RIP ROWDY RODDY PIPER

“Rowdy Roddy Piper, former pro wrestler, and protagonist of John Carpenter’s film “They Live”, passed away last night from a heart attack. “They Live” was the film that, along with my love of Orwell, inspired the use of the word OBEY in my art.”

“Rowdy Roddy knew about the OBEY connection and we met up a couple of times. He was a genuine, passionate, nice guy! He told me some amazing stories about his early days struggling to establish himself as a wrestler and his times with Andre the Giant. We had a great time talking about rebellion and what it takes to make it on your own terms. I’m really glad I got to hang with him. Rowdy was an original who will be missed. Watch “They Live” if you haven’t… Roddy has some great lines like “I came here to chew bubblegum and kick-ass and I’m all out of bubblegum”. That one was appropriated and reworked by Linklater in “Dazed and Confused”. Thanks for the inspiration Roddy.”

-Shepard

Rowdy Roddy Piper’s passing hit close to home for a number of OBEY employees as well. Scott tell us about being a fan of wrestling for over 20 years, and how this one hits him incredibly hard –

“I remember being glued to the television when he was on. His vibrant personality, quick witted words and toughness made him one of the very best during the wrestling boom of the 1980’s. Wrestling would not be where it is today without Piper leading the charge at the very first Wrestlemania in 1985. The very reason Wrestlemania is still going strong all these years is because of the effort of Piper himself. One of the greatest on the microphone, Piper single handily changed the landscape of professional wrestling with his segment titled, “Pipers Pit”Go home tonight and catch a classic Roddy Piper match or promo. One of the very best to EVER step foot in the business. “Just when they think they have the answers, I go and change the questions”

RIP Hot Rod.