Mods arrive in style for classic Who show
For the hordes of Mods who rolled into Wolverhampton last night, The Who's Quadrophenia is more than just an album, film or stage show – it's a way of life.
And as the acclaimed production hit the Grand Theatre, devotees whose lives have been shaped by its influence gathered with their polished scooters in cool anticipation.
Mods and modettes rode to the theatre for the opening night of the show yesterday, greeted by mesmerised onlookers and admiring fans.
Click here to read our review of the show.
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Dave Edwards, aged 46, is part of the Unreliables group in Dudley, and also the vice-chairman of Midlandscooters.com
Mr Edwards, of Shirley, Solihull, said: ''My sister was an original Mod in the 60s, she was a part-time model and always had different scooters outside the house. The music was great, and she rammed it down my throat so it has just stayed with me.
''When I saw Quadrophenia the film I got the bug. Most people think Quadrophenia is just a film, but it's got a meaning to it – it's a four-way split personality.''
Mr Edwards, who is married to Dawn, said he spent most of his time '"building scooters and polishing chrome''. ''My scooter is my baby,'' he added.
Father-of-one Dave Lewis, aged 36, from Quarry Bank, who works for the Modern World Scooter Club, said: "I think Quadrophenia appeals to a broad spectrum of people. Anybody who owns a scooter has seen Quadrophenia. It has influenced lots of generations, with its music and trends, it's not just about scooters. It's a whole lifestyle.''
Quadrophenia, based on The Who's classic album, stars Ryan O'Donnell as Jimmy the romantic, and 17-year-old Sidney Rae-Smith as The Girl.
The original stage adaption of Pete Townshend's work is set in London and Brighton at the height of the Mod era.
''We've come to the end of our tour so it's upsetting," said Sidney. "I'm going to try my best to enjoy it a lot. We have had the scooters at every single place we've been to. The biggest one was in Manchester, with 200 Mods. It's a really cool and interesting thing to see. My dad was a Mod in the 60s.''
''It's flattering because the Mods look to us as a part of their nostalgia,'' said Ryan.
Sidney continued: ''Pete Townshend is throwing us a party when it ends. He's been really involved in the show. He sent us all really long letters the other week that were very individual.''
Quadrophenia runs until Saturday. For tickets, call 01902 573311.
