Rolling Thunder: The Golden Age of Roller Derby & the Rise and Fall of the L.A. T-Birds

Product Description

Scott Stephens received his first set of roller skates at age six in 1966 – and soon he was staging Roller Derby games in his backyard. Growing up in Los Angeles in the 1960s and 1970s, it was impossible not to have heard about Roller Derby and the Los Angeles Thunderbirds, whose games were televised. In fact, many of the T-Birds were just as popular as those on traditional sports teams such as the Dodgers, Lakers, and Rams. When Stephens started training at the new T-Bird Rollerdrome in Pico Rivera, it was mainly because he loved roller skating on a banked track. He had no idea that the Roller Games league was low on skaters. From 1978 to 1981, from his seat on the infield of the track and on the track itself, Stephens was part of everything the games had to offer, including its underground scene of shadowy characters and venues, adrenalin seekers, and alternative lifestyles. He loved it! Trace the history of Roller Derby and Los Angeles’ flagship team, the T-Birds, with this brilliant account highlighting the sport’s booms and busts.

Review

“The book is so meticulouslyresearched and reported as to be a virtual encyclopedia. Stephens is anentertaining writer whose passion about this subject is likely unmatched byanyone else. This book is unquestionably a treasure trove for anyone who followedthe T-Birds in their prime years and loved the Roller Games.”

– blueink
 
“Rolling Thunder is a thoroughsports history that’s embellished by fascinating backstage access.”

– Laura Leavitt, Clarion
 
“Surely the best and most accuratebook ever written about the history of the banked track sport.”

– John Hall, Roller Derby Hallof Fame
 
“It’s a vivid book that meldshistory with the personal, telling the story of the athletes and behind thescenes characters who made roller games a part of pop culture and echoes todayin modern derby.”

– Steve DeBro, 18th &Grand: The Olympic Auditorium Story
 
“There is humor, pathos, drama,triumphs, and tragedies. Read about the in-fighting that took place both on thebanked track as well as in Management’s Boardroom. Stories that are stilldebated today among roller derby enthusiasts.

– Bill Griffiths, Jr.,Thunderbirds team owner, son of Bill Griffiths, Sr.
 
“Scott Stephens and his new book”Rolling Thunder” might just prove to be to the Roller Games league what thelate Frank Deford and his legendary book “Five Strides on the Banked Track” wasto the Roller Derby.”

– Ed Koch, Las Vegas SunSportswriter, Author of Roller Derby Requiem and Bad Sport
 
“Scott has done extensive research,and being a former skater, his first-hand experiences add so much more to hisbook!”

– Jim Fitzpatrick, pro skater,coach & GM for the San Francisco Bay Bombers
 
“Very well researched history ofthe Los Angeles Thunderbirds and the National Skating Derby in all itsincarnations. Goes behind the scenes with much information that has neverbefore been revealed. A must-read for any fan of the banked-track sport.”

– Phil Berrier, National RollerDerby Hall of Fame
 
“The cold, hard, and sad truthabout the rise and fall of a beloved sport. Truly this is a must-read.”

– Martin Spencer, Editor, RollerSports Report
 
“Author Scott Stephens lays it outin simple terms how a league could be successful in today’s market.”

– Sharon Brock, Roller Derby Renaissance
 
“This book is the ultimate guideto roller derby!”

– Rebecca Wasik, SportsJournalist, Golden Gate Sports
 
“If you purchase one book thisyear, Rolling Thunder is the one to get.”

– Mark Nowotarski, Indiefilmmaker
 
“A former roller derby skatertraces the sport’s roller-coaster ride.”

– Kirkus
 
“Scott, I admire you and yourwork.”

– Jerry Seltzer, former ownerof Roller Derby, son of founder Leo Seltzer

About the Author

Scott Stephens is the CEO of Liquid Blue, Inc., and earned a bachelor’s degree from Alaska Pacific University. Since 1996, he has managed the musical group Liquid Blue and was the band’s lead vocalist and songwriter for more than fi