Today, we are chatting with Forde Brookfield, the mastermind behind Baghead Crew. In this interview, you'll discover the origins of Baghead, learn about SkateboardGB, the SATAN video, and find out what it's like collaborating with the world's most amazing skaters.
Could you please introduce yourself and the Crew for us?
My name is Forde Brookfield and the Baghead Crewis a constantly evolving group of exceptionally talented skateboarders whom I greatly admire.
How did the name ‘Baghead’ originate? What’s the story behind it?
Around the year 2010, some friends from Leicester and I were skating a pole jam between two buildings in an alleyway. While skating, two guys approached us and asked if they could try skating on our boards. One of them stepped onto a board and tried to skate, to which his friend said, “You can’t skate, you’re just a baghead!” That’s how the name was born, and it stuck with us. We wrote it on ourgrip tape, created stickers, and made a batch ofSkate T Shirtsjust for the skaters who were active at the time.
So how did the idea for BAGHEAD Crew come about? Could you tell us a bit about its origins?
Initially, we evolved the name from “Baghead” to “Baghead Skateboards,” but soon after, it became Baghead Crew. We added “crew” at the end when we launched our first full-length video in 2014. A lot of the people we were filming then were being supported by various sponsors, so adding “Skateboards” to the name didn’t quite fit. We wanted to maintain more of a crew atmosphere instead of a company vibe. That doesn’t mean if we release boards in the future we’d turn into a hardware company, because we wouldn’t. I enjoy releasing different products and sharing them with those I admire.
You recently collaborated with SkateboardGB. How was that experience and working with Jake Powell?
Jake Powellis an outstanding videographer, so working with him was like a dream come true. I actually met him about a year ago and jokingly said, “We should create a show or a series about something…” I remember we hadn’t specifically discussed filming a documentary series about the Baghead Crew, but it ended up becoming exactly that. I was more inclined towards helping Jake document skateboarding, but when he suggested tailoring it to film behind the scenes for our upcoming video, it was clear we’d jump at the chance. Jake andSkateboardGBcontinue to advance skateboarding. I can’t thank them enough.
Your group has received quite a bit of attention recently. What have been some of the most unexpected outcomes?
I think the most surprising aspect of the coverage so far is how many people mention quotes we’ve made. For instance, when our friend Shaun asks, “Can I snack now? Or snack later?” and I respond, “Snack in the car,” a few people have quoted that exact line back to us. It’s absolutely mind-blowing. It makes you realise just how far-reaching coverage can be. As long as it positively influences people, encouraging them to skate, film their friends, and create a video, then it’s doing exactly what it should.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being part of the group?
Besides the fantastic skateboarding, the most rewarding part is the strong friendships that develop. It gives you lifelong friends. I can discuss numerous aspects of life with many in the crew, no matter how significant or trivial, and they’re always there for me, just as I am for them and always will be. They’re an amazing group of people, and it’s a blessing to have such a bond with so many of them.
Have you travelled to different places with the crew? If so, which has been your favourite destination?
We’ve been travelling a lot to the north, particularly Hartlepool and Middlesbrough, to visit Andy Pike, Matt Burns, Connor Stockton, and all those guys. I absolutely love it up there. Every visit brings something new being built or a spot we haven’t skated yet. Plus, being by the sea is instantly soothing. I love it.
How did you decide on the name “Satan” for your video?
I was listening to a Daniel Johnston record I’d picked up earlier that day. One evening, while reviewing some new footage with Myles Rushforth, at the end of “Don’t Play Cards with Satan,” you hear Daniel Johnston exclaim “SATAN, SATAN, SATAN!” Myles and I just laughed and jokingly said, “We should name the next video ‘Satan’” and it kind of stuck.
You're currently based in Sheffield. How is the skate scene up there?
The skate scene in Sheffield is incredible. Although I’m back in the Midlands now, I visit frequently. There are too many talented skaters in Sheffield to name them all, but definitely keep an eye out forRasheed, Dead Dave, Hassan, Max Weir, Moggins, Timmy Garbett, Ronny Calow, and the list just goes on. Follow them all, they’re awesome. Big shoutout to Martin Kennelly &Louis Slater at Slugger also.
How has the scene evolved, and when did you start noticing changes?
Overall, skate scenes have rapidly grown thanks to social media. Despite all its flaws, you can’t deny the boost social media has given to the scenes.
What or who have been your inspirations in skateboarding?
I’ve always admired UK companies and the overall quirky characters. Heroin Skateboards & Death Skateboards have always stood out and continue to do so. I credit them for inspiring me to seek out my own quirky characters. Thanks Zorlac & Fos!
What and who have been your inspirations in filming?
Filming can sometimes become monotonous, but the dedication of the skaters keeps me motivated. My inspiration stems directly from them. When you're filming Myles, you know you'll capture something technically impressive. With Dead Dave, expect to explore remote spots, possibly in the peaks or surrounded by water. With Rasheed, you're likely to film something absolutely wild. Each skater in the video has their own unique sense of spots and what they want to achieve, so every filming session is different. Each skater has specific spots that reflect their overall style. Since we go out as a crew, everyone’s ideas for spots combine. You can take Myles and Rasheed to a random spot Dead Dave has found and watch them all make the most of it. It's a joy to witness, and that's what keeps me inspired.
I often say my ideal sessions are when Myles and Seb are together, because they’re both incredibly talented on a skateboard and can approach the same spots in totally different ways. I love those sessions. Whether it's a large group or a one-on-one session, working with the crew is always productive. I thrive on that.
You’ve been gradually putting together a team of some of the world’s most incredible skaters. How do you usually find or contact them?
I simply reach out to them on Instagram, letting them know I’m a fan. It's as straightforward as that. I admire all of them, and at some point, I guarantee I've messaged them or met them randomly and expressed my admiration. I’m not shy about it. If you appreciate someone’s skating and they like the way you film and showcase the crew, it’s a perfect match. It's great to work with new people.
We've been big fans of Rasheed Osman ever since the Fastlands jam. How did you come across him? We’ve noticed him making waves everywhere right now.
I met him at a skate event in Derby. He was very quiet, and I was quite loud, which probably surprised him initially. I didn’t see him for a while after that because he was in Sheffield and I was in Leicester filming the second Baghead video. I bumped into him a few times, but when I moved to Sheffield in 2019, I immediately knew I wanted to film more with Rasheed and Dead Dave. They’re both amazing.
I’ve been a huge fan of Rasheed for many years and continue to be. I just finished a session with him about an hour ago before writing this response. He’s incredible. Big shoutout to Rasheed.
Let’s discuss Chris Pulman. He’s fantastic. What’s it been like filming with him?
ChrisChris is a positive influence. An exceptional individual with a heart of gold. Fos initially arranged the filming with Chris. I think Chris had taken a break for a while and wanted to get back to skating. At the time, we were filming a lot of Dead Dave’s parts for Heroin and our video “Funeral”. Fos suggested I contact Chris (as he probably told Chris the same thing), and we went from there. I reached out to Pulman over Instagram, and a week later, he drove to Sheffield for a skate session. I was amazed. I've been a fan of Chris since I first got into skating, so filming with him was an incredible experience. Having Chris join us for a session was surreal. Myles used to skate for Chris's company Decent a few years ago, so they already had a strong connection.
Who can we expect to see full parts from in Satan?
There are many people featured in theSatan videovideo. Rasheed, Myles, Dead Dave, Sebastien Batty, Will Sayer, Mike Simons, Andy Pike, Mani Haddon all have a substantial amount of footage. Then you have Chris Atherton and Chris Pulman, who have joined in but haven't been able to participate in as many sessions as the rest, which is understandable since we all have our own lives to manage. However, they're in the video and have a lot of footage.
Everyone has guest tricks from friends in their segments. With such a large crew, it’s necessary to decide who has the most footage for parts, who has guest tricks, who’s in the friends' sections, etc. It’s great to include guest clips when tricks have happened at the same spots. It ties everything together and really makes you realize it’s simply a crew, and we’re all together during these sessions.
Are you looking forward to the premiere? I imagine it’s quite a challenge to organize. Have you done others before?
I’m both excited and nervous. Those feelings never change. The biggest challenge is determining when you have enough footage for a video, and once that’s settled, you set a date. I usually set a premiere date a few months in advance, allowing everyone ample time to get the final bits they need and giving anyone who needs it the chance to catch up.
Once you have a venue, everything else falls into place. We might have a band or two perform the night before the premiere. It’s happening at Rollersnakes on Saturday, February 4th, 2023. They have a large skate space, so it’s perfect for everyone to arrive, skate, meet friends, enjoy live music, and end the night by watching the video.
What new tricks are you currently working on?
Rasheed has been tackling a few final standout tricks. The same goes for Will Sayer and some of the skaters from Hartlepool. There’s nothing too specific—just a lot of ideas spread across different cities, so we have to work around schedules. Everyone has jobs and responsibilities outside of skateboarding. Apart from capturing the final pieces, I also have to keep editing, finalize DVD covers, venues, and whatever else comes with it. Although it can be stressful, it’s enjoyable and I love it.
What advice would you give to beginners who are just starting out in skateboarding?
Just start skateboarding. Skate anywhere, with anyone. Invite everyone to skate, regardless of who they are. You’ll make lifelong friends.
Also, get a video camera and document everything.
What are your plans for this year and beyond?
This year, the focus is on finishing the editing, producing DVDs, releasing the video, and immediately starting work on the next one.
Is there anyone you want to thank?
A huge thank you to everyone in the video for sticking with us. Thanks to everyone who buys our T-shirts and DVDs. Thanks to any shops that have stocked our DVDs in the past and helped promote what we do. Thank you to Jake and everyone else at SkateboardGB for believing in us and documenting what all my friends are up to. They’re great skateboarders and people who deserve as much recognition as possible.
Thank you, Samantha Bache, for allowing us to do this interview and for promoting skateboarding as much as you do.
We also had the opportunity to speak with Rasheed Osman, one of the skaters featured in the ‘SATAN’ video.
Could you please introduce yourself?
My name is Rasheed. I’m from Shrewsbury, Shropshire, and currently residing in Sheffield.
How did you first get into skateboarding?
It was through a childhood friend. He lived just across the street from me and had a skateboard; he could do a few tricks. That was the first time I had ever witnessed or tried skateboarding in person.
What are your highlights in skateboarding?
All the amazing people I've met and the places I've visited through skateboarding. Filming videos, taking photos, and going on skate trips. I've also been fortunate enough to meet some legends in person at demos and events, which I will never forget.
Are you involved in the Satan video?
That’s right.
How is it working with Forde, and what is it like?
Working with Forde is always a great experience. He is one of the most driven and committed filmmakers I've ever encountered and a fantastic friend.
How did you all meet?
It was at the Rollersnakes jam in 2017, at the outdoor skatepark in Derby. The contest was rained out, so everyone went to Snakes to skate the indoor mini. Forde and his friends were kind enough to give me a ride, and it turned into a really good session. He moved to Sheffield a couple of years later, which is where we got to know each other well.
Are you excited about the premiere? Will you be attending?
I'm a bit nervous, but I am looking forward to it.
Yes, I'll see you there!
Baghead Crew is releasing a full-length skate video, "SATAN," which will premiere on February 4th at Rollersnakes.