60s Mods and Rockers
The Mods' attention to detail and obsession with style was the complete
opposite to their arch rivals the Rockers' love of motor cycles and leather
jackets. The regional nature of fashion meant that the two tribes existed at the
same time. The Mods mainly frequented central London or the centres of other
large cities. The Rockers, whose roots were in the Teddy Boy gangs, occupied
other towns or the outer ring road of London.
Rockers had an almost romantic liking for early Rock music. They wore black
jeans and leather jackets, in the manner of Marlon Brando in 'The Wild One'
(1953). They used grease on their hair, which was an evolution of the Teddy Boy
look of the 50s. The Rockers though, rejected the Teds' love of fashion and
style. Teds, although violent, were also dandies. This element of the Ted style
was taken up by the Mods rather than the Rockers.
Rockers' favourite bikes were Triumph 500s, BSA Gold Stars or Bonnevilles.
The term Rocker may have come from biking rather than rock music; they rocked
their machines. However, it is more likely to be a reference to Rock music. The
press at the time often used the earlier term, ton-up-boys, to describe the
Rockers. This was derived from doing over the ton or over 100mph.
Rockers ate greasy fry ups, washed down with steaming mugs of tea in
transport cafés, such as the 'Ace Café on the North Circular and the Busy Bee on
the Watford bypass. Cafés often had juke boxes which allowed the bikers to play
Rock'n'Roll music, cementing the link between motorbikes and Rock'n'Roll.
Whilst Mods were part of the 60s fashion revolution, Rockers were left out of
it. Their liking for the purity of 50s style Rock music and a rebellious look
from a decade ago meant they were outcasts.
Mods and Rockers did not get on. Rockers thought Mods were effeminate,
stuck-up or snobbish. It was a common jibe that they "couldn't tell the birds
from the blokes". Mods thought Rockers were old-fashioned, dirty, greasy and
uncouth. However, there was not an all out war between the two tribes.
Read more at www.retrowow.co.uk
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