Gino Iannucci, a name synonymous with style and precision in the skateboarding world, holds a legendary status that transcends the understanding of many, even within the skating community itself. His unique approach to skateboarding, often characterized by early morning sessions and seemingly effortless style, has puzzled and captivated skaters for decades. What makes his skating, often showcased in brief but impactful video parts, so special? Why is he so revered? To unravel some of the mystery surrounding this enigmatic figure, Mackenzie Eisenhour sat down with Gino for a revealing “16 Things” interview, uncovering lesser-known aspects of his life and career.
Gino Iannucci skating in the early morning
1. Luigi Giovanni Iannucci: The Full Story Behind the Name
Gino, as he’s universally known, is not actually his given first name, nor is it his middle name. His full name is Luigi Giovanni Iannucci. The nickname “Gino” came about because two of his cousins also shared the name Luigi, and his family needed a way to distinguish them. Furthermore, his grandfather was also nicknamed “Gino,” which cemented the nickname’s place in the family. To this day, his relatives still call him Luigi.
2. Prodigy vs. Guns N’ Roses: The Yeah Right Soundtrack That Almost Was
In the making of Yeah Right (2003), Gino had considered using Prodigy’s “Infamous Minded” for his part. He was very enthusiastic about this track. However, while reviewing the edits at Ty Evans’ house, Mike Carroll suggested using Guns N’ Roses instead. Though not originally on his radar, Gino had been listening to Guns N’ Roses a lot at the time, and the song ultimately proved to be the perfect fit.
3. The Unblemished Record: Gino’s Team History
Gino boasts an impressive record: he’s never been kicked off a team. He began with a shop sponsor called Ollies & Boogies in Baldwin, New York, before progressing through Black Label, 101, and Chocolate. When it came to his shoe sponsors, he left Axion to join Nike, but always on his own terms.
4. The Unforgettable Back 360: A Moment of Sheer Luck
The iconic back 360 that seems to spin endlessly was a product of luck and serendipity. Filming with friends in Garden City, Long Island, Gino attempted a back three down some stairs, and it landed in a way that caused him to spin like a top. The moment was so unexpected and comical that everyone was in stitches. He admits that he could never replicate the trick, even if he tried.
Gino Iannucci performing a back 360
5. The Frontside 360 Anomaly: A Trick Avoided
Despite being considered a master of the backside 360, Gino has never landed a frontside 360. He admits the trick has always felt awkward, and he never liked the way it looked. He credits Donger (Kien Lieu) and Jeremy Wray for making the trick look good back in the day.
6. Danny Sargent’s Influence: The Birth of Switch Back 180s
Gino was inspired to try switch back 180s after seeing Danny Sargent’s rendition of the trick down “the seven” in 1281 (1991). Sargent’s unique style, with a full body rotation and cartwheel motion, opened up the possibilities for this trick.
7. Dispelling the Myth: Gino and the Natas Kaupas Boardslide
Despite the popular myth, Gino was not the kid holding up the manny pad for Natas Kaupas’ boardslide in Speed Freaks (1989). Although he was at the demo, the misconstrued story stems from an interview where he mentioned yelling enthusiastically in the background. He jokes that while he would have been honored to hold the box for Natas, it wasn’t him on that particular day.
Gino Iannucci skating a curb
8. The John McEnroe Encounter: A Starstruck Moment
Gino’s experience with tennis legend John McEnroe during the Court Challenge was brief but memorable. They met for only a few minutes to film a commercial. Months later, a chance encounter at LaGuardia Airport had a much more amusing conclusion. Gino, a little too excited after his flight, approached McEnroe, who at first struggled to remember him, creating a humorous moment.
9. Jovontae Turner’s Vibe Check: A Lesson in Skateboarding Etiquette
During his first trip to San Francisco, Gino encountered Jovontae Turner at Wallenberg. Turner, seemingly annoyed by the number of people sitting down, said, “What is this? The bleachers? Why don’t you skate?” This interaction, though possibly not intended directly at Gino, left him with a memorable, if slightly awkward, feeling.
10. Snuff and the Switch Back Tail Shove: The Beginning of a New Era
Gino landed his first switch back tail shove in a line in Snuff (1993), while filming with Dave Schlossbach at Glendale High. This marked a milestone in his skating and the early days of experimenting with switch back tailslides.
11. Jason Dill’s Front Flip: A Memorable First Meeting
Gino’s first memory of Jason Dill is Dill doing a front flip over a shipping palette after Gino did a kickflip over it. This encounter at the Black Label warehouse made quite an impression. After years apart, he is happy to be working with Dill again at FA.
Gino Iannucci mid-trick
12. The Brief Hiatus: Gino’s Short-Lived Skateboarding Retirement
Gino briefly quit skating in 1989 but returned a few months later. The Swatch Impact Tour, which he didn’t attend, made him realize that he wasn’t done with skateboarding after all. Despite a temporary interest in hockey and other pursuits, the allure of skateboarding was too strong to resist.
13. The Gonz Gap Regret: A Flawed Roll Away
To this day, Gino dislikes the roll away from his back heel over the Gonz Gap (1993). He acknowledges that it would have been much better to roll away clean and execute the switch ollie off the Big Three, but is unable to change the past.
Gino Iannucci doing a no comply trick
14. Poets and High-End Fashion: Exploring New Creative Avenues
Gino has been delving into high-end fashion design through his brand, Poets. He’s been learning about manufacturing, production, and the process of creating quality garments, partnering with a manufacturer in Italy. This venture has given him new insights into the creative process and an appreciation for the complexities of design.
15. Hokus Pokus: The Video That Changed Everything
Gino considers Hokus Pokus (1989) his all-time favorite skateboarding video. The entire video, not just one part, had a profound impact, embedding skateboarding into his soul. This video remains a crucial touchstone in his passion for skating.
16. Henry Sanchez in Pack of Lies: The Epitome of Raw Street Skating
Gino’s all-time favorite video part belongs to Henry Sanchez in Pack of Lies (1992). The raw, intense street skating showcased in the video, and the accompanying music, made a lasting impression on him and cemented its place as a defining moment in skateboarding history.
Gino Iannucci’s legacy is more than just tricks and video parts; it’s about a unique perspective, unwavering dedication, and the ability to constantly evolve while staying true to oneself. From his unexpected start in the sport to his influence on contemporary fashion, Gino’s impact extends far beyond the world of skateboarding.
Interview by: Mackenzie Eisenhour
Intro by: Jenk Staff
Photos by: Cole Giordano
