The Rockers subculture

Jan Tena, Matthias Pina, Ava Sitbon

The Rockers

British subculture

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Music and taste

Social and political ideas

Decline, legacy and resurgence

Characteristics

Origins and emergence

INDEX

Origins and emergence

Origins and causes of this subculture

- Originated in the UK during the 50' (POst WW2 period). - Based on motorcycling and rock 'n' roll music. - Causes: 1. Influence of american music and films 2. Development of british motorcycling industry 2. Financing for young people 3. Construction of British Highways

Characteristics

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS

- Also known as:1. "Ton-up-boys": "Ton" -> Exceed 100 mph. 2. "Cafe racers": They started their races at road cafes.Rock music and competitive motorcycle races. Light and fast motorcycles. Twin-cyclinder and 4-stroke. Opposition with Mods, that used 2-stroke scooters. They created the "Triton", a bike that had:1. Triumph engine 2. Norton frame 3. BSA components

Social and political ideas

- 1950's --> motorcycles = vehicule for the poor- sport --> lifestyle "rebelling at the points where their will cross society's" - against some norms (speed control, mainstream society) - press created a "moral panic" (plague) --> "folk devils" - mods and rockers= troublemacers - hopelessly naive - loutish - scruffy - motorized cowboys - loners or outsiders - opposed to recreational drug use

Social and political ideas

Music and taste

Music and taste

- 1950s = original Ton Up Boys- 1960s = Rockabilly music/fashion subculture devotion to Rock 'n Roll music - Some say --> perfect match of American rebel music and an English hooligan biker image.

- Popular 50's music (including Elvis Presley)- Rockabilly music (combination of country and western music and rhythm and blues) - American influence (Fats Domino, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins)

Taste in music

Run Rudolf run

Chuck Berry

Summertime blues

Eddie Cochran

Be Bop A Lula

Gene vincent

Decline, legacy and resurgence

Decline, legacy and resurgence

- Risk of competitive races -> Negative image -> Disappearance during the 70' - Resurgence in the XXI century - British motorcycle brands base their image in this subculture:1. Triumph, the most iconic brand- Even brands with no relation with Rockers are releasing "Neo Sports Cafe" bikes.

2024

Honda CB650R "Neo Sports Café"

2024

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 "Modern Classic"

THANK YOU!