"Surfers" became the cover of "Surfing Life" magazine published in July 1998.
Let's look back on that time while listening to "Never" in the album "Songs From The Pipe" of "Surfers".
In 1998, "Peter King", who was also a professional surfer who was active on MTV at the time, formed a band consisting of "Kelly Slater" and "Rob Machado".
They came to Japan to promote the WCT to be held in Japan during the world tour.
By saying that there is rarely such an opportunity, the magazine "Surfing Life" immediately began their interview.
The shooting location was decided in front of the classic car at the entrance of the ASR in Shibaura. For the time being, I tried to go with a special feature, including the cover, and an exceptional interview fee was allocated at that time, so I laid white sand under the car with the image of a southern island, and shot in color and black and white with the image of the midsummer coast with strong lighting. That's it.
The most important thing is that the amount of sand under my feet is not acceptable, so I added several bags and finally found out, but after that, I wonder what happened to the sand.
After all, since it is indoors, of course, lighting is necessary, so I prepared several generations of strobes and set up a large setting.
Since it's the cover, I also prepared a 6X7 camera that can use Polaroid to confirm the shooting, and I took a lot, which is rare for me. At that time, it was a film, so I decided the exposure strictly, but I couldn't see the photo unless the development was finished, so it was cheap. I was able to decide whether to increase or decrease the remaining film by cutting out only how many frames at the beginning or end of the film and developing it with all the results of "cut-out" and developing it. However, there was a risk that the cut was very good and could not be used, but it was certain that there was also a merit that could not be replaced even if you closed your eyes.
However, I never thought that such an unfounded worry would become a reality at this time. Sure enough, the cut that came up was the best for me, but it was cut halfway and I couldn't use it. As expected, I was depressed, but I remember that I was relieved that there were some photos that would be candidates for the cover if I put everything on the rest of the cuts and developed them.
Of course, they were barefoot, but because it was also a promotion, they cooperated with the shooting throughout and the shooting ended smoothly.
After all, it was a close interview, so there were a lot of things I had to do after this, such as shooting live stages, radio program appearance schedules, and interview shooting, but I rather enjoyed being with them. I was also happy.
Among the cuts I took at this time, he liked the photo of Rob holding a guitar and added the wonderful words "・・・・・" to the photo, and it is still my favorite.
Kelly's portrait, which we all took in Chiba, is also my favorite photo.
What I still remember was when I appeared on their radio program. For the time being, in a separate room that was prepared until before the production, the four of us were chatting without doing anything until we were called. At that time, someone found the ashtray on the table. The game started right away.
It's a really simple game to push the ashtray from the edge of the table and stop it without dropping it at the last minute, but when you start, it gradually escalates and makes a fuss.
It was funny to think that even such amazing people would feel like they were participating in a contest if their competitive spirit was ignited, but at the end, they told me to let me do it too, and when I pushed the ashtray, it really stopped at the last minute. Everyone was surprised and made a fuss, and I decided to high-five with everyone, and I was the best!
Although I spent a lot of time with them in this interview, for some reason, only the memories of this time remain intensely. I'm sure I can't forget how they were immersed in the game like children at that time, including me.
You can still listen to their album "Songs From The Pipe" on "Spotify", so please come!
I decided to use a photo from 38 years ago that was cut at this time as a souvenir, but this is a good feeling.
https://share.google/us7NNqedjg55gXpo7
Surfing Life Archive Vol.18 - From the July 1998 issue
As you all know, Kelly and Rob have been active until now. Peter King has since turned into a photographer/videographer, taking advantage of his multiple talents. Currently, this PK is the direction and production of WSL's movie series "Tour Note".
