Jonathon's denim jacket
Jonathon recalls that 'although the music was very macho, it was ironic that if you did not do your own embroidering you would be labelled a "woose".'
Fans also painted logos or had autographs signed onto their denim jackets - this was one reason why many jackets remained unwashed. Ian Gillan from Deep Purple autographed Jonathon's denim. Some fans even asked for signatures to be written directly on to their skin, which could then be made into tattoos. Extra kudos was given to those fans who 'discovered' an underground band that later achieved success.
One of the badges is a Confederate flag. 'Back in the early 80s I had it on the jacket simply because of its association with Southern Rock and particularly Lynyrd Skynyrd. Back in those days it certainly didn't have the same highly charged connotations as it does now, at least in the UK, and it simply represented a style of music and a naive idea of what constituted a 'rebel'. Would I keep it on the jacket if I was wearing it now? Of course not.'
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Summary
: TD3316/1-2
: Social History
: jacket
: ticket: Denim jacket made by Levis (red tab). The jacket has been decorated with the names of Heavy Metal bands and is deliberately soiled and torn; the front of the jacket has four circular badges pinned to it: one with the monogram "TS" (Twisted Sister), one with "S.M.F.F. Twisted Sister", one with "Thunders Lives" and one with "Hanoi Rocks Tour 1984"; the front is also embroidered with the logo "EZZY" and "Yes". Both sleeves are patched with differing fabrics and have been handwritten on in black ink. The reverse of the jacket is embroidered from the top with the names of seven bands: Girlschool, Motorhead, Whitesnake, Blackfoot, AC/DC, Rush, Hawkwind. Below these is stiched a fabric flag. The band names are surrounded by signatures handwritten in black ink and three fabric stars, woven with gold thread. All the band names are hand embroidered and done in the style perculiar to the individual band. The jacket is heavily torn across the back of the neck and frayed at the cuffs and collar. The waistband has also been patched. In the front pocket is a ticket to the Monsters of Rock Festival held at Donington Park in August 198-?
Current Location
: 1980-1989
: [Other - Magazine]: Given by Jonathon Kardasz