Leeds spawned a generation of Teddy Boys who will be remembered for drape jackets, crepe-soled shoes, drain pipe trousers and a slow shuffle dance. Yet by the mid-1970s Leeds was a city which had turned its back on movement. Many Teds claimed clubs and pubs turned them away without reason despite their gear costing far more than any of the orthodox clientele. "We do not cause trouble or carry chains and knives as some people seem to believe,” told one Teddy Boy to the YEP in July 1976. “We dress in Ted clothes simply because we like them and we like the music and fun of their era.” These photos, plucked from the YEP archive, turn back the clock to celebrate the age of the Teds. READ MORE: The story of a quirky Leeds pub LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Memories of Teddy Boys
Juke box jive in the lounge for Brian Rushgrove and girlfriend Marion Khan in August 1979. "Other music and times may come and go. But I am sticking with rock and roll. I have spent hundreds of pounds over the years on rare records and the two jukeboxes." Photo: YPN
2. Enjoyed this gallery?
Share your Teddy Boy memories with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN Photo: YPN
3. Teddy Boy mermories
Clive Griffiths from Leeds, left, and two friends Peter Karkoszka and his sister Melinda, wait on the steps of Nottingham dance hall in August 1977. Photo: YPN
4. Memories of Teddy Boys
A rock and roll line up. Pictured, from left, are Henry Karasiewicz, Julie Skelton, Nick Kovrlija, Lynda Gedge and Terry Best, Photo: YPN
5. Memories of Teddy Boys
Teddy Boys on the dancefloor at the Wykebeck Arms in March 1974. Pictured, from left, are Dennis Peace, Martin Gibbs, and Latidy Whitaker. Photo: YPN
6. Memories of Teddy Boys
The friends of Ava Kingses and John Davies all turned out in their Teddy Boy gear at their wedding in May 1977 to give the bride and groom a send off. Photo: YPN