Big Brother 86

Big Brother Issue #86 (July 2002) delivers another eclectic mix of skateboarding, music and absurd humour, pairing major skate features with interviews that drift far beyond the skate world. The issue reflects the magazine's mature years, where professional skateboarding remained at its core but every edition happily wandered into underground music, comedy and pop culture.

The issue is led by coverage of the Tampa Pro contest, complete with the magazine's trademark irreverent take on one of skateboarding's biggest events, while a feature on Atlanta explores the city's skate scene. Interviews with Pierre-Luc Gagnon and Chad Muska provide insight into two of skateboarding's biggest personalities, while the Joe Lopes Tribute honours the influential skateboarder and filmmaker following his tragic death earlier that year. Regular departments include News, Skatepark Review, Potpourri, Skate Flicks, Goddamn Ams, Skate Dolls and CD Reviews.

Outside skateboarding, the issue continues Big Brother's unpredictable editorial approach with interviews featuring Andrew W.K., Tom Waits, underground rapper Aesop Rock and heavy metal project Down, alongside Dave Carnie's tongue-in-cheek Skate with Dr. Laura column. Blending genuine skate journalism with satire, music coverage and offbeat cultural commentary, Issue #86 is a strong example of Big Brother at its most confident, capturing the magazine's distinctive voice during its final years.