1982? That's post-punk. Do you mean the two-tone era of Madness, The Specials etc? That wasn't such a forceful era imho as the skinheads of the early 70's, post-hippy period. The 1980's were a time when pride in personal appearance was paramount. Unfortunately, the hard-end of the skinhead movement during the 80's were involved in the national front, or claimed to be. They were a nasty, racist lot on the whole. Although the two-tone bands grew mostly out of the high unemployment of the period (UB40) and were very socially aware.
Sorry if this seems muddled; was just surprised that your novel about skinheads is set so late.
Re the cover: I like the final one, except for the boots which look as though he's never walked in them. The soles are unblemished. Love the blood on the tee-shirt.
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