A lifelong illustrator that created the look and feel of virtually every record he performed on, Froberg’s artistic influence transcended the San Diego punk rock scene into zine making and skateboarding culture. As word spread about the creative forces at play behind Drive Like Jehu and then Hot Snakes, Froberg’s reputation as an influential artist and musician grew.

But before headlining fests, releasing music for Sub Pop Records and creating illustrations for the New York Times, Rick Froberg was a BMX rider.

In a 2021 TraegerMethod Podcast, Froberg discussed his upbringing as a BMXer.

“I raced, I lost a lot. I wasn’t very big or strong. I was quick out of the gate…. I have scars on my body still, from bear trap pedals. They looked cool as hell but they would shred you… I would ride with Kiyomi Waller. The way he would move was like a panther, his body english absorbed every obstacle with such grace and such intelligence. Watching him negotiate obstacles was so pleasing to watch.”

A year before DIG’s first issue, editor/founder Will Smyth used a Froberg-fronted Pitchfork song in his “Smile On My Face” video. Drive Like Jehu was actually interviewed for issue three of DIG. Editor/photographer Sandy Carson also used a Pitchfork song in his 2004 Federal Bikes “Trafaelio” part. In the early 2000s, DIG also had a page devoted to new BMX websites called “Do You Compute,” named after a Drive Like Jehu song.

Froberg’s lineage of music also became a part of the fabric of early 2000s, pre-YouTube BMX video culture. Most notably, in a 2001 Animal Bikes commercial featured in Props BMX. The commercial introduced Edwin DeLaRosa to the BMX world, riding gritty New York and North Jersey spots (and one Miami spot) to the tune of “If Credit's What Matters I'll Take Credit” from the Hot Snakes.

Edwin would go on to ride to more mellow songs by Deltron 3030 and Lee Fields & The Expressions in future videos, but introducing him to the Animal team via groundbreaking clips and a frenetic Hot Snakes song fit so perfectly that the 30-second commercial was burned into many brains. It was the first thing I thought of when I heard that Froberg had passed away.

My next thought was Rick Froberg’s explanation of tabletops.

“Tabletops didn’t seem within the realm of possibility to even do something like that, and now, it’s just crazy. But somebody sets a precedent and then anything’s possible,” said Froberg.

Rick Froberg set many precedents in his 55 years, blazing an uncharted path across art and music that screamed “Anything is indeed possible.”

Rest in peace and thanks for the influence.

Rick Froberg - Hot Snakes - Leeds UK 2002. Photo by Ricky Adam