Mods and Rockers

Throughout history fashion has always been used as a way of expressing our style, social standing, interests and lifestyle. In the early 1960s to 1970s in England there became a rivalry between two youth subcultures the Mods and the Rockers. These two youth groups caused chaos and distruption whenever they met.

These teenagers of the baby boom grew up in a changing world full of technological advances and changing social attitudes. These teens were trying to find their place in the world and be part of something new. Rebelling against the norms of society in the early sixties the Mods and Rockers decided to adopt new fashion styles and social activities becoming the first real generation of teenagers.

The Mods were inspired by the future, wanting to leave behind the bleakness of the 1950s and instead create a new colourful and exciting pathway for their future. Influenced by bands like The Who, Small Faces and the Kinks, the Mod movement became connected to a new sound of music and psychedelia. In London the period of new fashion, music and social movements became known as “swinging London”.

Easily recognised by their Vespas, green parkar coats and tailor made suits the Mods were an easy target for their rivals, the Rockers.

Extremely different to the Mods, the Rockers, also known as ‘greasers’ drove motorcycles and listened to rock ‘n’ roll music, typically found hanging out in massive groups at motorway cafés. After the end of rationing in the 1950’s, their was a rise in job prosperity for young people. This meant they were able to spend money on what they wanted for the first time, and along with the growth of motorways and American rock music the ‘Rockers’ were born. Dressed in leather jackets denim jeans and black boots the Rockers had a very different look to the Mods.

Before long a rivalry began between the two groups, blown up by the media there became trouble whenever they met causing major fights and riots. One of the most famous happened at Brighton Beach.

I learned a lot about the Mods and Rockers from watching this documentary on YouTube and watching the film Quadrophenia give them a watch! https://youtu.be/miiopvQDP3M