Interview & Photos | Jonathan Labez @JMLabez
THEM Skates is headed to the UK in little under a month to promote the release of the heavily anticipated 909 boot, which is set for release in the spring. Jon Julio gave us the lowdown on what to expect, how you can get tickets to these exclusive tour stops, and a bit of color on thoughts on travel and UK culture.
Tell us more about this UK Trip, Jon.
This UK TOUR is the next stop of the 909 Skate Promotional Tour. We are launching our new 909 skate in Spring 2020 and we can’t wait to show the new skate in the UK!
This UK 909 trip was proposed by Mark Walker. Mark is a skater from the UK who works for Killmanjaro Live, a live events company based out of the UK. Through some planning with Kilimanjaro and Loco Skates (Thank you Jake!), Mark proposed an idea to produce a fun event with a Q and A, as well as skate sessions with the THEM team. There will be a best trick contest for those who attend. Tickets for the tour help to fund the tour, will all sales going towards covering the team’s travel expenses.
Tickets for both stops of the THEM 909 UK tour are available now at www.myticket.co.uk and www.locoskates.com. I highly recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment and missing out.
So far myself, Gavin Drumm, Alex Broskow, Sean Darst, Danny Beer, Pat Ridder, Marius Gaile, Soichiro Kanashima, and Mike Torres are flying out for this. We will be visiting London’s Bay Sixty 6 Skate Park on 9th Feb and Manchester Graystone Action Sports on 8th Feb 2020. We will be premiering a new team rider while on tour and debuting their intro video at both UK stops in Manchester and London.
There are going to be limited edition giveaways (+ a free pair of 909’s) like our new blue tote bags. The first 100 people through the door will get a free tote / goodie bag. Huge thank you to everyone who have purchased a ticket already! It’s making our travel plans to EU way easier with your support!.
When was the last time you were in the U.K.?
This would be maybe my 5th time visiting the UK. I think the last time I was in the UK was for ‘We Are Valo 3’ with Alex [Broskow]. That was around 15 years ago.
If you find the time to go sightseeing, where would you want to visit?
Tower Bridge for sure. Neal’s Yard or the Sky Garden.
What are you most looking forward to on this trip?
Hanging out with the local scene. Skating with all the fam and “English Breakfast”!
Do you collect certain knickknacks when you visit a new place?
Always try to bring something back for my kids. Maybe some classic English toy cars.
If you had to choose a theme song for this tour, what would it be?
Jimi Hendrix – Waterfall
Who is your all time favorite skater from the UK?
Oli Short
Person you’re most likely to get into trouble with on this tour?
Gavin [Drumm]
What do you dread the most about traveling?
Losing my skates.
Do you have any good luck charm you bring on trips?
Them Skates
What are five essentials you are bringing on this trip?
• My laptop
• My Them Skates
• Pistachios
• Passport
• Phone
What are some lessons you’ve learned on tour?
• Appreciate every moment.
• Go sight see. You will never know if you will ever come back.
Who do you like better? The Beatles, the Rolling Stones or Queen?
Stones.
Sherlock Holmes or James Bond?
Bond.
Doctor Who or Monty Python?
Dr. Who.
Cup o’ tea, pint of beer, or shot of scotch?
Coffee.
Bronson or Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels?
Lock Stock.
Crisps or chips?
No carbs for me.
Meat pies or Sunday roasts?
No carbs, no sugar. Keeping it healthy!
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