Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk has long been associated with alternative music through the soundtracks of his prolific video game series Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. For many young gamers of the 1990s and 2000s, these licensed soundtracks were an introduction to rock, metal and punk music that was sometimes too extreme or underground for radio.
Later in his career, Hawk embraced his cult rock hero status, hosting the main band at his Weekend Jam skate show and most recently taking the stage with Goldfinger professional skater Featured on “Superman”. Now, Tony is backing Nine Inch Nails’ “Wish” with an all-star backing band including current and former members of The Dillinger Escape Plan (Ben Weinman), The Bronx (Brad Magers), Every Time I Die (Ryan) Jay) and so on.
Curated through the YouTube channel Mikey and His Yuke, the cover aligns with the “Two Minutes to Midnight” bedroom cover series, with each musician contributing their part remotely, as well as Zoom-style webcam footage.
In the song’s video, Hawk skateboards through Los Angeles and Venice Beach, delivering an undeniably powerful vocals to the industrial classic. Maybe he’s been practicing since he covered “Goldfinger” because it’s not easy to sing Trent Reznor well.
Speaking of Reznor, the Nine Inch Nails mastermind made a hilarious cameo in a YouTube clip of nearly getting blown up as he crosses the street while Hawke flashes past him — drawing Trent’s indiscretion gesture.
“When the series started, I knew I wanted to cover this particular song,” YouTuber Mikey wrote in the video’s description. “I also know that if we do do this, the lineup has to be just right. I couldn’t be happier with the enthusiasm and energy this crew brings and delivers. Much love to everyone involved.”
Watch Tony Hawk and company cover Nine Inch Nails’ “Wish” below.