Mod revival is a term used to describe the re-emergence of the mod subculture in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The phonetic transcription for "mod revival" is /mɒd rɪˈvaɪvəl/. The "o" in "mod" is pronounced with a short "o" sound, and the "r" in "revival" is pronounced with a slight emphasis. The word "revival" is spelled with an "i" after the "v," which is pronounced as a long "i" sound. The term "mod revival" is still used today to describe the continuing popularity of the mod subculture.
Mod revival refers to a cultural and musical movement that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, primarily in the United Kingdom. This subculture aimed to revive the spirit and style of the original mod movement that emerged in the 1960s. A mod, short for modernist, is an individual who follows a distinct fashion and lifestyle characterized by sharp dressing, an appreciation for soul and R&B music, and an interest in scooters.
During the mod revival, there was a renewed interest in the mod subculture, as a reaction against the punk and new wave movements. The revival saw a resurgence in mod-oriented music, fashion, and a revival of the mod attitude and ethos. Bands such as The Jam, The Who, and Secret Affair are often associated with the mod revival, as they drew inspiration from the original mod bands of the 1960s.
Fashion played a vital role in the mod revival, with individuals embracing sharp tailoring, narrow-cut suits, button-down shirts, and stylish parkas. The fashion was influenced by the dandyism of the original mods but also included elements of punk and ska styles. Scooters, particularly Vespas and Lambrettas, remained a symbol of the mod movement, as they represented mobility and the mod's desire for speed and style.
The mod revival was not only a musical and fashion movement but also had a significant impact on other aspects of popular culture, including film, art, and photography. It continues to inspire and influence subsequent generations and has left a lasting legacy within British youth culture.
The term "mod revival" originated in the 1970s in England to describe a cultural and musical movement that sought to revive and celebrate the mod subculture of the 1960s. The word "mod" itself is a shortened form of "modernist", which referred to a youth subculture that emerged in the 1960s in Britain. The original mods were known for their love of modern fashion, music, and an overall sense of style. The revival of the mod subculture in the 1970s led to the coining of the term "mod revival" to describe this resurgence and continuation of the distinctive mod aesthetic.