Rockers: Kings of the Road

by Johnny Stuart

The mean and moody leather boy on a thundering bike is one of the strongest, most potent images of popular culture. Rejecting stereotyped bourgeois conformism, rockers crystallised a youth style. This book is about that epic style, evolving from a cross-fertilisation of influences, a love affair with bikes and speed, and a British interpretation of American 'glamour'. All this took on a new perspective with the eruption of rock'n'roll.

Streamlined drainpipe jeans and clean-cut leathers were tailored for the sleek, throbbing British 'iron' and the gutsy music. All were elements of the style, reflecting a raw edginess, a studied cook, a search for excitement, a hint of sex and even of violence. This style survived Mods and flower power, not even eclipsing before today's long-haired 'bikers'.

To explain the myth and magic, the author looks at dream machines, the original heroes and, above all, the ton-up boys themselves. Why the cult endures is encapsulated in the photographs. Rare and eye-catching they explain the enduring fascination of rocker culture.

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Tiia · Rating 2 out of 5]

After all there wasn't much to tell. Pictures are interesting and rockers culture is amazingly survived till these days, even it in minor these days. Got some new interesting facts, but other than that quite poor to read.

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing is garbage, but the pictures are fantastic.