Thursday June 5, we all gathered at the Brooklyn Banks to see NYC mayor Eric Adams, Gotham Park, and tireless advocate for New York City skateboarding Steve Rodriguez cut the ribbon and reopen the Big Banks section of the Brooklyn Banks. In attendance, I ran into many friends, old and new, and of course the reminiscing and story-telling began. We thought it might be worth recording a few of these conversations so you all know what hallowed ground you're skating on when you go visit NYC.
First up, NYC OG Bruno Musso. Yes, that's him on the cover of the FULL BLEED book (which you ought to have in your collection). I tapped him for a story or two about the Banks and he delivered. These might be best listened to on Apple Podcasts.
Or Spotify:
We've put it on Youtube as well.
All photos taken from Full Bleed and TWS. Footage from 411VM and Marino's Episodes.
More interviews and stories to come. Thanks Bruno!
Follow @gothamparknyc on IG and consider donating!
To clarify, Jamal Simmons was on the cover shot by Spike Jonze. Jahmal Williams was shot at the Banks by Jeremy Traub:
Jeremy Traub/TWS
Shop that gold "TWS Circles" T here.
Some pretty epic tales in there, and if you haven't watched The Warriors or KIDS, those are a couple of epic New York City movies that go along with the lawless era of NYC.
So yeah, when you make it out to NYC, and you will sooner or later, enjoy the Banks, but also trip out on the history. And the Small Banks are scheduled to be opened later this year. Those things were so smooth and mellow! The Big Banks were always more challenging. Shout out to Stever Rodriguez and the city of NYC for recognizing the significance of this spot and bringing it back!
