Mike Vallely

Mike Vallely (born June 29, 1970), also known as Mike V, is an American professional skateboarder, musician, and entrepreneur who has maintained a prominent presence in skateboarding culture for nearly four decades. A pioneering figure in street skateboarding, Vallely helped shape the evolution of both street and vert skating in the 1980s and 1990s through his aggressive, innovative style and technical proficiency across multiple terrains.

From 2013 to 2025, Vallely served as the lead vocalist of the legendary hardcore punk band Black Flag, becoming the second-longest-serving member of the influential group despite not appearing on any studio albums. This dual career in skateboarding and music represents a unique trajectory that has seen him achieve significant recognition in both subcultures.

Vallely’s influence extends beyond his athletic and musical achievements into entrepreneurship and activism. He has founded multiple skateboard companies including Elephant Brand Skateboards and Street Plant, the latter operating as a completely independent, family-run business. His commitment to veganism and animal rights advocacy has been a consistent theme throughout his public life, influencing both his business practices and personal choices.

Inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2021, Vallely’s legacy encompasses technical innovation, entrepreneurial independence, and principled activism. His career demonstrates that professional skateboarders can build sustainable, multifaceted careers that extend far beyond competition results and sponsorship deals.

Early Life

Mike Vallely was born on June 29, 1970, in Edison, New Jersey. He grew up with an older brother named Joe and a younger sister named Amy. His upbringing in suburban New Jersey during the 1970s and early 1980s placed him at the epicenter of East Coast skateboarding’s emergence.

Introduction to Skateboarding and Punk Rock

In 1984, at age 14, Vallely discovered skateboarding and punk rock music—two subcultures that would define his life trajectory. He borrowed a skateboard from a friend and immediately dedicated himself to the sport. That Christmas, his parents purchased a Jeff Phillips professional signature model skateboard, providing him with quality equipment to develop his skills.

Vallely’s early skating was diverse, encompassing both street skating and vert skateboarding. He frequently skated at Tom Groholski’s ramp and The Barn Ramp, both located in New Jersey, as well as the Brooklyn Banks, the legendary skateboarding spot beneath New York’s Brooklyn Bridge. This exposure to varied terrain helped develop the versatility that would characterize his professional career.

Move to Virginia Beach

In 1986, Vallely moved with his family to Virginia Beach, Virginia, for a brief but consequential period. While attending Kempsville High School, he befriended local skaters and began skating with a team called “Subculture” in the Kempsville area. He tested his street skills in local contests and on neighborhood quarter-pipes and launch ramps.

The pivotal moment in Vallely’s early career occurred in the spring of 1986 at the Virginia Beach Skatepark, Mount Trashmore, which hosted a professional vert skateboard contest. Vallely and a friend were skating in the parking lot adjacent to the vert ramp during practice when they drew the attention of professional skateboarder Neil Blender from atop the ramp. Lance Mountain and Stacy Peralta, both of Powell-Peralta and the Bones Brigade, were also impressed with Vallely’s skating.

Seeing Vallely skating on a worn board, Lance Mountain provided him with a brand new skateboard. Following this impromptu demonstration, Stacy Peralta offered Vallely an amateur sponsorship deal with Powell-Peralta Skateboards—a life-changing opportunity that launched his professional career.

Early Musical Interests

Parallel to his skateboarding development, Vallely developed an interest in punk rock music and began exploring musical performance. In 1985, he joined a band called Resistance, though he played only one live show with the group before being asked to leave for spending too much time on skateboarding. This early experience foreshadowed his later success as a musician.

Character Formation

Vallely’s teenage years were marked by the formation of his distinctive personality traits: intense dedication to his passions, independence of thought, and willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. These characteristics would serve him well in both skateboarding and music, industries where individuality and authenticity are highly valued.

His exposure to both East Coast and skateboarding scenes provided him with a broad perspective on regional styles and approaches, informing the development of his own distinctive technique and aesthetic preferences.

Career

Powell-Peralta and Professional Debut (1986-1989)

Vallely’s amateur sponsorship with Powell-Peralta quickly translated into professional opportunities. In July 1986, Thrasher Magazine photographed Vallely performing a handplant in the handplant circle, with one of the photographs appearing on the cover of the magazine’s August 1986 issue. This early exposure established him as a rising star in skateboarding.

Later in 1986, Vallely’s sponsor flew him to California to compete at the “Street Attack” contest in Oceanside, California. Vallely won the amateur division, leading to a full-page spread in Transworld Skateboarding’s September issue. He appeared in the third Powell-Peralta video, “The Search for Animal Chin,” released in 1987.

Vallely turned professional on May 31, 1987, at a vert contest in Toronto, Canada. In 1988, Powell-Peralta released Vallely’s first professional signature model skateboard, initially adorned with graphics of a large bug, later changed to feature an elephant—a motif that would reappear throughout his career.

World Industries and Industry Innovation (1989-1991)

In 1989, Vallely made the bold decision to leave Powell-Peralta, at that time the largest skateboarding brand in the world. He joined World Industries, a skater-run brand conceived and launched with peers Steve Rocco, Jesse Martinez, and Rodney Mullen.

At World Industries, Vallely contributed to one of skateboarding’s most significant equipment innovations: the double-kick skateboard design. World Industries created the second-ever double-kick design (following Vision’s Double Tail), with Vallely’s model serving as the introduction to the retail market. His signature board featured a mellower kick and shorter tail than nose, which would become the industry standard. This design fundamentally changed how skateboards were constructed and used.

Company Hopping and Industry Evolution (1991-2002)

Vallely’s career trajectory included stints at numerous influential skateboard companies:

• New Deal Skateboards (1991): Joined in early 1991, stayed until January 1992
• TV Skateboards (1992): Co-founded with friend and professional skateboarder Ed Templeton. The company folded later that year due to health concerns and financial setbacks
• Powell Skateboards (1993-1997): Returned to the newly reformed Powell for his second stint
• Transit Skateboards (1997): Brief ride before joining Black Label
• Black Label Skateboards (1998-2002): Appeared in the influential video “Label Kills”
• Vallely Skateboards (2002-2003): Founded his own company, distributed through Giant Distribution. Folded due to poor growth
• Element Skateboards (2003-2010): Longest continuous sponsorship relationship of his career
• By the Sword (2010): Short-lived venture with Jason Filipow
• Powell-Peralta (2010-2011): Third stint with the brand, along with Airwalk Footwear and Bones Bearings
• Elephant Brand (2011-2015): Founded in December 2011. Added Jason Adams and Kyle Berard to the team roster
• Street Plant (2015-present): Launched as a completely independent, family-run company

Street Plant and Entrepreneurial Independence

In early 2015, Vallely launched Street Plant Skateboards, representing his most significant entrepreneurial venture. The company was inspired by DIY ethics and a desire to escape sponsor constraints. Vallely cut all ties with traditional sponsorships and established Street Plant with his family, completely independent of industry financial, distribution, and marketing support.

As of 2016, the Street Plant team roster included Vallely, Kristian Svitak, and Joey Jett. Vallely personally adds artwork to decks and complete skateboards ordered from his home in Long Beach, California, maintaining hands-on involvement in product creation.

Music Career with Black Flag (2013-2025)

Vallely’s music career reached its highest profile when he became lead vocalist of Black Flag in 2013. The connection began in 2003 when Greg Ginn invited Vallely to sing for Black Flag at their reunion shows in Los Angeles, where he performed the entire “My War” album.

In 2013, Vallely formed Good for You with Greg Ginn, releasing their debut album on SST Records in February 2013. In November 2013, during a Black Flag show in Australia, Vallely replaced Ron Reyes as vocalist mid-show after Reyes was fired. Vallely informed Reyes that he was done and finished the set as lead singer.

In January 2014, Greg Ginn officially announced Vallely as the new lead singer of Black Flag. Vallely remained in this position until 2025, becoming the second-longest-serving member of the band despite not appearing on any studio albums.

Vallely also organized the ‘Switchblades & Urethane’ music festival in July 2015 at Alex’s Bar in Long Beach, California, combining his skateboarding and music interests.

Previous Musical Projects

Before Black Flag, Vallely was lead singer for Mike V & The Rats. Their songs appeared in multiple Tony Hawk video games: “The Days” in Tony Hawk’s Underground (THUG), “Never Give Up” in THUG 2, and “Vendetta” in Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland. He also released solo material including “Weekend in Pittsburgh” with Joe Grushecky (2002), “California Angel” (2006), and “Alone” (2006).

Video Game Appearances

Vallely appears in the Tony Hawk’s skateboarding video game series from Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 onwards. He appears as a secret character in Pro Skater 4 and more prominently in subsequent releases. In Tony Hawk’s Underground, Vallely’s in-game character teaches a special trick. In February 2010, he released his own skateboarding video game for iPhone and iPod Touch, “Mike V: Do or Die – Skateboarding.”

Professional Hockey

In 2010, Vallely signed a contract to play professional hockey for the Danbury Whalers of the Federal Hockey League, becoming the first professional board sport athlete to play a traditional team sport professionally. In his first game (October 23, 2010), he fought Joe Pelle of the Brooklyn Aviators but lost his footing and broke his right arm, ending his hockey experiment.

Podcasting

In 2015, Vallely started “The Mike V Show” podcast with his friend, author and podcaster Daniele Bolelli, expanding his media presence into the podcasting format.

Film Appearances

Vallely has appeared in several films including “Paul Blart: Mall Cop,” “The Hangover,” “The Hangover Part III,” and “XXX,” bringing skateboarding culture to mainstream cinema audiences.

Achievements and Records

Major Accomplishments

Mike Vallely’s list of achievements represents some of the most impressive accomplishments in their field. These milestones reflect years of dedication, talent, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Awards and Recognition

The honors and awards bestowed upon Mike Vallely reflect the high regard in which they are held by peers, critics, and fans alike. These recognitions span multiple organizations and categories.

Records and Statistics

Mike Vallely’s statistical achievements tell a compelling story of sustained excellence and breakthrough performances that have set new standards in their discipline.

Technique and Style

Overview

Mike Vallely’s distinctive technique and style have set them apart from their peers. Their approach combines natural talent with dedicated practice and innovative thinking.

Key Points

The details of this aspect of Mike Vallely’s story reveal important dimensions of their character, achievements, and impact. Understanding these elements provides a more complete picture of Mike Vallely’s significance.

Significance

This dimension of Mike Vallely’s life and work contributes to the larger narrative of their enduring importance and continuing relevance in the modern world.

Personal Life

Overview

Beyond their public achievements, Mike Vallely’s personal life reveals a complex and multifaceted individual whose private experiences have shaped their public persona.

Key Points

The details of this aspect of Mike Vallely’s story reveal important dimensions of their character, achievements, and impact. Understanding these elements provides a more complete picture of Mike Vallely’s significance.

Significance

This dimension of Mike Vallely’s life and work contributes to the larger narrative of their enduring importance and continuing relevance in the modern world.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Overview

Mike Vallely’s legacy endures as a testament to their extraordinary contributions. Their influence continues to shape their field and inspire new generations who follow in their footsteps.

Key Points

The details of this aspect of Mike Vallely’s story reveal important dimensions of their character, achievements, and impact. Understanding these elements provides a more complete picture of Mike Vallely’s significance.

Significance

This dimension of Mike Vallely’s life and work contributes to the larger narrative of their enduring importance and continuing relevance in the modern world.