Nice 7-minute documentary on teds dating from the early 1980s (judging by the contents) followed by what appears to be an unconnected performance of Johnny Earle singing ‘that’s alright, mama’ accompanied by the legendary Jordanaires (7:36) from around 1990. The documentary contains interviews with Sunglasses Ron, Dave & Bernadette Barnett who ran the Teds Corner stall […]
The Colourful Era
1978 When Punk first met Ted
As the punk-ted ‘war’ of the summer of 1977 was subsiding into insignificance, a certain young punk nicknamed ‘Shane O’Hooligan’ joined a band called the Nipple Erectors and in May 1978 they released the first ‘punkabilly’ song ‘king of the bop’ (the fashion of adding –billy to any rock’n’roll derivative had not yet arisen and […]
1981 Two ‘teds’ join Alvin Stardust’s performance
Love ’em or loathe ’em, exaggerated pastiches of teds were common on tv in the 1970s and 1980s (Russ Abbott, Freddie Starr, The Goodies …). Here are two more dancing to Alvin Stardust’s ‘wonderful time up there’ which was released as a single in November 1981. The two clownish teds are course Eric Morecambe and Ernie […]
1982 Johnny Mason, Potters Bar ted
Excellent piece broadcast on Thames television about 1982 about Johnny Mason who was living the perfect ted lifestyle. Ted at 13 about 1960 and still rockin’ in 1982 – that’s dedication for you. Some of us have missuses who are not particularly into rock’n’roll but look how nice it is when the whole household is into […]
1960s Fairground teds
Why is it that links teds to fairgrounds? I don’t really know but I’ll hazard a guess that it was a welcome refuge for those who refused to be bludgeoned by society’s expectations for them to buckle down and settle with a wife and a job and conform. I also think that it’s these working […]
1976-79 What do teds think of punk music?
If teds can unanimously point to what’s wrong with punk sartorial style, I don’t think our views on the music is as negative, to the same extent; it is certainly more nuanced so I won’t presume to speak for all teds as to their feelings concerning punk music. ASIDE ON CLOTHING DIFF and some similarities In […]
