Slap MessageBoards
Skateboarding => USELESS WOODEN TOY BANTER => Topic started by: PsychOut on March 06, 2011, 08:41:24 PM
-
Today marks the (EDIT) 5th year Shane Cross passed on to his new life. R.I.P to Shane and to all the others skateboarding has lost
1986-FOREVER
http://www.shanecross.net (http://www.shanecross.net)
(http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y326/thegetradblog/shanecross-06.jpg)
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_qoZIZbmcI#)
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAECKCLni3w#)
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbD-E89Ha7Y#)
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLJmeUZohiI#)
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDPSjOY5ESQ#)
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De17HnpLgSw#)
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1DMQIaWDhk#)
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKdZqMx8Vws#)
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN_k2SmyZt0#)
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-jsxkL6478#)
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qx1-8M6uSas#)
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zjdqPGXKFE#)
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO3zTn-8MPE#)
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHcTS1hwBec#)
-
http://thegetradblog.tumblr.com/post/3679255416/shane-cross-forever (http://thegetradblog.tumblr.com/post/3679255416/shane-cross-forever)
Stories from skateboard.com.au
There are just so many good times to choose from when re calling anything to do with Shane. The dude was just the best! In every sense! I remember one year we went to Melbourne for the Globe world cup and also for Shane to except his SLAM skater of the year award ($5000 spent entirely on servo porn during the drive back to sydney….amazing!) After all the festivities through the week and weekend had come to an end we were left on a high that was quickly running out come our final Sunday night. After a quick “potential Antics” meeting and with a quick inspection of the streets below our hotel room, at the ever so lovely “City Squared Hotel” in Melbourne’s CBD, we decided we should make Melbourne a little bit “Sexier” and remove our clothes and take back the streets in our Birthday suits. We didn’t want to miss a meter of ground with our clothes on so we literally got naked in the room , caught the elevator to the lobby and ran outta that place quicker than an ice head on his way to a free crack party. We quickly spotted a near by 7/11 and decided it would be a good idea to rob the place naked. Upon our arrival the 7/11 worker screamed “NOOOOO” repeatedly in a thick Indian accent, ran to the back room and locked himself in side leaving the shop floor defence less. Id say we made it out of there with about $1000 worth of candy in our hands and plastic bags. We then sat over the road, still completely starkers, and began to devourer our loot. We then noticed taxis lining up at a near by Taxi rank. We ran out of the shadows confronting the first driver both jumping in and asking for a lift “To the Goldie VIA Sydney because we had to get our washing off mum” upon our instant rejection and ejection from the Taxi we both began to shine the exterior of the cab with our naked bodies….this didn’t go down to well and the driver took off with us both on the cab…. We got off just in time. we then ran over the top of a few cabs, scared a few randoms and returned home awaiting our possible imprisonment. We already had a super good excuse which was “Hey its Melbourne…….art capital……it was one of those live installations or whatever.” But the police never showed and the guy at the front desk never mentioned it……………. strange!
Apart from the good times I will, however, leave you all with this.
This time of year is always an extremely sad period for me and im damm sure it’s a sad one for everyone else involved too. I always remember the amazing times I had with Shane(which were always epic!) but in reality it makes things worse knowing that those good times are a thing of the past and wont happen again in my lifetime. I miss my friend more than anything, I don’t know the words to describe the sadness and emptiness I feel when thinking about Shane and knowing I wont ever see him again. To this day It makes my cry even as I write this final paragraph. What people need to understand is that human life, friendship and love is something you cant put a price on! I don’t give a fuck if you think that’s “gay” or sappy, and if you think less of me for saying it I feel sorry for you. You should always let your friends and homies know how much they mean to you and how they play a vital role in your life. Telling your friend you love them or how much they mean to you isn’t gay its what mates should do! I was lucky enough to spend time with Shane two days before his passing and as we went our separate ways (be-known to us it would be our last goodbye) we both did our usual “I love you man” routine and had a solid hug. Shane was never afraid to express his feelings of love towards his friends and family and neither should you. You never no when your time is going to be up. Live everyday like Shane did, as if it is your last! Don’t forget the special people in your life that make it so amazing! Shane never did and that’s why we all will love him so much for eternity. Like every year my deepest condolences to the cross family who have been so strong ever since the tragic day. My thoughts are always with you all. I love and miss you more than words can describe my brother you are in my mind everyday and will be forever. You’re my hero bro……see you soon. Shane Cross….Shredding forever in our hearts! - Sparx
Karl Bayldon shares an early memory from an arvo on the Sunny Coast with Sammy Winter and Shane circa 2004ish...
I've got heaps, but this ones pretty funny! Sammy (Winter) and I had house on the Sunny Coast and Shane used to come up a lot to hang out with us.
We where shredding at the local skate park and after we went to the bottlo to get some drinks. On the way home Shane was driving and we where hyped as to get back and drink. It was raining too, anyway Shane had Bob Marley playing and we were all dancing and singing to Bob and Shane was really getting into it and I looked over and Shane was acting really rasta until I looked up to see a car! (We had ran up the ass off this car).
Shane gets out and just started laughing his face off and we all like pretty freaked out that Shane was just laughing the whole time!
So we all just stared pissing ourselves too. Shane cracked a bottle of red wine and just went on his way... that was a funny time!
I've got heaps more but that's a funny one that sticks out!
To have a person like Shane taken away has been absolutely shattering. The world has lost one of the most amazing souls to ever grace the earth and the most naturally gifted skateboarder our country has seen.
I remember the first time I saw Shane, this little guy with pants and a shirts 5 times too big for him, at the now turned to rubble nexus Skate Park.
He must have been all of 14, nollie BS lipsliding down the rail every shot, even at that time, outshining every other kid at the park. Shane told me years later, though I couldn’t remember it that I had actually met him a couple of weeks before that, he also told me that the same night I met him he copped an accidental elbow to the face from my brother Dave, which left him with a gushing blood nose.
It wasn’t till a couple years later when I started skating with Shane on a regular basis.
He called me one morning; this would have been the second time I actually ever went out with him on a skate mission, asking if I was keen to shoot some photos and that he was feeling real good today.
Now at this time I was still had my old setup and was used to just shooting friends of mine skating curbs and the odd flat bar, getting a photo run every now and then, but defiantly not at a place that where people could trust me to get a gold photo of them jumping down multiple stair sets and be able guarantee that the photo would ever see the glossy pages of a magazine.
Through out that day, Shane ollied a never before skated 7 flat 7 (no, not varsity) , filmed about 8 tricks on this picnic table, fs lipslid a kicker to power box setup and did the massive fs 180 that was at the end of his northern lights part.
From that day onwards I would never doubt that Shane was something special.
I’ve seen him go through his fazes, from his baggy mudgee rat rags, to his trusty defiant hat he would never leave home without, to his skin tight girls pants to him some times not wearing any pants at all, and more recently, which is what felt like his real calling was, the brightest t-shirts, head band and the biggest smile around.
Shane enjoyed his life the way that we all should, on or off a board, his attitude and demeanor was infectious.
His short life effected more people positively than most of us could imagine and I feel honored to say that I was his friend.
Not a day will go by that the memory of Shane cross won’t be floating through my head and there won’t be a day that I and so many others won’t miss him.
Where ever Shane’s soul has gone I know he’s skating and smiling and that exactly what he would want us to be doing.
He was the best there has been, the best there was and the best there will be, but the best thing about it, he didn’t have a clue; he just wanted to skate and have a good time with his friends.
The world will miss you forever Shane, peace out.
Rome
-
THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS!!
-
(http://media.skateboard.com.au/forum/images/shane%20shredding%20rip.jpg)
(http://media.skateboard.com.au/forum/images/shane_20drop_20in.jpg)
(http://media.skateboard.com.au/forum/images/shane%20identity.jpg)
(http://media.skateboard.com.au/forum/images/cross2.jpg)
(http://media.skateboard.com.au/forum/images/Dustin,Braydon%20and%20Shane.JPG)
-
If anyone has photo's, memories, stories, please post
(http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/7020_196572125128_551335128_4297090_3115377_n.jpg)
(http://www.volcom.com/admin/uploadFiles/Team/skate/shane_cross/SHANE_PHELPS450.jpg)
-
Birth Date: 22 August 1986
Birth Place: Gold Coast, Australia
Currently Living: Gold Coast, Australia
Height: 5 feet 11 inches
Weight: 136 lbs
Stance: Goofy
Sponsors: Volcom, Flip, Globe and Thunder Trucks
Favorite Spot(s): Home
Favorite places: Mexico, Nimbin, Melbourne
Skate With: Matt Mumford, Joe Pease, Jake Duncombe, and the Liquid Nelson Theory
Side Tracks: Drink…
Where to next: New Zealand
Goals: Live long and be happy
Who gets you hyped: skating with my friends
Any crazy stories: I will tell you in person
Random information: I have 2 dogs
Favorite Color: metallic, fluro, avocado, orange, tye dye..
Top 5 bands: Metallica, Iron Maiden, AC DC, Guns and Roses, Liquid Nelson Theory
Top 5 books: I have never read a whole book
Top 5 artists: Steve Gourlay, Lee Ralph
Top 5 Skaters: Matt Mumford, Chad Barte, Kyle Leeper, Andrew Allen, Jake Phelps
Movies: Anchor Man, Old School, Sponge Bob Square Pants
Best Style: Luke Pease...
Inspirations: Friends
Feelings on Dollin: Living legend
Feelings on Mapstone: I cant live without him… he is the most beautiful man on earth, but he is only human…
Do you use myspace? Yes
-
Tre flip the lincoln 13 is nuts.
RIP Shane Cross
-
SHANE CROSS FOREVER (PART 2 KILLSELF TOUR) (http://www.vimeo.com/13874400)
Shot by J'aime Fazackerley & Su Young Choi
Edited by J'aime Fazackerley
BACK STORY:
The skaters that feature in the Killself video were on the road to premiere their then new video.
Shane, having only just met most of us not long before, eagerly jumped in the tour van that was leaving Melbourne.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I think Shane had won Slam skater of the year only a couple of days prior!
This was the beginning of what turned out to be an incredible tour. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that I have alot of amazing memories from this tour and this time period.
We premiered KILLSELF in Aulbury, Canberra, Wollongong and Sydney.
Long lasting friendships were made, laughs were constant and everybody made the most of it.
-J'aime
-
Rest in Peace bro
-
Thanks for all the links Psychout, here's what I found on my photobucket:
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10032.jpg)
The following are from his first Thrasher interview in 2004, if anyone wants to edit them so it's one page that'd be nice.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10021-1.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10021-1.jpg)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10024-1.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10024-1.jpg)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10007-1.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10007-1.jpg)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10015-1.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10015-1.jpg)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10016-1.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10016-1.jpg)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10018-1.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10018-1.jpg)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10017-1.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10017-1.jpg)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10027.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10027.jpg)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10019.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10019.jpg)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10020.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/ATMurrell/Scan10020.jpg)
-
(http://shanecross.net/shanegallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1159&g2_serialNumber=2)
THE FLIP TEAM MANAGER, EWAN BOWMAN CHOSE TO FORGO THE TYPICAL TEAM MANAGER HORROR STORY AND PAY HOMAGE TO THE LATE GREAT SHANE CROSS WITH A STORY ABOUT THE GOOD TIMES.
I have a really horrible memory. Most times I can’t remember something that happened more than 5 minutes in the past. However, on occasion I will get a flash back to a special moment that I will never forget. One particular trip with Shane Cross will always be with me. We were up in San Francisco, the crew consisted of Shane Cross, Joe Peaz, photog Ryan Allen, David Gonzalez, and David’s friend Mauricio. The vibe in S.F. is amazing and for Shane, who was already deeply in love with the whole hippy, acid, peace and love thing, he truly embraced the city as if it were in its 60’s hay-day. On the drive from Socal, Shane repeatedly asked if I’d take him to go shopping on Haight Street for trinkets and rad t-shirts. I always replied, “Get gnarly and we’ll go shopping on the last day.” Shane was in his zone on this particular trip from the get go. At each spot we went to he laid down the law all the while being so typically casual about it. The first spot of the day Shane and David bombed this really steep hill. Shane slammed so hard and skidded for 6 feet on his hands, ripping them open. David thought it was so hilarious that he was rolling around on the floor laughing. Shane just walked down the hill to me where I was filming with a huge smile on his face as if nothing had happened. He was wearing a wife beater that had “I LOVE OLDER WOMEN’’ printed on the front which made the whole event even more comical. He continued to kill it even though his hands were tore up. That night we found out that AC/ DSHE (an AC/DC cover band) were going to play at a club that all ages. Everybody being huge AC/DC fans we were going for sure. We got some booze in at the hotel cranked up some good Bon Scott joints which set the tone for the night. We got to the club and of course Shane and David couldn’t drink, but that didn’t stop them getting drinks inside. and it doesn’t take long to knock a shot back so by the time the band came on everybody was flying. We headed up to the front and the heads started banging. In the course of an hour David had pissed at the front of the stage 3 times and been pulled down twice off my shoulders by the bouncers whilst Shane was steady swinging his mane as the Bon Scott replica was screaming at the top of her lungs. As the show drew to a close we stumbled out and headed back to the hotel, I’ll never forget the walk back as everybody was singing and David was on Shane and Joe’s shoulders it was fucking amazing. The energy kept going all the way back to the hotel, AC/DC was cranked to the max, booze was flying, and the rooms were getting wrecked. What a night to remember! In the morning hangovers were a knocking and as we got ready to skate we found out that Shane pissed in his bag and everything was soaked and un-wearable. He did even care, in fact, he ended up bringing the bag back from S.F. to my house and left it on the balcony to bake in the hot sun while he went back to Oz. The bag sat for a while I left on another trip and didn’t go out there. The day I did, I was greeted by the smell of stale piss and a million flies. The idea that the files were enjoying piss that was once booze consumed by a legend, whilst listening to a legend, made me smile. I remembered how much fun we had, living life. RIDE ON.
-
Paddo skatepark brissy a few years back
(http://shanecross.net/shanegallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=860&g2_serialNumber=2)
Paddo getting a new make over a few days ago
(http://media.skateboard.com.au/forum/images/shane27.jpg)
-
the saddest of them all..........shane and van wastell in one photo
(http://shanecross.net/shanegallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=972&g2_serialNumber=1)
-
the wall shane and Ali hit, is now a dedication to shane
http://flipskateboards.com/2011/01/shane-cross-mural/ (http://flipskateboards.com/2011/01/shane-cross-mural/)
(http://flipskateboards.com/manage/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Shane-Memorial-WEB.jpg)
-
jake duncombe talks about his shane cross tatt
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amu3bgodqXs#)
-
i skated a spot with him once. i didnt talk to him aside from standard skate spot small talk, but he was as happy and friendly as he is depicted. david gonzales was there too and they were skating together. this was before david spoke English good. anyway, me and my friends at the time were super hyped on him, chima, and duncombe, so we were all super hyped to be in his presence. not much of a story but i figured i might as well post.
-
(http://www.thrashermagazine.com/imagesV2/Magazine/Covers/COVERS_THRASHER/2007/TH0607Cover.jpg)
R.I.P.
-
Hollywood High Session:
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IEvaSCXlL8#)
-
RIP.
The accident pretty much started the big downfall of Flip... Sad day for whole skateboarding.
-
thank you for making this thread!! shane will always be one of my favorites, an inspiration to everyone
-
I think of Shane often. Too young, too soon. He was loved by untold amounts of people, myself included. I remember the Feast Canada Tour in 2006. We had a prosession of 3 vans and a couple of cars en route from the hotel to a shop signing. I got a call in the car asking me if Shane was with us as he was not in any of the vans or other cars. When I told them he was not, I figured it best that I return the 10 miles to the hotel to see if I could find him. When I arrived at the hotel, there was Shane calmly sitting on the ground waiting for God knows what but self assured that someone would be back for him. That was him, a smile and an attitude that was infectious. The enclosed picture of Shane playing on the water with the guys was just another example of the 24/7 days of fun with Shane.
As were millions, I was sick to my stomach when I heard the sad news 4 years ago and there will not be a day when I do not think of what a great lad we lost.
-
He was one of my favorite ams since his El Toro cover was released. He left way too soon. :(
-
I can't imagine how good his parts would be, all that creative and fun approach combined with his ability to get gnarly would have been such a pleasure to watch. I'm watching Let's Live today before I got skate, thanks for the reminder.
R.I.P Shane!
-
was also gonna post the RIP we ran for him in the mag, but it looks like Frank beat me to it! You guys are fast.
I only got to meet Shane a few times, but had dinner with him and some of the Flip guys when they came to skate Stanford near my house, was just a few months before he passed. I remember him best from that night- he was just so friendly and happy, and everybody around him was the same way because of him. Good vibes, and such a talented skater.
When we had our 15 year anniversary issue of the mag, we did a collage of sorts and decided that a photo of him would be the only action photo on the cover- you can see it below (also was a spread in the issue). Unfortunately I don't think he ever got to see it as it came out almost exactly on the day he passed. But yeah, rest in peace, Shane. You're remembered well. Never forget!
-
best style, best attitude, destined to become a legend in skating.
rip
-
RIP buddy, see you soon
-
(http://media.skateboard.com.au/forum/images/shane_20drop_20in.jpg)
damn, this is just...what th....i can't believ..... (http://www.kanyetothe.com/forum/Smileys/default/emot-psyboom.gif)
i have never seen this before. i'm shocked that this is even possible.
Rest In Peace, Shane.
-
Expand Quote
(http://media.skateboard.com.au/forum/images/shane_20drop_20in.jpg)
damn, this is just...what th....i can't believ..... (http://www.kanyetothe.com/forum/Smileys/default/emot-psyboom.gif)
i have never seen this before. i'm shocked that this is even possible.
Rest In Peace, Shane.
This is from the montage section of one of the Transworld videos...Time to Shine, maybe...I'm glad someone posted it as it is the first thing I think of when Shane comes up. RIP.
-
RIP!. I met him once at a demo in Montreal. Not only did he skate well, but he was super nice.
-
Listed below is the Slam article that was dedicated to shane, that came out a few months after shanes passing
(http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y326/thegetradblog/cover1.jpg)
When Shane Cross walked into a room with that casual gait of his, and an aura that radiated life, love, happiness, peace and positivity, he exuberated an unexplainable energy, yet still remained as humble as ever. On a skateboard he was truly in his own realm - a natural, completely natural. Forever flowing through the most difficult of tricks, rolling away with a grin on his grill, he had an original flair to which no-one could compare. Shane Cross - a resplendent cool cat, a perfect son, a caring brother, a skateboarding star and a best friend to all the people around him. Read on and admire the trailblazing skateboarding as we celebrate the life from one of the true greats of our generation - Shane Cross.
Shane's favourite philosophy, "There is no life I know to compare with pure imagination", is a classic saying from a timeless film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. His intention was to have this passage tattooed, spiralling around his wrist. Shane's imaginative way of thinking was something to be admired. He managed to make almost every moment memorable - a complete blast for all in his presence. "Living there you'll be free if you truly wish to be." This was Wonka's next line that was also going to be inked indefinitely to Shane's arm. What a beautiful passage to live by. And that's the beauty of Shane Cross ... fanciful and free.
A week or so before his passing, I gave Shane a call to discuss the feature interview Slam was planning to do with him and to run through the array of amazing photos that we had accumulated. Shane said, "I'm psyched to make this interview special, so I wanna get a couple more things on this tour." Knowing what Shane is capable of I said, "Perfect, let me know how you go." He replied, "Do you think we could go with a real psychedelic vibe for the design?" I assured him the article's creative would live and breathe colour.
Unfortunately Shane's life was taken in a tragic motorbike accident before his interview came together.
Shane's family and friends were kind enough to help us put together the following tribute to Shane, celebrating his extraordinary life while still keeping to his colourful wishes and vivacious personality. To his father Mark, mother Donna, sisters Sarah, Erin and Megan and his younger brother Michael; you are the most beautiful and resilient family. Thank you for your strength and contribution in helping create a tribute to your son's wonderful life.
-
Words From The Family:
Mark Cross
From the moment Shane entered this world I loved him dearly, and knew he was so special. I was so happy I found myself stuck in the Currumbin hotel celebrating for a few days after his birth. It was the best time of my life. He gave me so much.
As he got a bit older he became so energetic; we thought we'll get him into football and hopefully it'll wear him out and he'll sleep. We threw him in as an "on baller" or rover, which is a position for someone who can run all day. When he'd finish playing with his team, he'd turn around and look at us and say, "Can I play the next game, in the next age group?" He'd just never stop.
If we weren't playing footy together, we surfed. Not that long ago, Currumbin, our local break, had a solid swell coming through and myself, Shane, Michael and Joel (Shane's Brother-in-law) were ready for it. We were a bit slower at getting up than Shane and from about 6.30 onwards he was going "Come on, come on! We're wasting time!" We all finally got together and made our way down to the beach and that was it, we were off for the day! We came back at about two o'clock, totally ragged, and Shane turns around and says, "Time to go snorkelling. We've got to go snorkelling now!" So we go "All right..." and we raced back down to the creek and went for a snorkel.
Shane bought this silly spear gun, but he couldn't load it. He used to drag his mate Matt Hooker along and Shane would shoot it off and Matt would have to reload it for him. They had a ball. He was down at the Tweed River and he came home saying, "I shot it off!" I said, "Mate, you couldn't have picked a place where there's more sharks." "Really?" Shane said, "I didn't see any." But he didn't go back to the Tweed River to snorkel after that. He said, "I'll listen to you this time, Dad."
You give your kids advice, you load them up with as much information as you can, point them in the right direction and you let them go - they always come back. No matter where he was in the world, whenever Shane would cross a bridge he'd ring us up; crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, New York, and San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge - that was his favourite one. He rang us at one in the morning. It didn't matter what time of the day it was because the boy never owned a watch anyway. The phone would ring in the middle of the night and we'd answer; "Yeah mate, what's wrong?" "Nothing's wrong, I'm just chillin'." We'd put him on speaker-phone and listen to his stories. "But it's daytime here, Dad." "It's OK mate, you can ring us any time you want." And he did.
Shane was so precious and made us all so proud, just by being him. Yeah, he could skateboard, but we did try to deter him from it originally because we had friends of his that would walk around with their arms in casts. We'd always think he was going to break something, but the boy never broke a bone. He landed on his bum a few times, which hurt, bruising the old tailbone, but that's about it. He was special to all his friends and I can't thank them all enough. He'd come up to me to say he'd meet such-and-such, or he'd ring me to let me know how rapt he was to have met someone. He thought they were all so great. He loved the guys in his team dearly and he thought it was all so much fun.
My son was a party animal. What can I say? He enjoyed life to the fullest, and that's all Donna and I ever ask of any of our kids. Follow your heart. Shane followed his heart and he lived, and that is what is so amazing about him. He will be missed dearly and was my best mate. A lot of you knew him as a skateboarder, we knew him as a son and a brother who made our lives so special. He'll be with us always.
(http://a173.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/53/l_ced605edad30410763555732bc3644e4.jpg)
-
You're my Best Friend
By Joe Pease
I remember when I was young and was just starting to realise that skateboarding was something that other people did, and then I remember hearing stories about this kid who could grind round handrails and who was this amazing skateboarder. I started to see him around at this school I would skate every weekend. We saw each other, but we didn't exchange words. There used to be this weird rivalry-type thing, where we would be skating the same thing, but sizing each other up at the same time. Days after this first encounter I was introduced to him and the first thing he said was, "Do you want to stay over at my house?" At first I was a bit cautious, just because we didn't even know each other. But from then on, after school and all weekend, we were together as best friends.
Shane was just that type of person who always wanted to be around someone or to be having fun. We'd stay up late 'cause Shane would say, "I feel like if I go to sleep, I'm going to miss out on something." He was constantly searching for the best times out of every situation. He would always say, "Joe, we should just do it for good memories. We can look back and think how amazing was that."
Back then we would always be escorted by our mums to skate spots anywhere on the Gold Coast, but we'd usually skate Mudgeeraba. My other friends stopped skating; Shane and my brother Luke were the only ones left. Then we actually started going out with people to film and shoot photos. Shane and I would film all weekend with Matty Hooker.
Back then I remember thinking about going to parties and school dances, but me and Shane would always wanna skate instead. Around that time we started to skate handrails and started getting stunt-orientated; skating things that you really had to find the courage to skate. So Shane and I made this pact where if he did something, I would do it too, or if I did something, he would do it. I think we were constantly pushing each other, and I was glad to have him there to make light of some of the more scarier situations. It was so good because it felt like we were doing it together; we were skating, then getting photos in mags, and getting sponsored. But it was the most amazing time when we were just skating free, not filming or shooting, not a care in the world.
The first time Shane went to America by himself I would get these phone calls every couple of days and he would tell me what tricks he had just done. I later received a call from Matt Mumford asking me to ride for Legacy, to be on a team, which Shane was on! So we were able to keep skating and pushing each other and do it on the same team. We travelled to the States together and cruised around America and had amazing times staying at Mumford's. We would always talk about how crazy it is that we're staying at Matt's house - watching his video parts. I was glad to be in America with Shane, he made everything feel like home.
Shane was always speaking for the both of us because I was on the shyer side. He was real touchy feely as well - with the nipple cripples or this love he had for cracking my fingers and toes. He got me to open up and taught me how to not be so uptight, not to sweat the small stuff. He had me laughing all of the time. He could dance and I always aspired to be able to move like him. His little shimmies and dances he learnt from dance class as a lad.
His love for Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon shone with his love for bright get-ups. When he and Jake Duncombe started buying material, he started trying to get me to wear the headbands, saying, "You look tight in them ... rock and roll". One night at Chad Bartie's we were just about to go to bed, but the room was just white walls, no posters or anything. So Shane pulls out one of his many pieces of coloured material and hangs it from the wall. I'm like, "What are you doing?" He just says, "I can't sleep in this room, there's too much white, I need some colour". That's the way Shane was, a colourful human being; one in a million.
-
Words from the family:
Erin Cross
My little brother Shane was awesome. We were close in age and friendship, and fortunately for me, not in dress sense. He'd come down the stairs all the time in a crazy outfit and he'd ask me, "Do I look sexy?" He always wanted to know if his outfit matched ... which it didn't. But the times that I said it didn't, he'd go back upstairs and get into something just as outrageous. So in the end, we'd just high five him and tell him he looked sexy.
I'll always miss your hugs and brightness. You'll light up my day, every day, until I can hug you again. I love you.
Shine on you Crazy Diamond
By Jake Duncombe
There is no feeling, emotion or understanding for Shane's passing. In the past couple of weeks I have realised how close Shane and I were, but at the same time I realised that all his friends were his best friends. If one of his friends (best friends) thought differently about something, he would appreciate their opinion, but stand his ground. Shane was never bossy or want to argue. He'd never looked or talked down on a person.
I spent the final three weeks with Shane before the tragedy on tour. Anthony Mapstone and I went to the Melbourne airport to pick him up. We dropped his bags back at the hotel and went out for a skate. We drove past a hotel that Shane, Joe and I stayed in a few months back. I told Anthony a story about the time we were staying there and how Joe woke up early, took my digital camera and went out for a morning stroll. Joe was filming these ducks and one bit his finger. We were reminiscing and laughed for a about a minute and then Shane yelled "Nah, that was in Melbourne!" Anthony and I just cracked up laughing even harder and he was looking at us and said "What?" We reminded him that he was actually in Melbourne and we all started laughing. "I thought I was in Sydney." It was too funny. That was just one of the amazing and unforgettable memories that he gave to us.
I'd like to thank the Cross family - Donna, Mark, Sarah, Erin, Megan and Mikey - for bringing such an amazing human to me and everyone else he met. Shane, you'll be missed by all. You have taken a huge chunk of me and I'll never be the same without you. But I know you took that piece of me to a better place, and until we meet again I know you'll be looking over me. Save a place for me at Thugs Mansion and shine on you crazy diamond!
(http://a217.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/29/l_c5832d0fd221f5c596b20e0682a1ec48.jpg)
-
Legends Live On
By Matt Mumford
Legends are conceived over a lifetime and only a small few of us ever achieve that type of greatness and recognition. It is only through many years of dedication that this type of distinction can be acquired, and yet Shane Cross accomplished all of this in the very short time he had here with us. From the very first moment he stood in the limelight, the world has learnt of what Shane has been capable of on a skateboard, and he has never once ceased to amaze us all. Shane achieved so much in his short career, and most importantly showed us that greatness is not just measured by being gifted, but also by being humble, staying true to yourself and the people around you. For as quickly as Shane rose to the top, he never once stopped being Shane. From the first three months I spent with Shane in the States, to the last three weeks I had with him before he passed, I'll always remember how much of an importance he was to my life. Whether you knew him personally or followed him on the pages of a magazine, he has left an everlasting stamp on all our lives. I will never forget Shane Cross and will carry his memory in my heart for ever.
Shane and his Smile
Andrew Mapstone
Since the day Shane passed, he has been on my mind all day, every day. So many memories keep flooding back. Whether I am driving, skating, shooting photos or sleeping, Shane is on my mind, but they're all positive memories, never negative. The one great flash I see in my head, which brings a lump in my throat, a tear in my eye and a gasp for breath, is the smile Shane would give me. The smile that was always on his face; a look back with his head slightly tilted. These days he would even throw a peace sign in the mix. I know that smile oh so well; it's in my photos, it's on Volcom T-shirts, it's even in print in the magazines, but most important is that it will remain a memory in my heart for ever.
I want to tell you all about the good times; the times Joe, Shane and I spent together in California and the years we spent travelling, skating, chillin' and all the changes Shane went through. There is just so much to tell and I know that anyone that spent time with Shane would have a tonne of stories of their own. But instead of me writing about all that, I want you to remember Shane and I as the two that worked together, lived together and survived together. A photographer and a skater ... and the best of friends. I can give you the photos, but I can't tell you in words just how wonderful Shane was. In this world we all live in, and in the industry of skateboarding, shit like this just shouldn't happen. Shane can't get hurt grinding a 20-stair, how is he going to get hurt riding a bike? I am sorry, I just can't accept it, and writing any more about him is just too tough. I will miss you Shane, just keep riding in Heaven, buddy.
Words from the family:
Sarah Cross
I have some beautiful memories of my little brother. I can't find words to describe how much he meant to me and how much I will miss him. Growing up we had so much fun. I remember when we were little, rolling paper cigarettes for him, and putting sticky tape on the ends to stop them from getting soggy, and then using red texta to colour in the burning end. He didn't like it until the end was red. With sunnies on and the ciggy in his mouth he thought he looked just like Tom Cruise, which Shane thought was cool at the time. I remember us quite young, rolling down our steep street in Mudgeeraba sitting on his skateboard with one of us keeping a lookout for cars, not a fear in the world. I was proud of my little brother, and although I never really knew him as a skater and party animal, he was my friend.
I remember practising my makeup artist skills on him when he was a kid. I'm sure he hated it, but he would always make the best of the situation. Besides, I was getting him back for the times he and Dad rolled me in a mattress, and while incapacitated called the dog in to lick my face.
One of my fondest memories is when he came to visit me in London. He wasn't too interested in seeing the sights or partying that weekend; he said he just wanted to chill with his sister. We went to the corner store to make the ultimate hot chocolate. We drank them until we felt sick and then stayed up all night watching The Young Ones and Father Ted while chatting about old times.
I have so many memories and stories that will forever be in my heart. I am honoured to be his sister, and even though I only had him here for 20 years, that time is mine forever. I will never forget Shane, or the lesson that he taught to me - "Just chill."
-
The Young Years
By Rome Torti
I remember the first time I saw Shane, this little guy with pants and shirts five times too big for him, at the now turned to rubble Nexus Skatepark. He must have been all of 14, nollie backside lipsliding down the rail every shot, and even at that time, outshining every other kid at the park. Shane told me years later, although I couldn't remember it, that I had actually met him a couple of weeks before that. He also told me that the same night I met him he copped an accidental elbow to the face from my brother Dave, which left him with a gushing blood nose.
It wasn't until a couple of years later that I started skating with Shane on a regular basis. He called me one morning and asked if I was keen to shoot some photos. Now at this time I still had my old camera set-up, usually just shooting friends of mine skating kerbs. I'd get the odd photo run every now and then in a magazine, but I was definitely not at the point where people could trust me to get a gold photo of them jumping down a multiple set of stairs.
That day Shane ollied a never before skated seven-flat-seven (no, not Varsity), filmed about eight tricks on a picnic table, did a frontside lipslide on a kicker to power-box set-up and pulled this massive frontside 180 that was at the end of his Northern Lights video part. From that day onwards I knew that Shane was something special.
I've seen him go through his phases, from his baggy "Mudgee" rat rags, to his trusty Defiant hat - which he would never leave home without - to skin-tight girl's pants ... then sometimes to not wearing any pants at all. More recently, which is what felt like his real calling, there was the bright T-shirts, headbands and, of course, the biggest smile around.
Shane enjoyed his life the way that we all should, on or off a board. His attitude and demeanor was infectious. His short life affected more people positively than most of us could imagine, and I feel honoured to say that I was his friend. Not a day will go by that the memory of Shane Cross won't be floating through my head and there won't be a day that I, and so many others, won't miss him. Wherever Shane's soul has gone I know he's skating and smiling, and that's exactly what he would want us to be doing. He was the best there has been, the best there was, and the best there will be, but the best part about that is he didn't have a clue; he just wanted to skate and have a good time with his friends. The world will miss you for ever Shane, peace out.
Words from the family:
Megan Cross
As Shane's little sister he always watched over me and protected me, a lot! The nights will be so lonely without you. Shane used to call me up in the middle of the night no matter where he was and I'd be fast asleep. He ring and say "I need a ride home". It would be one in morning and whenever Dad found out he would say to him, "Come on, she's got to go to school the next day". But most of the time I used to sneak down the steps and push my little car down the driveway so I wouldn't wake anyone up. I'd race over, pick him up and bring him home. Some of the time he'd want to go straight back out, so yeah, I'd take him out...
Shane, you are every colour in the rainbow to me and I will miss you for all the days in my life. Peace out lad.
Something Special
By Matt Hooker
During the early years of our friendship Shane's comedic personality and effortless skating made a huge impact on my life. A constant source of amusement and always up for anything, Shane made even the bad days seem fun. At one stage Shane was big on smacking my butt. So big in fact that we placed a $100 bet where he couldn't touch my arse until the New Year. Being mid-October at the time, he folded within minutes only to immediately shout "Double or nothing", to which I of course accepted. Shane ignored the undeniable temptation to touch me for the next two months and won the bet fair and square, only to say, "Don't worry about the money". We've had our fair share of bets between us, but I can't remember any money ever changing hands, it was just for the little thrill we all get from having a punt.
We seemed to be making sponsor tapes every two weeks for a while with some of the cheesiest music ever; a reflection of the music Shane actually listened to at the time. Years later he had become one of the most musically orientated people I know, with respectable knowledge about just about any genre of music. From Biggie, to Jim Morrison, to Beyonce, Shane seemed to know the lyrics to just about any song ever written.
Since snorkelling from the age of two on the Great Barrier Reef, I have only ever seen three octopuses in their natural environment. The most recent was with Shane. He declared, "I just found an octopus!" I didn't really believe him at first, but sure enough he'd found one, a special find that few get to witness first-hand, just like Shane.
Most people's biggest threat when snorkelling is sharks, but for me it was Shane. Now Shane had some bizarre fascination with my nipples, and I accept that, but it's strange to think that while 20 feet underwater staring curiously at some weird creature on the ocean floor, someone would grab your nipple, making you laugh and gasp for air as you try desperately to resurface. While still recovering he would pop up and calmly ask, "What were you looking at?"
As time went by Shane's skating ability could only be matched by his infectious personality, love for his family, life and good times. I recently told Shane how proud I was of what he has achieved. He modestly said "Thanks man" - typical of the legend he had become
-
Watch over each other
By Chad Bartie
My experience with Shane in the short time I had with him is something I will never forget for the rest of my days. He gave me a charge of life and fun that only he knew how to do. It came so naturally for him, which is something I respected and admired. When he first came to America he got me so motivated with my skating; watching him roll around having so much fun while being so relaxed, it was very inspiring.
All Shane knew was love and happiness. He never judged anyone and always accepted all people. He could see people for who they were, not what they were - never judging a book buy its cover.
Shane's death is a tragedy for all that knew him and those who never got the chance to. The way he died is an even bigger tragedy, and we all must learn and realise from this so it never happens again. Learn to look out and care for our mates and listen to our mates. That's what a real mate is for.
Shane showed us how to be a good, caring person, he also showed us how to party and "Get crazy man" - as he would say. But unfortunately his last lesson has shown us that we as friends in the skate community must take care of each other better than we have been. If we can learn this, then Shane's passing is not in vain. Use Shane's life as your inspiration to excel in what you do best, skateboarding.
Words from the family:
Michael Cross
Shane was my brother, my friend, and I looked up to him. We had a lot of fun together as brothers, just like the time we were wrestling on the couch at the house in Mudgeeraba. He put my head through a plaster wall. We tried so hard to hide the hole by putting pillows up against it, but that only lasted about a week before Mum finally noticed.
I will always remember the fun times with Shane. He's a great brother. Party in peace, Shane.
Coming to America
By Hannah Bartie
I received a phone call nearly three years ago from Chad and Matt, as they were out of town at the time. They put me on speaker phone, and speaking together, they said, "We've got a huge favor to ask..." I said "Sure, what is it?" They said, "There's a skater coming into town and we need you to pick him up from LA airport." I said "OK, no worries, where do I take him?" They said "Well, that's the favor ... we won't be home for two weeks and we need someone to look after him 'til we get back because he's only 17." What was I supposed to do with a 17-year-old skateboarder for two weeks? I was waiting at Customs in LAX for Shane. I didn't know what he looked like, but the boys had told him what I looked like. So I was just waiting when this little kid - he was shorter than me back then - came up to me and dropped his bags. I said, "Are you Shane?" He said, "Yeah, can I have a hug?" I don't mean one of those pats-on-the-back kind of hugs, but a real proper hug.
Halfway home from the airport, he called his mum to tell her that he was driving on a nine-lane freeway and also started counting Hummers, a car he hated. At this stage I knew that I didn't have to worry about what I was going to do with Shane for the next two weeks ... just how was I going to keep him?
Chad and Matt came home and after having him to myself for so long I was really starting to get jealous when they took him away to go skating. All I wanted to know was "What time will Shane be home?"
Back then he didn't shower and he was sleeping 'til mid afternoon, but all the same, our roommates and friends all fell in love with him. Over the years I have seen him come into his own. His confidence grew, as did his style, which is one in a million.
I remember when Shane, Joe and Jake all went for a bike ride to 7/11 to get cereal and milk. They came home with six boxes of cereal, a tub of icecream and Shane had also found the hippie store on his way and bought back his first tie-dye shirt. We all had a giggle, but as you know, he became very serious about the tie-dye. He was an unexpected sunshine, love in our life and he will be for ever in our hearts
That's What I'm Talking About
By Anthony Mapstone
I am sitting here trying to write and so many things come to mind and they all make me smile, 'cause that's exactly what Shane did, he made me smile and laugh constantly. The best times I ever had with Shane were the tours we went on. Jake Duncombe's 18th Birthday Tour was amazing. We had so much fun skating and partying every day and night, travelling from the Gold Coast to Melbourne, then back up to Sydney where we just kept the tour going because we all loved skating and hanging out together. Shane was constantly laughing and making all of us laugh. He and Jake were so funny together and made my job a tough but fun one. Those two together were an amazing combo on and off the board.
We were on a Globe tour shortly before Shane's passing and our time in Perth was incredible. On this trip we went to some of the sickest spots together and even managed to stop off at Bon Scott's grave in Melville to pay our respects to the legend. On the way to the grave we all had AC/DC cranking in the van and were rocking out to the classics. Shane was in total awe of being at the grave of the former AC/DC singer. I took many awesome pictures of the crew around the grave, the engraved bench and the Bon Scott gateway to the cemetery. Shane made sure he left some memorabilia for Bon.
On the same trip we had a great barbecue at the Victoria skatepark. Shane loved to shred and he loved his barbecues. My last memories of that barbie were Shane and Jake skating the bowl in the dark, with only the lighting of some glow sticks I bought tied to their trucks. Picture those two rulers grinding away with their usual flair, the added flare of fluorescent lit-up trucks and laughing their heads off in true Jake and Shane style.
Another thing that stands out in my mind about Shane on these trips was the question he would always ask me when we checked into a new hotel; "Do they have room service and a mini bar?" He loved his room service. The last time we were staying in Surfers Paradise he had his own room. At the end of his stay he had hotel managers and porters frantically looking for him because he had clocked up $427 worth of room service and mini-bar fees. The hotel staff were losing it, running around asking people if they had seen Shane Cross. Shane asked me while laughing, "What do we do?" So we packed up Shane's stuff and hid him in David Gonzalez' room until the commotion calmed down. Unfortunately I made the mistake of walking by the lobby and the hotel manager saw me, so I had to settle the bill. I went back upstairs to tell Shane it was all taken care of and sure enough he was hiding out on the balcony eating and drinking more room service he had ordered from David's room. His words to me with a mouthful of food were; "That's what I am talking about!"
And that's the thing about Shane, he never took things too serious. Everything revolved around fun for him. If there was a sticky situation he would just laugh about it and palm it off.
I feel like I am blessed to have known you Shane and been able to skate and hang with you in those last days. You are an amazing person and will never be forgotten by the skateboarding world, ever.
You really made me understand the true meaning of fun, shredding, chillin' out and making the most of life. I hope you are in peace and I know you are looking down on us with the biggest smile ever, which you always had every day.
-
Words from the family:
Donna Cross
I am the proud mum of a boy that was my best friend. I knew my baby would be adventurous from the first time I saw him scoot down the driveway on the back of his Tonka Truck when he was only two. From the time he was born, to me he was endlessly fascinating, beautiful and extraordinary ... that never changed. Only God knows how to give a perfect gift and one was given to me. That God trusted me with such a precious person is an honour, and I am truly, truly grateful. I know he was happy, he liked who he was, and he lived 80 years worth in his 20. My pain defies words, but my reason to smile will stay, as it always was - my Shane.
Thank you baby for loving me. For always showing respect and listening to me. You were my eyes while you were away and I loved your phone calls every time you crossed a bridge. I'll never forget that awesome day you called from the Golden Gate Bridge and the way you described what you saw; I felt like I was there with you.
Shane, you couldn't have made me any prouder, I love you, and miss you, and will hug you again in Heaven.
(http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y326/thegetradblog/4863_1014759149510_1841011737_25087_2426239_n.jpg)
Ride On
By Ewan Bowman
I remember Shane Cross standing on the edge of the road with his thumb in the air, a smile on his face and not a care in the world, as free as the wind. Shane lived like there was no tomorrow; he wore his heart on his sleeve, offering a piece to anyone who was lucky enough to have spent any time with him. Those of us who have been touched by Shane can all wear his soul on our shoulders and live life like he did - AS PURE AS THE DRIVEN SNOW.
Ride on in peace, my friend; your colours will always illuminate the way for the rest of us
-
(http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y326/thegetradblog/cover1.jpg)
-
(http://shanecross.net/shanegallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=114&g2_serialNumber=1)
(http://shanecross.net/shanegallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=312&g2_serialNumber=1)
(http://shanecross.net/shanegallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=363&g2_serialNumber=1)
(http://shanecross.net/shanegallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=356&g2_serialNumber=1)
(http://shanecross.net/shanegallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=360&g2_serialNumber=2)
-
Didn't see this one.
(http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb178/rotationstation/shane1.jpg)
-
It's been 5 years..
Still miss him everyday.
-
Ali?s wife Amanda Boulala did this tattoo in his memory
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/420284_10150727989275879_657460878_11516478_654119725_n.jpg)
-
I often wonder where he'd be now? His video parts, his sponsors, ads, covers, maybe even a SOTY? R.I.P
-
She's a naughty girl, with a bad habit for drugs
-
Yeah I met Shane once when skating at a school by my house theres like a 15 foot steep bank with a 4 foot fence on top and him and matt mumford were cruising around and he just looks at it runs to the top and just tail drops into it while laughing i was like what the fuck! He was super nice when i talked to him this was back in the Legacy days. RIP
-
Cried the day he died, still cry. Like a little bitch, but I don't care. Real Confessions. Shane would've been Australia's best ever. :'(
-
anyone got a link to that video of (supposedly) Shane's homies singing that song about the day he died? they're all kind of spracked and the chorus goes, "Fuck you, Shit Cunt, Thumb Doggy."
-
Damn, I forgot how fuckin' sick his parts were. I try not to remember deaths of great skaters because it'll make me sad and it just fucks my skating. But it's still good to remember even though it's sad because you get to look back on the great shit that they left us to remember them by. RIP Shane, hope you're doin' well.
-
i admit letting my hair grow all crazy and unwashed/uncombed back in his days like shane.
imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?
i cut it a few days after his passing and his letslive poster is still hanging high in my wall.
by the way is it me or no one does front nollie bigspins ?such an underrated trick, perhaps shane wouldve started the trend.
-
Damn this is a pretty deep thread.. thanks for posting and sharing all the Shane videos clips and stories peeps. Thanks again!
-
shane has inspired so many skateboarders in australias, truly a legend.
-
this thread is great, so many awesome stories/ memories of one of skating's true legends!
at least there is something that we can all agree about on here.
-
Damn I remember when this happened, I was in class and went online and on theskateboardmag it said he passed away. I didnt beleive it at first but when I checked other sites I knew it was for real. I remember it hit me kinda hard, bummed me out for the rest of the day. He was a great skaters and could have been legendary. R.I.P. SHANE CROSS, your in all our hearts man.