Original MOD Bands

Here are a few images of Bands that were typically listened to by Mods of the first generation in 1960's Britain. Although it is clear that there is no genre of Mod music there was a feeling and a sensibility of what felt like a mod feeling or statement. The Bands below had a clear Mod image as they dressed like them and through their style they influenced the people of the time which in turn fuelled the movement. It is also the case that these bands came about as a result of the first wave and Bands like The Who were actually modelled on the Mod phenomenon rather than the people taking influence from them. 

The Who have been a band that play an important part in both generation Mods. They began in 1964 and quickly became popular with the mod 'generation' with their image that was more or less forced onto them by the manager Peter Meaden who moulded there image around the Mod look of the time. Their music spoke to the free spirited youth with infamous songs such as 'My Generation'. They also played a major part with the Mod revival of the late 70's, due to their project/film Quadrophenia that was based around their 1973 concept album of the same name. It followed the story of a 21 year old Mod, Jimmy, who was fed up of his job and seeked the 'way of life' that being a mod was and is. With the films success it brought about the Mod revival and a new generation of them was born. 

The small faces as opposed to the Who were Mods before they formed the band and this had a telling effect and impact on their music and style and the band is seen as the ultimate Mod band. 

The Beatles are an obvious choice to talk about anything in relation to important bands in the 1960's however the early Beatles really were Mods although its not really acknowledged that way a great deal. Particularly through their style at that time although fashion style and influence wise they have been through it all from Rockers in the early 'quarrymen' days to Mods to Hippies in the latter years. This shows the impact they have had because they have been through all of those movements and taking the people with them.

The Kinks are another Band who represented Mod especially in their appearance. They played an important part in the emergence of the British music scene and helped along with The Beatles revolutionise it.