Crusties
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Crusty is a generally term for members of a subculture that can best be described as an urban version of the New Age traveller [1]. The trend was most widespread in the UK in the late 1980’s-1990’s but there are also international subsets such as crust punk. Members are noted for their unkempt appearance and are associated with raves, road protests, beggars, squatters, street entertainers and the young homeless [2]
Typical dress styles involve combat fatigues, army boots, dreadlocks, body piercing, dyed hair and tattoos.[3]. Crusties are seen as being typically young, homeless and unemployed. This association is such that the term “crusty” can often be because of their matted, dirty style of dress[4].
The scene revolved around bands such as New Model Army and The Levellers but these soon became more famous than their original fanbase would prefer[1]. Crusty politics are generally anarchic/libertarian, opposed to private property laws and are identified with historical movements such as The Diggers.[5]
[edit] Origin of the term
The term may have come from Hellbastard, a crust punk band, although Amebix an earlier British band is commonly believed to have started the music style that became "crusty" by mixing elements of early black metal with Anarcho-punk, having taken much influence from the bands Crass, Venom, Black Sabbath, and Motörhead.
However, there is also a far less delicate view; that the word "crusty" reflects the consistency of dried body fluids and grime, especially on clothes or hair.
[edit] Notes
- ^ Hetherington, K: “New Age Travellers”, page 9. Cassell. 2000
- ^ Hetherington, K: “New Age Travellers”, page 9. Cassell. 2000
- ^ Hetherington, K: “New Age Travellers”, page 98. Cassell. 2000
- ^ Hetherington, K: “New Age Travellers”, page 9. Cassell. 2000
- ^ A bit about the "Diggers" - Burning Man - tribe.net
