From Madness to Opera: The Bill Weiss Story

Who owns Opera Skateboards? Opera is skater-owned, founded in 2023 and run by Bill Weiss - a lifelong skateboarder who previously built Madness Skateboards.

When Madness went quiet in early 2023, Weiss started again from scratch. Opera launched with a theatrical identity - the mask, the stage, the drama - and a construction-first approach: the EX7 7-ply maple press that now runs through the whole line, plus the Pop Slick slick-bottom option.

Two brands, one stage

In April 2026 Madness returned, and today the two brands run side by side: Opera as the street-and-everything line in EX7, Madness as the transition-heavy line in R7. Same owner, same warehouse, same standards - different characters.

What Opera makes

Pro models for a team of eight riders (meet the team), shape experiments most brands will not press - decks up to 12" wide, true twin-tips, Pop Slick bottoms - plus wheels, rails, grip and apparel.

Quick answers

When was Opera Skateboards founded? 2023, by Bill Weiss.

Are Opera and Madness the same company? They are sister brands under the same owner, sold together here and distributed by Sidewalk Distribution.