound, “New Girl” reflects the band’s ability to infuse punk with a fun, dynamic edge, which complements the high-energy gameplay of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater.
“Committed” – Unsane
“Committed” by Unsane is a heavy, intense track from their 1998 album American Leather. Known for their gritty, noisy rock, Unsane explores themes of feeling trapped and overwhelmed in this song. The raw, confrontational lyrics and aggressive sound showcase the band’s signature style, making “Committed” a powerful example of their confrontational, heavy rock approach, much like the edgy gameplay experience of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater.
“Euro-Barge” – The Vandals
“Euro-Barge” by The Vandals is a lively, upbeat track from their 1998 album Hitler Bad, Vandals Good. The Vandals are renowned for their energetic punk rock with a humorous twist, and “Euro-Barge” exemplifies this perfectly. The song playfully satirizes European culture and vacationing with witty lyrics and a catchy, upbeat tempo, reflecting the band’s talent for blending punk with comedy. This humor and energy align well with the fun and exciting nature of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater.
Twenty-five years after its release, the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater soundtrack remains a defining aspect of the game. It played a crucial role in popularizing skate culture and alternative music genres among gamers and beyond. The soundtrack’s influence is still felt today, with many tracks continuing to be associated with the late ’90s skate scene and often featured in discussions about influential video game music.
The game’s soundtrack helped set the stage for future skateboarding games and contributed to the broader cultural impact of skateboarding. Its legacy was further cemented with the release of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 in 2020, a remastered version that brought updated graphics and gameplay while preserving the original’s beloved soundtrack. The enduring popularity of the music in these games highlights the timeless appeal of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater.
Overall, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater and its soundtrack have left a lasting mark on both the gaming industry and skateboarding culture, remaining a nostalgic and influential touchstone for fans of the game and its music.
