Mods

I had an earlier post describing the Mods vs Rockers wars in England in the early 1960's.I wrote about how the "Rockers" were considered "toughs" and people were alarmed by these daredevils on their fast bikes,yes by the usually calm and sedate British.They seem kind of harmless today, but back in the day, these guys were the ones your parents told you not to look at, as they passed your station wagon on the freeway.
This piece refers to the "other guys," the Mods.
The Rockers, BSA's, Triumphs, Matchless bikes, leather clad, Gene Vincent, Elvis, Del Shannon,other early rock and rollers.
The Mods, guys with sharp suits ( Sting played a Mod in The Who's Quadrophenia,) African and Jamaican Ska music, British beat and R&B tunes were popular with this part of the English sub-culture. Italian scooters ( and suits!),skinny ties. Being "Sharp" was the watchword.

The Ace Cafe in London was a hangout for both of these groups in the 60's.
The word Mod was later used to describe a fashion trend in the late 1960's in the UK and US that had nothing to do with sharp suits.
This photo is from an exhibit in England. Check out the heavily modified Vespa's, Italjets, and others. The pictures in the background were of actors and extras in the movie. Sting is in the middle.
There was a revival of the Mods in England in the late 1970's, and transfered to the states in the late 1980's.
And, yes, scooters are back, go to Deep Ellum, Uptown, they are all over the place. So far no suits, or gobs of mirrors on their machines however.