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Chuck Treece

Chuck Treece (born May 30, 1964) is an multi-instrumentalist musician, professional skateboarder, and pioneering figure in and skate culture, particularly noted for his role as a Black trailblazer in both scenes. Born in , and raised in the area, Treece has built a prolific career spanning music production, session work, and skateboarding endorsements since the early . As a musician, Treece founded the influential skate punk band McRad in 1982, serving as its guitarist, lead vocalist, and primary songwriter, with the group releasing the debut EP Dominant Force in 1984 and one full-length album in the 1980s that blended with skate anthems. His session contributions include playing bass on Billy Joel's 1993 album , drumming for during a live show, and touring as drummer for in 1994, while also collaborating with artists such as on their debut album Organix (1993), , , , and H.R. from . Additionally, Treece has remixed tracks for and , joined the band Plastic Eaters as drummer in 2010, and received a Pew Fellowship in the Arts grant that year for his contributions to Philadelphia's music scene. In skateboarding, Treece emerged as a professional in 1982, becoming one of the first Black skaters sponsored by major brands including Santa Cruz Skateboards, Powell-Peralta, and Airwalk, and achieving a historic milestone as the first African American to appear on the cover of Thrasher magazine in 1984. He rode for additional companies like Madrid, Gull Wing Trucks, OJ Wheels, Thunder Trucks, Sure-Grip, Ollie Wheels, and Spitfire Wheels through the 1980s and 1990s, and later collaborated with Nike SB on the "McRad" Dunk High Pro shoe design in 2010 and 2013. A key advocate for skate infrastructure, Treece has been active at Philadelphia's FDR Skatepark and continues to skate and support community initiatives. Treece's personal life reflects his multifaceted talents; he is a father of three children—Isaac, Kieran, and Jurni—with his son Kieran also pursuing music and skateboarding, including a collaborative track "See U Shine’n" released with Treece. Married and residing in , he remains active in touring with bands like MC Intelligence on the "Keep it Moving Tour" and as of 2025, while embodying a punk ethos of perseverance and inclusivity.

Early Life

Birth and Upbringing

Chuck Treece was born on May 30, 1964, in . He grew up in the working-class Dunleith neighborhood of nearby , later moving to the suburbs around age 13, in a family environment that fostered creative expression through music. Treece's father, a saxophonist who led a Top 40 , introduced him to live music early on; Treece would join band rehearsals as a , banging on pots and pans at age two before receiving his first at age six. By age eight, he was performing with his father's group at local venues like Boots and Bonnets in , often playing drums or . His early childhood in this blue-collar setting exposed him to a variety of music genres, including classics such as and , alongside , jazz, funk acts like , and influences from artists including and . This familial access to instruments and performances laid the groundwork for his musical development, predating his later discoveries in and during .

Education and Influences

Treece attended high school in , graduating in 1982. During his school years, he began exploring , playing in the eighth-grade and earning first chair despite not reading , which laid an early foundation for his instrumental skills. Following graduation, Treece relocated to in 1982, a move that immersed him in the city's emerging and communities. This transition marked a pivotal shift, as he became "sick of high school" and opted out of college to pursue these passions full-time. In his teenage years, Treece discovered music through local shows, records, and underground tapes shared among friends, drawing inspiration from aggressive acts like Void and the scene. This exposure prompted him to teach himself guitar and by learning songs from his favorite albums, transitioning from school band experiences to raw, self-directed practice. Concurrently, he encountered in neighborhood settings, starting around age 11 or 13 when friends and local ramps in Wilmington and introduced him to the activity, quickly adopting it as a central intertwined with his growing interest in music.

Music Career

McRad and Early Punk Involvement

Chuck Treece co-founded the skate punk band McRad in 1982 in alongside fellow skateboarder Zeke Zagar, serving as the group's guitarist and lead vocalist. At age 19, Treece assembled a lineup of younger skate enthusiasts aged 14 to 16, drawing from his childhood exposure to influences like the and to create a high-energy sound rooted in East Coast hardcore. The band quickly gained traction, performing their first shows within six weeks of formation, including opening slots for acts like , which helped embed McRad in Philadelphia's burgeoning scene. McRad's music fused fast-paced with lyrics celebrating culture, such as tracks evoking tricks, ramps, and the thrill of the sport, exemplified in their raw, thrashy style reminiscent of . Their debut EP, Dominant Force, arrived in 1984 on Red Records, capturing the era's skate-punk ethos. This was followed by their full-length debut album, Absence of Sanity, released in 1987 on Beware Records, which compiled recordings from 1983 to 1986 and showcased their blistering tempos and reggae-infused breaks; the album was rereleased on CD in 2001 by Uprising Records with additional live tracks. By the mid-1980s, McRad had established a strong presence in the East Coast circuit through rigorous touring, including a grueling 30-night run in 1986 supporting , where they played extended sets of up to 25 songs nightly. These tours, often alongside bands like —where Treece later contributed guitar—solidified Treece's reputation as a pivotal figure in the intersection of and subcultures. McRad went on hiatus in the late as Treece pursued other projects, though the band would sporadically reform in later years.

Session Work and Major Collaborations

Treece's session work in the highlighted his versatility as a , transitioning from his early roots with McRad to broader opportunities in mainstream and . He provided the bass line for the title track "" on Billy Joel's 1993 album of the same name, contributing to the song's rhythmic foundation alongside primary bassist Lonnie Hillyer. During this period, Treece also worked on remixes for artists including and through Ruffhouse Records, adapting his -infused production style to pop and rock contexts. Treece contributed guitar to The Roots' debut album Organix (1993) and collaborated with artists and , further embedding himself in the local and scenes. As a touring musician, Treece frequently filled in on drums for prominent acts, showcasing his adaptability across genres. In 1993–1994, he joined as bassist for live performances supporting their album , including shows alongside artists like . He toured Europe as drummer for in 1994, aligning with the band's energy during a period of lineup changes. Additionally, on November 6, 1993, at the Aladdin Theatre in , Treece substituted on drums for during their rendition of Neil Young's "," as well as covers like "Swallow My Pride" and "Ain't Nothing to Do" with members. In the 2000s, Treece continued his session contributions with reggae and rock acts, emphasizing his drumming prowess. He recorded drum tracks for The Movement's 2008 album Set Sail, produced by G. Love at Philadelphonic Studios, which featured collaborations with artists like Slightly Stoopid's Oguer Ocon. Treece also performed drums on Bedouin Soundclash's 2019 album Mass, co-produced in New Orleans and blending reggae, punk, and jazz elements with guest appearances from the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. A key collaboration came with the formation of the Philadelphia punk band Stiffed in 2001, where Treece served as drummer alongside vocalist Santi White (later Santigold), guitarist Matt Schleck, and bassist Chris Shar; the group's raw rhythm section and White's distinctive vocals on releases like the 2003 EP Sex Sells helped launch her solo career, which later achieved chart success.

Later Bands and Solo Efforts

In 1991, Chuck Treece released his debut solo Dream'n on , marking a personal musical endeavor outside his band commitments. The album featured Treece handling vocals, guitar, bass, and drums across tracks that showcased his multifaceted instrumental skills. Treece continued his involvement with McRad by releasing the band's second , FDR, in 2007 on Uprising Records. The title paid homage to the FDR in , a key local spot tied to Treece's in the scene. This release reunited core members and captured the group's signature skate-punk energy, building on their earlier work while reflecting Treece's enduring connection to Philadelphia's punk and skate communities. In 2010, Treece joined the /New York punk band Plastic Eaters as their resident drummer, contributing to their live performances and recordings. During this period, his prior session drumming experiences enhanced his adaptability across ensembles. By the mid-2010s, Treece had taken on bass duties in the band ACTiVATE, a -based group formed around 2016 that blends influences with aggressive metal riffs. He remains an active member, performing on bass alongside guitarists Mike Mig and Mikey Doto, drummer Bob DiMatteo, and vocalist STWB. More recently, Treece collaborated with guitarist in the funk-punk fusion project Punkadelic, where he contributes on bass and drums, including a new song released in 2024. The group released the Collective Consciousness EP in 2023, featuring two tracks that merge Hampton's grooves with Treece's drive. As of 2025, Treece released the solo album Eye Can Tell and the single "Keep Pushin'" featuring (2024), continuing his evolution as a veteran bridging genres through self-directed bands and performances.

Skateboarding Career

Entry into Professional Skating

Chuck Treece began seriously pursuing skateboarding in the late 1970s while living in the suburbs of Newark, Delaware, where he first encountered the sport at age 13 after seeing local kids riding boards. Inspired by the emerging scene, he purchased a basic $15 plastic skateboard and quickly progressed from basic tricks to more advanced maneuvers at nearby parks, honing his skills amid the second wave of skateboarding popularity. Following his high school graduation in 1982, Treece relocated to , where he immersed himself in the vibrant East Coast skate scene, transitioning to street and ramp styles at local spots like Cherry Hill Skatepark. That same year, at age 18, he turned professional, becoming one of the first African-American skateboarders to achieve sponsored pro status in the sport during its 1980s resurgence. His rapid rise was fueled by connections with established figures, including writing to Powell-Peralta co-founder as a teenager, which led to encouragement and industry ties. In the early 1980s, Treece competed in regional events and gained visibility through features in influential skate magazines like Thrasher and Skateboarder, capturing his dynamic layback and vert style amid the sport's boom. These appearances highlighted his technical prowess and helped solidify his place in the competitive circuit. Simultaneously, he integrated with his burgeoning music career, skating at parks and lots during with his McRad, which he co-founded in 1982, blending the two passions as he traveled the East Coast.

Sponsorships and Key Achievements

Treece entered his professional skateboarding phase in 1982, securing sponsorships with key brands that defined his peak years through 1990. These included Skateboards as his primary board sponsor, Powell-Peralta for equipment flows initiated by , and Airwalk for footwear, alongside earlier endorsements from Skateboards, Gullwing Trucks, OJ Wheels, and Sure-Grip skateboards. A landmark achievement came in May 1984, when Treece became the first African-American skateboarder to grace the cover of Thrasher magazine, captured mid-layback tailslide on a vert ramp by photographer Glen E. Friedman. This feature highlighted his innovative vert ramp tricks and solidified his status as a trailblazer in the predominantly white skate scene of the era. Throughout his pro tenure, Treece integrated into his music tours, engaging in road sessions while performing with bands like McRad, , , and , thereby fostering the symbiotic culture that linked mobility, rebellion, and community. His ability to balance these pursuits exemplified the DIY ethos central to both disciplines. By 1990, Treece concluded his full-time professional skating career, which had spanned eight years of endorsements and competitions, to prioritize music while maintaining part-time skating, amateur sponsorships through the (including Thunder Trucks and Spitfire Wheels), and later mentoring younger skaters.

Legacy and Recognition

Cultural Impact as a Pioneer

Chuck Treece emerged as a in the skateboarding and scenes, becoming one of the first professional skateboarders in a predominantly white dominated by East Coast and enthusiasts. As a sponsored rider for brands like and Powell-Peralta between 1982 and 1990, he navigated racial barriers including isolation and skepticism, often being one of the few Black participants in competitions and tours. His appearance on the cover of Thrasher magazine in 1984 marked a historic milestone, symbolizing visibility for Black athletes in the sport and challenging the era's lack of diversity. Treece has reflected on the broader societal he encountered, noting that persistence in skateboarding and required transcending skin color judgments to focus on skill and community. Treece's influence extended to inspiring subsequent generations of Black artists in , particularly through his role in the band Stiffed alongside Santi White (later ). As the drummer for Stiffed from 2002 onward, he encouraged White to pursue her vocal talents, helping shape her transition into a prominent figure in and punk-infused music. This exemplified his broader contributions to , fostering spaces where Black musicians could blend punk's raw energy with personal expression in genres historically inaccessible to them. In Philadelphia's skate community, Treece has promoted inclusivity through his longstanding involvement at FDR Skatepark since the 2000s, where he mentors young skaters, including his own children, emphasizing creativity and unity over racial divides. By advocating for public skate facilities and participating in DIY sessions, he has helped cultivate a more diverse environment at FDR, a key urban hub that reflects the city's eclectic influences and counters exclusionary norms in skating. His efforts underscore a commitment to making skateboarding accessible to all backgrounds, drawing from his own experiences in Philly's vibrant, multicultural scene. Treece's band McRad further amplified his cultural impact by pioneering the fusion of music and skate culture in the 1980s, releasing albums that integrated punk riffs with skateboarding anthems like "Weakness" and featuring in videos that bridged the two worlds. As a Black-led skate punk outfit, McRad opened for influential acts such as and , introducing elements and broadening the genre's appeal to diverse audiences. This legacy endures in the ongoing interplay between skateboarding and music, where McRad's style helped legitimize the subgenre and encouraged cross-cultural participation.

Awards and Ongoing Contributions

In 2010, Chuck Treece received a Fellowship in the Arts from The Center for Arts & Heritage, recognizing his lifetime contributions as a , , songwriter, and skateboarding pioneer. Treece maintains an ongoing collaboration with Joe "The Butcher" Nicolo, with whom he has worked on numerous recording projects, including engineering and production roles on albums like ' Tricks of the Shade (1992), and continues to engage in regular studio sessions. He also remains active in , regularly skating at FDR Skatepark in , where he advocates for public skate facilities and shares sessions with younger skaters. In music, Treece participated in punk revivals by co-founding the funk-punk fusion group Punkadelic in 2022 alongside of , contributing and to tracks like "Laying in the Middle of Getting It Off" and performing live sets that blend genres. Fatherhood has influenced his creative output, as Treece balances family responsibilities with tours and recordings, often incorporating his children—such as collaborating with his son Kieran on tracks like "Be Your Friend" and "See U Shine’n"—to infuse personal passion into his work while prioritizing family involvement and .

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