Tony Hawk Defends ‘Pro Skater 3+4’ Soundtrack Amid Fan Backlash

Tony Hawk is addressing fans’ concerns about the soundtrack for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, which arrived last week as a modern-day revival of the skateboarding video game classics.

While the updated compilation delivers reimagined levels, a fresh roster of skaters and new gameplay features, it’s the soundtrack — long celebrated as a cornerstone of the franchise’s cultural impact — that has sparked the most heated reactions.

When Activision unveiled the tracklist back in May, fans were quick to voice disappointment that only 10 original songs from Pro Skater 3 and 4 survived the update. The absence of certain fan-favorite tracks, like Alien Ant Farm’s “Wish,” ignited frustration online, with many arguing the nostalgic music defined the games as much as the skating itself.

In a new interview with the BBC, Hawk defended the decision, explaining that curating the soundtrack was a collaborative process, not solely his call. “These days, just what I think fits and what I’m interested in [makes the soundtrack],” Hawk said, adding that he wasn’t “the only decider” in shaping the final list.

Still, Hawk revealed he successfully pushed for the inclusion of artists he’s personally excited about: “I did manage to throw a couple of bands in that I was stoked on – Fontaines D.C., Idles. I also picked songs by artists that were already in the game, but a different song.” Seven artists from the original soundtracks — including KRS-One, Agent Orange, De La Soul, and Iron Maiden — returned with new tracks to maintain a sense of continuity.

“Not everyone agreed with that decision, but I feel like ‘let’s keep it fresh’ and also ‘here’s help discovering other music,’” Hawk continued. “In the beginning, that’s what people expected of it – once the soundtrack became such a prominent part of the game, people were like ‘okay, what are you going to throw at us now,’ almost like an underground radio show.”

Alien Ant Farm recently weighed in on the exclusion of “Wish,” telling fans they were “disappointed” by its omission after the track’s association with Pro Skater 3. Hawk responded diplomatically, saying: “We’re trying to make room for new acts and new songs as well. Not everything makes the cut. It’s nothing personal, and I appreciate that people have a fondness for that song… so just fire it up on your streaming service if you’re so inclined.”

The Pro Skater series has long been credited for introducing players to underground and alternative music scenes, with soundtracks that often mirrored skate culture’s raw energy. The 2020 reboot of Pro Skater 1+2 debuted at No. 1 on U.K. game charts and brought a mix of legacy and new tracks that largely satisfied longtime fans.

With Pro Skater 3+4, the developers aimed to strike a balance between honoring the series’ legacy and evolving it for a new generation of players. The updated playlist leans heavily into contemporary punk, hip-hop, and hardcore artists, alongside the handful of returning classics.

Whether the new approach will win over skeptical fans remains to be seen, but Hawk remains confident in the game’s spirit: “I’m hoping that discovery is half the fun, and a big reason these soundtracks resonated in the first place. So listen and enjoy the ride.”