Tony Hawk Defends Changes to Pro Skater 3 & 4 Soundtrack
- Curtis Gardner
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read

Tony Hawk addresses fans’ concerns about the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 soundtrack, released last week as a modern revival of classic skateboarding video games. While the updated collection features reimagined levels, new skaters, and gameplay elements, it’s the soundtrack—the franchise’s cultural cornerstone—that has caused the most controversy. When Activision revealed the tracklist in May, fans quickly expressed disappointment that only 10 original songs from Pro Skater 3 and 4 remained. The absence of favorites like Alien Ant Farm’s “Wish” frustrated many, who felt the music defined the games as much as skating. In a BBC interview, Hawk explained that curating the soundtrack was a collaborative effort, not solely his decision. “These days, just what I think fits and what I’m interested in [makes the soundtrack],” he said, noting he wasn’t “the only decider.” He also revealed he fought for artists he personally liked, such as Fontaines D.C. and Idles, and selected different songs by artists already in the game. Seven artists from the original soundtrack, including KRS-One, Agent Orange, De La Soul, and Iron Maiden, contributed new tracks to maintain continuity. Hawk added, “Not everyone agreed, but I feel like ‘let’s keep it fresh’ and ‘help discover new music.’” He compared the soundtrack’s evolution to an underground radio show, sparking curiosity and discovery. Alien Ant Farm expressed disappointment over the omission of “Wish,” but Hawk responded diplomatically, saying, “We’re trying to make room for new acts and songs. Not everything makes the cut, and it’s nothing personal. Fans can stream the song if they miss it.” The series is known for introducing players to underground and alternative music, reflecting skate culture’s raw energy. The 2020 reboot of Pro Skater 1+2 debuted at No. 1 in the UK and balanced legacy and new tracks to satisfy long-time fans. With Pro Skater 3+4, the developers aimed to respect the series’ history while appealing to a new audience, emphasizing contemporary punk, hip-hop, and hardcore alongside returning classics. Whether this new approach will convince skeptical fans remains uncertain, but Hawk is confident in the game’s spirit: “I hope discovery remains part of the fun, which was a key element of the original soundtracks. Listen and enjoy the ride.”

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