R.I.P. Marc Johnson

[Loady McGee]

Very sad news. What an absolute legend and what a legacy he leaves behind. Someone said he had about 20 video parts. Does any other pro even come close to his amount? And not a single one of those parts was phoned in. He really went for it every single time.
My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Marc.

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I made a Spotify playlist with all the music from his solo parts that I could think of or look up, lemme know if I forgot one and I’ll happily add it

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ksfzoWTySI8J2Tq1HqOrH?si=srnmVEcqRPKnybhvZBFN8A&pi=WMs2-wUtTJi-a

[close]

I just looked through some more of the instagram texts I had with Marc regarding music. Besides the one I posted earlier, here’s another where he mentions specific music he likes.

[close]

After I read the news on here last night I went out to walk the dog and just threw on Songs:Ohia Farewell Transmission. For some reason it just made me think of MJ. Crazy to see this now.

[close]

I’d never heard Songs:Ohia until he mentioned it in that text

Songs: Ohia was in AWS - Mindfield so you'd probably heard him before without knowing it.

[Mr. Jax Taylor]

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^Agreed. When MJ got kicked off Chocolate, that was basically his last real financial life line. What do you expect a 39 year old professional skateboarder to do?

[close]

His last real financial life line was probably adidas, the company he ruined his relationship at Crail with because he couldn't just be honest with Carroll that he was going to be announced at the Away Days premiere after previously telling him that he was leaving Lakai and denying that he was going to have a surprise introduction. It's shitty that Lakai cut his pay but MJ didn't need to lie to his boss of his other sponsor. He's an adult that should know that would impact his life. He was still skating for Chocolate - why lie to to the owner of Chocolate??? Especially because Away Days was well past the point that board sponsors were how skaters were making money.

I'd also expect a 39yo pro skater to understand the urgency of his situation and produce content for that shiny new shoe sponsor he just lost his board sponsor over. Maybe that pro skater should also not make rape apologist graphics as his first launch of his indy board brand. Maybe he should actually send out the product that people paid for without making them wait months or years or having them track down his girlfriend on IG for an explanation because he ghosts people asking for a shipping update.

It's sad that Marc is gone and his impact is great, but he wasn't a saint.

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You’re telling me you wouldn’t jump ship if Adidas offered you a deal , meanwhile your current employer is stiffing your monthly paychecks?

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I 100% would.  I just wouldn't lie to the boss who runs both Lakai and Chocolate when they ask if I'm going to be in the new Adidas video so they're not blindsided at the video. I also wouldn't be surprised if I face repercussions at my board sponsor for lying to them.

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^Agreed. When MJ got kicked off Chocolate, that was basically his last real financial life line. What do you expect a 39 year old professional skateboarder to do?

[close]

It's sad that Marc is gone and his impact is great, but he wasn't a saint.

[close]

Ahh, it took two days and 15 pages till we got to the inevitable “so-and-so wasn’t a saint” comment on a memorial post.

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As I said above, other people are acting like Chocolate was out of line for not wanting to sponsor someone who lied to the owners. No one needed to say "Fuck Carroll" or "Fuck Crailtap."

Keep Digging Up!

[whale]

MJs boards over the years.
Not sure if all of them, cool regardless.

Not a board collector at all but that enjoi bunny and Chocolate flasher would be nice to have.

[fur lined sea]

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MJs boards over the years.
Not sure if all of them, cool regardless.

[close]

Not a board collector at all but that enjoi bunny and Chocolate flasher would be nice to have.

There’s a few Enjoi and Chocolate boards missing. Not sure about the Maple and A-team decks, though.

I don’t have ig but there’s a guy just collecting MJ boards. He has posted like 3/4 of this collection on there.

[AsianVegan]

I work next to the spot where his opening line from yeah right is, so get this little daily reminder of how how lucky it was to grow up in that 00’s era of skating, hearing all these new bands in parts, I’ll never get tired of either. that small memory just takes you back and breaks up the day to day of adulthood is something I’m very thankful to have. RIP Marc

[Cuban_Lynx]

^Definitely missing most/all of his portraits. There was a Hecox portrait on LBSkate that I've been kicking myself for not buying when I had the chance. It'd been in my cart before this happened. I can only find the tech deck.

[Madam, I'm Adam]

What was affecting to me, aside from his unparalleled skating, was how he conducted himself in interviews. It was never some listless affair - he always said intelligent, eye-opening things, or honest things, or funny things. Reading and watching his interviews, and being exposed to how fun his personality could be, was something I took to heart when it came to caring about skateboarding. He exhibited how to be an individual, how to value wit and grace, and that meant so much when I was growing up and figuring out how skating fit into my life.

I saw him skate in person on the Se Habla Canuck tour, first demo I ever went to and first time seeing pros in person, and witnessed his back tail three shove down the park hubba firsthand. I and everyone else went bonkers when he landed it...I fanned out on him briefly in the parking lot afterward, acting intentionally over-the-top, and he did the same in a kind way...it was and will be unforgettable.

Wishing the best for his son Avery, and his family and friends.

[bigdave]

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^Agreed. When MJ got kicked off Chocolate, that was basically his last real financial life line. What do you expect a 39 year old professional skateboarder to do?

[close]

His last real financial life line was probably adidas, the company he ruined his relationship at Crail with because he couldn't just be honest with Carroll that he was going to be announced at the Away Days premiere after previously telling him that he was leaving Lakai and denying that he was going to have a surprise introduction. It's shitty that Lakai cut his pay but MJ didn't need to lie to his boss of his other sponsor. He's an adult that should know that would impact his life. He was still skating for Chocolate - why lie to to the owner of Chocolate??? Especially because Away Days was well past the point that board sponsors were how skaters were making money.

I'd also expect a 39yo pro skater to understand the urgency of his situation and produce content for that shiny new shoe sponsor he just lost his board sponsor over. Maybe that pro skater should also not make rape apologist graphics as his first launch of his indy board brand. Maybe he should actually send out the product that people paid for without making them wait months or years or having them track down his girlfriend on IG for an explanation because he ghosts people asking for a shipping update.

It's sad that Marc is gone and his impact is great, but he wasn't a saint.

[close]

You’re telling me you wouldn’t jump ship if Adidas offered you a deal , meanwhile your current employer is stiffing your monthly paychecks?

[close]

I 100% would.  I just wouldn't lie to the boss who runs both Lakai and Chocolate when they ask if I'm going to be in the new Adidas video so they're not blindsided at the video. I also wouldn't be surprised if I face repercussions at my board sponsor for lying to them.

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^Agreed. When MJ got kicked off Chocolate, that was basically his last real financial life line. What do you expect a 39 year old professional skateboarder to do?

[close]

It's sad that Marc is gone and his impact is great, but he wasn't a saint.

[close]

Ahh, it took two days and 15 pages till we got to the inevitable “so-and-so wasn’t a saint” comment on a memorial post.

[close]

As I said above, other people are acting like Chocolate was out of line for not wanting to sponsor someone who lied to the owners. No one needed to say "Fuck Carroll" or "Fuck Crailtap."

I think two things can be true. The way Carrol did it was a little stinky, but doing it made complete sense. Also while it might not be a great time to revisit some of this history, its inevitable given the tragedy at hand. Another one is that while you may despise Carrol now for whatever reason/justification you have, he is not responsible for this.

[bigdave]

What was affecting to me, aside from his unparalleled skating, was how he conducted himself in interviews. It was never some listless affair - he always said intelligent, eye-opening things, or honest things, or funny things.

I only ever really liked Marc for his skating. I never found anything interesting in his art or whatever creative stuff he was doing, and I didnt know him as a person. But I would read every interview he did because I thought he was at least thoughtful, self-aware, authentic and genuine and that's something I can never get enough of. Especially considering how rare it is in skateboarding.

[sometimeperhaps]

7000 word interview with Marc by Anthony Poppalardo

https://anthonypappalardo.substack.com/p/marc-johnson-7000-ish-words

[Mount St. Hermdog]

I wish he didnt skate to Goodbye Horses, it was so not funny. RIP Marc I will miss you

[DannyDee]

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What was affecting to me, aside from his unparalleled skating, was how he conducted himself in interviews. It was never some listless affair - he always said intelligent, eye-opening things, or honest things, or funny things.

[close]

I only ever really liked Marc for his skating. I never found anything interesting in his art or whatever creative stuff he was doing, and I didnt know him as a person. But I would read every interview he did because I thought he was at least thoughtful, self-aware, authentic and genuine and that's something I can never get enough of. Especially considering how rare it is in skateboarding.

He was always an interesting interview. Even if he could be long winded.

On the creative side though, I think early Enjoi was much needed. In an era that felt dominated by going big and a very do or die presentation by brands like Zero and Flip, or overly artsy like Alien. I felt another brand that joked around and mocked things (as Girl seemed to have toned down at the time), was a great contribution to the industry as a whole. Skating felt like it was getting to serious, and a brand of tight homies with joke ads with amazing skating was awesome. I love Alien, Baker, Flip etc. but Enjoi which was atleast partially Marc’s vision coming off the A-team brought a levity that felt needed to balance things out.

[bigdave]

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What was affecting to me, aside from his unparalleled skating, was how he conducted himself in interviews. It was never some listless affair - he always said intelligent, eye-opening things, or honest things, or funny things.

[close]

I only ever really liked Marc for his skating. I never found anything interesting in his art or whatever creative stuff he was doing, and I didnt know him as a person. But I would read every interview he did because I thought he was at least thoughtful, self-aware, authentic and genuine and that's something I can never get enough of. Especially considering how rare it is in skateboarding.

[close]

He was always an interesting interview. Even if he could be long winded.

On the creative side though, I think early Enjoi was much needed. In an era that felt dominated by going big and a very do or die presentation by brands like Zero and Flip, or overly artsy like Alien. I felt another brand that joked around and mocked things (as Girl seemed to have toned down at the time), was a great contribution to the industry as a whole. Skating felt like it was getting to serious, and a brand of tight homies with joke ads with amazing skating was awesome. I love Alien, Baker, Flip etc. but Enjoi which was atleast partially Marc’s vision coming off the A-team brought a levity that felt needed to balance things out.

I agree with you. Not all, but a lot of skateboarding had turned into a cooler-than-you-jock thing that I know at the time had me riding Blueprint boards and stuff like that. Even the majority of the brands that were kind of non-participatory in that were sort of lame. Stereo's reboot was ok to me because Dune was one of my two favorite skaters ever and the OG brand was incredible. I liked Popwar, and DLX stuff was still good (Rasa anyone?) but yeah, enjoi filled a self-depricating niche that was cool and the levity was great for the time, but I never found it to be anything relevatory or interesting or inspiring or whatever, to me anyway.

edit: I am trying to think of timelines here and some of that stuff and the Stereo reboot happened when Marc was on chocolate, so I dont know. its all so long ago. I do think Marc on Chocolate was basically perfect for the time though.

[non]

Thank you Marc for your presence. Thank you everyone here for your posts. More than just leaving a legacy he was a one of a kind person who obviously cared deeply. I hope his family and friends are doing okay. Rest in peace.

[DannyDee]

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What was affecting to me, aside from his unparalleled skating, was how he conducted himself in interviews. It was never some listless affair - he always said intelligent, eye-opening things, or honest things, or funny things.

[close]

I only ever really liked Marc for his skating. I never found anything interesting in his art or whatever creative stuff he was doing, and I didnt know him as a person. But I would read every interview he did because I thought he was at least thoughtful, self-aware, authentic and genuine and that's something I can never get enough of. Especially considering how rare it is in skateboarding.

[close]

He was always an interesting interview. Even if he could be long winded.

On the creative side though, I think early Enjoi was much needed. In an era that felt dominated by going big and a very do or die presentation by brands like Zero and Flip, or overly artsy like Alien. I felt another brand that joked around and mocked things (as Girl seemed to have toned down at the time), was a great contribution to the industry as a whole. Skating felt like it was getting to serious, and a brand of tight homies with joke ads with amazing skating was awesome. I love Alien, Baker, Flip etc. but Enjoi which was atleast partially Marc’s vision coming off the A-team brought a levity that felt needed to balance things out.

[close]

I agree with you. Not all, but a lot of skateboarding had turned into a cooler-than-you-jock thing that I know at the time had me riding Blueprint boards and stuff like that. Even the majority of the brands that were kind of non-participatory in that were sort of lame. Stereo's reboot was ok to me because Dune was one of my two favorite skaters ever and the OG brand was incredible. I liked Popwar, and DLX stuff was still good (Rasa anyone?) but yeah, enjoi filled a self-depricating niche that was cool and the levity was great for the time, but I never found it to be anything relevatory or interesting or inspiring or whatever, to me anyway.

edit: I am trying to think of timelines here and some of that stuff and the Stereo reboot happened when Marc was on chocolate, so I dont know. its all so long ago. I do think Marc on Chocolate was basically perfect for the time though.

Yeah, Enjoi under Marc I believe started in like late 99 or the very early 2000s. I found it had a lot of levity to it, but was reminiscent of early World of Crail. So not revolutionary but much needed. It felt like the biggest things at the time were brands like Baker, Flip, Alien, Toy, Habitat and Crail. I feel the only one of those brands that really leaned into comedy was Girl, but even they were drifting from that. Enjoi filled a great niche as brands like Blind and World were about Reaper and Wet Willy/Flame Boy. Similar to why I loved early Palace being about taking the piss.

Marc was a perfect fit for Chocolate. Atleast of that era. Just a perfect combo of technical ability and amazing style.

[BluffsideTank]

I work next to the spot where his opening line from yeah right is, so get this little daily reminder of how how lucky it was to grow up in that 00’s era of skating, hearing all these new bands in parts, I’ll never get tired of either. that small memory just takes you back and breaks up the day to day of adulthood is something I’m very thankful to have. RIP Marc

Was that at the Toyota in Hollywood? Or North Hollywood? He had tricks (many of them) at both spots.

[Benicio El Toro]

Winning the NC 16u state ping pong title at 13 is possibly my favorite thing about him

[Getty]

There aren't many pro skaters whose death would make me cry, but this one did it.

I felt particularly close to marc, even tho I never met him or even saw him skate in person. He was obviously struggling with demons and addiction and was clearly a very sensitive person with trauma in his past.

I've been trying to explain to my family why his passing moved me so much and the thing is, he really was poetry in motion on a skateboard. He had a rare magic that made what he did feel profound. Yes, it's just a child's silly toy that he spent his life playing on, but anything can be profound if you do it with love and soul. Marc brought more love and soul to our silly little activity that most. Off the board he struggled like we all do. On the board he was beautiful and his beauty touched many.

Grateful you were here for awhile, brother. Blessings on your journey to the next spot.

[camel filters]

Dropping by again just to say how angry and sad I still am about this. That's all.

[BurntToast]

Fuck the vulture who went on eBay and bought his beat to shit autographed board the moment the news broke.  That’s pretty shitty.  I’ll let you google it, the sale is time stamped.   He did that long interview in thrasher and mentioned he wasn’t allowed to see his kid which was heartbreaking.

I skated with him at demo and he was super chill and kinda hyped me up on the trick I was trying.  I said something about seven steps to heaven and he’s like oh I didn’t think anyone saw it.  This was way before YouTube was invented.

We also would say this is out of the marc Johnson catalog when trying crazy manual tricks

[OldieButFrenchie]

has anyone seen footage of him riding a mini or some transition spot? I could not find any.
He was obviously very good at that too, considering he ripped natural transitions in the street. I just wanted to see him flow on a ramp the way he flows flowed in the street. damn I gotta remind myself to use a past tense now....

[Painted Baby]

Do you think Ty Evans really deleted all of that footage?

Songs Ohia also recorded under the name Magnolia Electric Company. Berra skates to them in Mind Field and I think it's a really good track.] My bad that's a Songs Ohia track too. Still really good!

RIP Marc. I'm sorry you didn't get to stay around longer,

[GnarAlarm]

I wish he didnt skate to Goodbye Horses, it was so not funny. RIP Marc I will miss you

I was pretty choked up when I found out and pretty much dropped what I was doing, cracked a beer and sat down to watch all his parts. It was in part 3 of his Fully Flared part, Us by She Wants Revenge, when the floodgates finally opened and I had a good, strong cry. "All the tears and the laughs, take a walk through the past..."

[DannyDee]

Absolutely heartbreaking.

[mattchew]

Absolutely heartbreaking.

Sorry but can someone post the text for those of us without IG? Thank you in advance.

[waffle]

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What exactly is the point of trying to re-litigate here the decisions and factors that went into shaping the course of his career?

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I brought it up because people have brought up the old Crail drama in this thread. I otherwise agree with you.

Right. Definitely important that you also added the “rape apologist” accusations, Carroll characterization, and inferred situational urgency in his suicide memorial thread.

I’ve also heard stories from his drinking days that I’d rather not share here. There’s a time and a place.

In other words: read the room, kook.

[Lou Strux]

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Absolutely heartbreaking.

[close]

Sorry but can someone post the text for those of us without IG? Thank you in advance.

Thank you, for everything, your lessons, your sweet and gentle nature, your blunt and honest opinions, your understanding of things no one else could. You supported me in whatever I did. You gave me the world. You showed me a life I’ll forever be grateful for. You did it all. I keep watching memories play in my head like they happened seconds ago and hearing your words as if you had just spoken. Haunting and comforting all at once. I know you’ll always be there for me, anytime, anywhere.
I love you so much.
Rest easy and shine brightly.
Until we meet again.

[mattchew]

Thank you😢

[Bupstop]

What a beautiful tribute to his father.

[Fongstarr.]

I had no idea his kid was that old. I remember some interview talking about he missed his kid's birthday from filming Fully Flared. I guess that was a long time ago.