Terms important to the Mods and Rockers history:
Terms and definitions:
Mod: fashion oriented rebellious youth of the late 1950' and 1960's In England. They rode scooters, were into the latest fashion, and liked Americon rock music.
Rockers: rebels of the 1950's and 60's in England. They rode stripped down British bikes (and later Japanese and Italian bikes), dressed in black leather, and usually came from lower income families. They were anti-authority and wanted to appear like tough guys. They started gangs and loved to race each other.
Teddy Boys: 1950's rebel movement in England who wore exaggerated Edwardian fashion to shock conservative British society. Teddy's didn't necessarily ride motorcycles, but were close to the Mod and Rocker crowds.
Ton Up Boys: a motorcycle rider who had ridden at least 100mph. Because it was hard to prove, the real goal was living dangerously and risking their life riding fast.
Scooter Boys/Girls: Subculture related to the Mods but came at the end of the 1960's. They rode only Italian scooters and rode with their own clubs only.
Scotland road: A road in Liverpool, England known for it's pubs. During the 1960's there were over 110 pubs visited by Rockers. These pubs were also known for the gangs and motorcycle clubs which were associated with each pub.
Ace Café: A major London Café known for it's Mod and rocker activity. It was probably the best known during the 1960's. It has resurrected and again has huge Rocker reunions.
Café Racer: the term for the motorcycle or rider who rode or raced between Cafe's during the 1950's and 60's. The Bikes were usually British bikes, Triumphs and Norton's were the most popular, however all brands were accepted. They were stripped down street machines and were modified as the owner could afford. In the early years modifications were not available but as the 60's progressed, companies offered engine parts, exhaust systems, and an array of items to either speed the bike up or make it look cool.
Brighton Beach: Brighton beach is on the southern coast of England and was the location for some major clashed between the Mods and Rockers. The first and most publicized was in 1964. Numerous movies were made from this event.
Quadrophenia: a 1979 movie financed by the "Who" about the Mods and Rockers. It continued to be a cult movie to this day.
Rude Boys: late 1960's version of the British hoodlum mixed with Jamaican culture. The Rude Boys were a breakoff group of the Mods but were more violent .
Skinheads: 1960's through 80's radical British subculture who were more related to the Mods than rockers. They wore fashions which were designed to mock society and were violent and were early drug users. They were behind the American Skinhead movements.
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