Jay Adams passed away late yesterday. Adams and this photograph by Glen E. Friedman changed my life. In fact, it is tattooed on my right leg — that is how much it means to me. I’m gutted by the news of Jay’s passing. He lived a hard life troubled by family issues, drugs and crime, but he is one of the most important skateboarders of all time. I’m not a skateboarder, but it was Jay Adams and Glen E. Friedman’s photographs that inspired me to be punk rock, to be rebellious, to not trust authority, to live my life my way. Having moved to Los Angeles, I hoped I would run into Jay, meet him and thank him. He was an inspiration to me. Thanks, Jay. RIP.
