Although still extremely marginal in the UK, the Rock-a-Billy subculture has experienced a tremendous growth over the last 20 years, partly encouraged by a plethora of Hollywood movies systematically set in the 40's and 50's, combined with the Japanese movement of systematically replicating original period items and clothing and a reaction to the Rave and the Rap scene. Although it may be hard to disagree with Philip Larkin when he wrote: "They fuck you up, your mum and dad. They may not mean to but they do," we may have to add insult to injury by saying they they also dressed better, listened to better music and probably had more fun.
What is also fascinating with the current R-a-B movement, is that is is cross-generational, inclusive without being proselyte and not necessarily nostalgic, since it practices a strange form of materialism that puts on the same pedestal the real, the inspired and the replica.


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