In recent months, our All Buttoned Up community has been undergoing remarkable growth, for which we are truly thankful! Through our series ‘Rude Roots,’ we embark on a journey into the lives of our community members, delving into their fervor for alternative culture, music, art, and other fascinating stories. Today we talked to Sol about becoming a true skinhead, the history of the scene, and his passion for fishing.
Introduction
Hey Sol. How are you?
I’m good at the moment.
Can you tell us where you are from? How’s life over there?
I’m from a small village between Sheffield and Barnsley. It’s nice here very quiet and peaceful. Boring during the winter.
Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I had a good upbringing. My parents are separated but I still see them both on a regular basis. Lived with my mom Monday to Friday and saw my dad on weekends. Before I moved to my grandma’s house during lockdown.
© Sol’s Instagram
Daily life
What keeps you busy in your daily life?
Engineering college course and helping keep my local fishing pond clean and litter-free. I like to explore nature too there’s plenty of natural beauty near my village.
If we are not mistaken you are a Skinhead, right? How did this all start for you?
I started to become interested in the Skinhead subculture during the summer of 2018. It was after one of my old mates showed me the underpass scene from This Is England at school. I mentioned this to my mom who let me watch it on DVD. After this I decided I wanted to be a Skin so I tried to recreate the look with some old work boots and a basic white shirt. I think my mam caught on because I got a Ben Sherman and a pair of Docs and braces for my 13th birthday that year… Haven’t looked back since.
© Sol’s Instagram
Skinhead culture
How did you become interested in the skinhead culture?
© Youtube
Is the skin scene big in your area?
Not really. There’s me and one other person in my village who wears skin gear on a regular. There are plenty who go to gigs and rallies in their skin clothes, however.
What does being a Skinhead mean to you?
To me, it means being proud of yourself and what you do!
© Sol’s Instagram
Fashion
What is your favourite outfit?
Not sure. It depends on the occasion. But if I had to pick it would be my green black and orange warrior shirt. My 501s with half-inch turnup burgundy tank top green bomber and my 14 holers with external toecap.
We at All Buttoned Up love brands like Fred Perry, Joe Hawkins, Oxblood, and many more. What brands do you like the most and what does it mean to you?
Probably Solovair, Fred Perry, Adidas, Dr. Martens (pre-2000 as the quality went down the drain after this), Lonsdale, Ben Sherman and Warrior clothing. I like some non-skin clothes too such as Stone Island and Weekend Offender.
You are a fisherman, right? Can you tell us a bit about how this all started?
Always loved being in nature, especially around rivers and ponds. Used to go walking on the river in Sheffield every weekend with my dad. Finding fish, birds, insects and other small animals. Went on my first fishing trip 10 years ago at least on a small pond behind a caravan site in Skegness. Since then it’s because my biggest passion. You learn so much about the ecosystem watching all the wildlife. There is much more to fishing than just sitting waiting for a bite.
© Sol’s Instagram
What should people think when they see you walking by?
They shouldn’t think anything. I think the world would be a much better place if people left each other alone. I don’t judge people by their looks and neither should they.
What do you love?
Peach and quiet. Good music, John Smith smooth ale. And going to the match with my girlfriend.
What do you hate?
Cold weather, people littering and ruining our environment, and people who harm children or animals.
Personal beliefs
What message would you like to spread?
Mind your own business and only get involved with things if they affect you or your loved ones. You’ll be happier for it. Turn off the TV!
What advice would you give to people who are interested in ‘becoming’ a skinhead?
Get into the music and have a good understanding of the history before you get the gear so you don’t make a clown out of yourself. Then start with the haircut and the boots and build up from there.
© Sol’s Instagram
What do you think the future holds for alternative culture? Is it still a bit the same with the same fashion or do you think it will die out in some form?
Unfortunately, I think because of social media people just jump on trends for likes. It’s rare to find someone who is original nowadays.
Music
What kind of music do you like? What are your top 5 artists/bands?
Desmond Dekker. The Business. Stiff Little Fingers. Derek Morgan and Bob Marley.
Great list Sol! Thank you so much for giving us some very interesting insights in your life! Have a great day and stay rude!
If you would like to support Sol you can follow him on Instagram.
All content used in this article is shared with the consent of the creator.
