I met Billy O’Neill in Atlanta, back in 2002 or thereabouts, whenever the Atlanta IMYTAs were going on. Or a Superhick, honestly, those were long years ago, and the details are blurring together. But when we met, Billy asked me if he could borrow five dollars. I’d heard that one before, of course, but decided to give him the money, and let him know I didn’t expect it back. Well, he didn’t appreciate that, and promised me I’d have my money back within an hour. And, well, sure enough, I did. That was how he did it, Billy made sure to tell me; he was a man of his word. I thought that was pretty cool, a real sign of character. Guess I was right, because eight years later Billy is displaying leadership qualities rooted in the work ethic and mind of someone who keeps his promises. And after an expansive blade career, a horrible accident, and now a legendary recovery and video section, this is an interview with possibly the most influential skater in the center of what is probably the fastest growing and arguably most important scene in the world. The name’s Billy O’Neill, but you can call him Fish. — JE