If you have heard about biker clubs across the world, then the Hells Angels are probably the most infamous outfit that comes to mind. The Hells Angels began in 1948 in Fontana, California, and would soon become the most popular biker gang. What started with a few American motorcyclists is now a group of hundreds of followers from all over the globe. For sure, there have been some members who deliberately break the rules of the club, but when it comes to their honor, they do not take prisoners. This is an ironbound policy and members always stick to a certain code of conduct – the one they created! Their rules cover everything about the whole operation of the club, from the dress code, to how members are incorporated in the group, and even how they function daily. So, what are these rules and guidelines? Continue reading to find out more.
Being Incorporated Into The Group Comes Through Voting
Browsing the Hells Angels official website will give you a clear indication of their policy… If you have to ask questions about how to join or become a member, then it is likely you are not really ready for such a commitment. To become a full-fledged member of the charter, you may even have to wait for years.
Why so long, you may ask? One has to develop a strong relationship and bond with the members, which prompts them to consider voting you into the clan. The basic idea is that you have to be fully committed, because once you are in, it is for a lifetime.
Being Incorporated Into The Group Comes Through Voting
You Are a “Prospect” Before Becoming a Member
Julian Sher, an investigative journalist, noted that if one wants to become a member of the Hells Angels clan, they have to behave like a “sideman” to the group. This means that you have to hang around with the members and attend a few of their special events to get an exact idea of what you are in for. Before you are signed as a member, you are called a “prospect,” which is indicated on your vest. You are still a critical member, however, as you are responsible for running most of the daily errands for the group.
You Are A Prospect Before Becoming A Member
Vests Are Sacred Items
One can easily identify a Hells Angel member by their iconic vest, as the emblem proudly displayed on it tells it all. Once a member has been upgraded from a prospect to a full-fledged member, the name of the clan is printed on the back of the vests with their logo. According to Sher, the vest is an important aspect of the group and is considered sacred.
If by chance, one of the members comes in contact with law enforcement and is arrested, they hand their vest over to another member for safe-keeping so as not to get it destroyed in prison. Shockingly, if they get injured and need immediate care, they will ensure the vests are protected while the member is treated.
Vests Are Sacred Items
Dress Code Is Important
There are different charters of the Hells Angels group, and the dress code may vary for each, but they are always very strict. A member of one of the charters told a magazine once that when he became a member, he could only wear black jeans and a shirt accompanied by the vest.
Interestingly, some of the charters will not allow their members to wear shorts and others only allow their members to wear all black. Some agree that their members may wear blue jeans and camouflage patterns. All in all, the various colors and dress codes help to distinguish one group from the next.
Dress Code Is Important
Special Riding Order
The groups can be pretty large, and when they are riding, they can consume an entire roadway. Interestingly, the order that they ride in is not a spontaneous affair. In order to ensure that they ride with order and safety, both for them and for others on the roads, they make sure that at all times, the road captain and the charter president must remain ahead of the pack.
After them, the various ranks of the charter follow through with seniors next in line, then other members, and the back row will comprise of the prospects.
Special Riding Order
They All Make One Stop
As they are a tight-knit group, if a member of the clan gets pulled over by the cops, all the members stop (maybe as a form of unity and support). In addition to showing their link as a brotherhood, they also do this to maintain their riding positions.
Also, in the case where someone messes with one member of the clan, they have indeed messed with everyone else. That being said, not many people would have the mind to mess with a large clan of bikers whose history is based on the image of the tough guy.
They All Make One Stop
The Prison System Can’t Employ Them
If you work with the prison system or are a part of law enforcement, you cannot be a member of the Hells Angels charter, as they see this as posing a conflict of interest. The thuggish bikers certainly don’t have a good history with law enforcement.
Seeing as they are sometimes engaged in criminal activities, it would be a major issue if police officers and wardens join in. The Hells Angels operate with their own rules and are said to follow their own sense of right and wrong while fighting for freedom at all costs. But they most certainly do not do that within the official system.
The Prison System Cant Employ Them
You Can’t Discuss Other Members
There is another reason why no member of the Hells Angels can be in law enforcement… They have a strict policy that places high importance on discretion. Should one member pass out info about another, they could probably expect instant dismissal from the group.
Browsing their website, you will see it written that they do not give details about any member from any of the charters, not even if one member is somehow missing. They keep their internal affairs a secret and value their loyalty to each other as a top priority.
You Cant Discuss Other Members
Once a Member, Always a Member
Being a successful member of the group means that you are in it for good, and there is no turning back. There is no retirement policy from the group, and there is only one way to leave other than being kicked out, and that is when one dies. The Hells Angels charter is your family away from home.
They stay together a lot, and even before becoming a full-fledged member, each Hells Angel would have known each other long before – through the prospect years. Whenever a member dies, they come together and pay homage to their fallen brother and respect his time spent in the clan.
Once a Member, Always a Member
You Can’t Talk To The Media
Seeing as secrecy is a key factor for the Hells Angels, this means no one is allowed to talk to the media about anything relating to the group or any of its members. This is a form of protection for the brotherhood as well as enforcing their rules and regulations.
Investigator Sher added that even their codes are a no-no for discussion with the media as it is also a part of their security. When they keep everything within, it is hard for information to be leaked.
You Cant Talk To The Media
A True Connection With Harley-Davidson
If you want to be considered for membership to this clan, you can’t just be a random bike rider. You must ride a special type of motorcycle. To become a member of the clan could take you a few years, and this is one of their ways of knowing they are making the right decision to let you in.
One of the main admission requirements is riding a Harley Davidson. Being connected with a Harley Davidson is a tradition for the Hells Angels and is a part of their code just as their vests are. These bikes help to make them who they are as a team.
True Connection With Harley Davidson
Covering Thousands Of Miles In Riding Each Year
Each year, the bikers cover at least 20,000 kilometers of riding (an average of 12,000 miles!) together. It’s a fact that you have to love riding and motorcycles as this is the main mode of transportation for members. All of the members are like brothers, but their bond is really drawn together by their undying love for motorcycles. They believe that riding gives them a sense of freedom and is the closest they feel to living their own lives. So, them spending hours on the roads is a joy for them.
Covering Thousands Of Miles In Riding Each Year
Always Attend Club Events
Once you become a member of a charter, it naturally becomes a way of life, and attending their daily events is a must. If they fail to show up to the meetings and events, it is an indication that they do not take the mission of the charter seriously.
They take their event attendance seriously, and those who miss events show a level of disrespect for the club. The new members may never make it to fully-fledged members if they do not live up to this part of the biker tradition.
Always Attend Club Events
A Family Affair
One reason why the clan is so close is that they value each other as family. Besides riding bikes together, they also get to do what they find passion in and share the experience.
It is more than just the love for motorcycles and the love that comes with owning and maintaining one. Hells Angels is a part of life, a belief system, and a connection for those who are a part of it for life.
A Family Affair
It Is Against The Rules To Join Another Biker Club
Being a member of Hells Angels means a way of life. It also means that the members become family; they form a connection, and commitment plays an integral role. With this loyal perception, it is a forbidden move for a member to join or even consider joining another clan.
Just as they have to be careful not to join other biker gangs, they have to also be mindful of who they associate themselves with. One of the guidelines on their website clearly states that no member should deeply associate themselves with any other clubs, street gangs, or other groups. The reason is that they may not necessarily know who is against the Hells Angels club. So, whoever they choose to support, the entire club should be aware of it.
Against The Rules To Join Another Biker Club
Women Support From Behind The Scenes
You may have wondered why you never see women at the forefront of the group, but this is due to the Hells Angels being a brotherhood. As you may notice, it is only men that you see with the skull logos on their back. Surprisingly, women do play an integral role in the overall functioning and stability of the group.
A lot of the members have wives and families, but before becoming a member, their families have to understand what it means to be a part of the group and also agree for them to adapt to the changes and lifestyle of the group.
Women Support From Behind The Scenes
To Become A Charter
No one starts a charter in a short period; it has to have a foundation that spans over the years. According to information presented on their website, the Hells Angels note that a motorcycle club is made up of people who have been together for years, know each other well, are from the same area, and have done many things together. They are also a group that the community knows.
It may take years and even decades to form this bond, and once this has been accomplished, only then can a group apply to become a Hells Angels charter. No wonder their website indicates that when you are ready to become a charter, you will know what it takes.
To Become A Charter
Break All Rules, Just Not Those Of The Angels
When a member breaks any of the Hells Angels rules, they have full knowledge that they have set themselves up for big trouble and will probably live to regret it. The brotherhood rests on secrecy and loyalty, and if any of the rules are broken, none of them can tell what will really happen to that member or those who disregard the policies. When you become a pledged member, you receive their mark (tattoo), but once you break a rule, the tattoos are burned off, and you are kicked out from the group. This is one of the worst punishments possible, as you are exiled from the community and are not able to meet up with any of the other members after you are thrown out.
Leave The Grammar Out
You may be wondering why there isn’t an apostrophe in Hells Angels. Grammar rules state that since the angels belong to hell, there should be a possessive punctuation mark to show ownership. But the group says that since they break all the rules, the grammar rule is no exception and no big deal if that’s broken with all the other rules too.
They made a related statement on their website, noting that they know that the apostrophe is missing, but they say that those who have a problem with that are those who are missing something. They also indicated that when the group started back in the early days, there was a war film that had the title Hell’s Angels.
Leave The Grammar Out
Non-Members Can Support The Club Through Merchandise Purchasing
Of course, there is a dislike for non-members wearing the Hells Angels logo, but they create merchandise that others can buy to support the group. Buying the group’s merch shows support as a way of admiring the charter and supporting the way they operate. Surprisingly, the members love it when people support their sale items as they get to raise enough funds to host events and shows that they promote or organize in order to entertain their local community. When they sell more, they get more resources to help the local charters more.
Non Members Can Support The Club Through Merchandise Purchasing
They Are Drug-Free
Many people may be of the perception that seeing the type of group Hells Angels are, they may be indulged in the use of illicit items and contraband. However, they do outline a very strict policy that goes against their members using them.
There is a Toronto-based charter of the Hells Angels, and they stipulate that all forms of contact with and use of any illegal substance are strictly prohibited. This means no needles should be used either, especially for pleasure, and failure to adhere to this rule could get you kicked out.
They Are Drug Free
Don’t Link To Their Website Without Permission
There is another rule of the website which many people find a bit interesting while others see it as no surprise…you have to get written permission from the team to make any form of a link to their website. They do this as it is a protective form for their members and their activities.
In no direct terms, the instruction clearly states on their website that you are not allowed to establish or make any form of links to their website without getting consent from the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. If you do without permission, it can be withdrawn by the team directors without notice to you.
Dont Link To Their Website Without Permission
Protest Can’t Retaliate In The Recruitment Process
There is another important rule that all prospects have to follow once they decide to join the Hells Angels. Under no circumstances can they retaliate when going through a part of the recruitment process known as “hazing.” If they should retaliate, it could turn out to be a violent experience.
The club’s bylaws indicate that the hazing process is not a means of degrading or belittling any of the members but is a way to test their true character and allegiance to the clan. If you give a backlash, it could jeopardize your chances of becoming a full-fledged member.
Protest Cant Retaliate In The Recruitment Process
Official Merchandise Is For Members Only
Supporters of Hells Angels can purchase their memorabilia, but as for the original or official wears, only the certified members can wear them. The patches on their vests are important, so they take the quality and originality of their logos and other dear items. If they should catch you wearing a part of their dress code while not being a member, they could retaliate and gang up on you. Ensure if you want to wear something linked to the clan, you do so through the right methods.
Official Merchandise Is For Members Only
Their Patches Are Sacred
Patches can be seen on some of the members, and as each of them go through the different ranks, they receive different marks. Whoever wears the patches must do so with pride, and everyone in the group should ensure they pay the highest respect to each patch.
The team is very strict when it comes to the patches, and there is a rule that states, “should a member get sick, they should never allow doctors to cut through the patches. Well, even though it is a rumor, they still have high respect and regards nonetheless.
Their Patches Are Sacred
You Must Get Consent
The group members have a tough reputation that they portray to the public, and all members are expected to have a high level of respect and self-control. Their interaction with women is no exception to their self-control. Whatever they want to do, they have to get consent from the team leaders, and abusing women is a big no-no for members of the group. They have zero tolerance for members who step around these rules, and breaking any of these policies could land you in hot water.
You Must Get Consent
They Don’t Discuss Missing Members
The Hells Angels are very secretive and protect each other from all harm. They took their secrecy up to the point where even if members who were with the group go missing, they don’t talk about it. As the rules suggest, you cannot discuss any member of the group, not even with the media, and if persons are not associated with the group, they should not discuss with members either. In addition to protecting each other in the group, they also protect themselves from law enforcement should any question arise.
They Dont Discuss Missing Members
Non-Harleys Can Join Some Charters But With Conditions
When you become a member of any charter of Hells Angels, it is widely recognized that you own a Harley-Davidsons motorcycle. In an earlier paragraph, we also indicated it was one of their strictest rules. However, as many charters live up to this rule, others relax the rules, but there is still a major condition – the bikes have to be made in the US.
If they don’t have a Harley, they could get a Buell Motorcycle, which is an original biker brand that was founded in 1983 in Wisconsin.
Non Harleys Can Join Some Charters But With Conditions
The Club Takes Priority
Becoming a member of the Hells Angels means you are a part of a second family, and no matter what other circumstances arise in your life, the club’s priority comes first. When you are a true member of the club, it gives you voting rights for the activities of the clan, and with this, you are expected to value this above everything else.
Even those who become members of the club with wives and family, they have to understand the club takes first preference. Seeing it is a new lifestyle, you may not even have time to join any other clubs shortly…not even a yacht club.
The Club Takes Priority
Culture Is Not a Big Deal For Them
The club being rooted in their rules, history, and regulations never focus too much on accepting culturally diverse members but, in recent times, have been relaxing this rule. For the past few years, they have only had a major registration of Caucasian members but have been adaptive to accepting Hispanic members over time.
Cultural acceptance varies based on the various charters, and even though some relax their registration rules a little bit, others stay true to the original rules.
Culture Is Not A Big Deal For Them
Meetings Come with Rules
When members team up for their meetings, they still have to enforce all the rules of the club. They give their rules under the heading Robert’s Rules of Order. The rules were originally invented in 1876 and specially designed for business meetings, but the Hells Angels incorporated them as the years went by.
The rules are a strict guide on hosting a democratic meeting and must follow a set guideline and only if necessary, should it be disrupted. If disturbed, it can be taken before a disciplinary committee and can attract a fee of up to $100 if broken.
Meetings Come With Rules
Prospects Do The Dirty Works
You don’t just become a member of the team but have to be a “hang around” first. Once the team members notice your dedication, they will pull you in and start a process of knowing your true intentions and allowing you to do some work for the Hells Angels first. If you don’t have a vest or the Hells Angels logo on a vest, you are only a prospect.
Many full-fledged members do not want to do certain work, so the prospects take care of those. For instance, not all the members want to set up the venues for meetings, so that role gets thrown in the hands of the prospects. After they have successfully passed their trial period, they will become full members of the group.
Prospects Do The Dirty Works
It’s One Area to Each Group
Hells Angels is a club, but there are smaller groups in it. Different groups own different areas, and if other members of the club want to be in the area, it should only be to ride through as other groups of the club may have already claimed that area.
Hells Angels have rivals, of course, like the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, and if Hells Angels hang around a certain area, no other club can come in as it has already been claimed. In some areas, no two clubs go to the same hospital as they want to ensure they avoid each other at all costs.
Its One Area To Each Group
Charity Organizations
Hells Angels perceive being a terrible and dangerous gang, but amidst all that, they do have charity organizations they support. Some of their major projects include running a toy drive for Toys for Tots that collects toys and gifts for the less fortunate (they run this charity yearly) and donating bikes to homeless groups such as a nonprofit organization known as Poverello House.
In addition to these charities, they also do motorcycle rides for charity, where they let other riders enjoy a ride from their bikes. A lot of people don’t know this side of the club, and with their motto, you can see why – “When we do right, nobody remembers. When we do wrong, nobody forgets.”
Charity Organizations
Respect is Shown Where They Receive It
There is no fear in talking to a Hells Angels member, but they do live by a rule where if you treat them with respect, you will get it back. Many investigative journalists who have done interviews with members of the club will certainly agree on a few things – the members are kind, warm, welcoming, and inviting.
The members are also a kind team who always lends a helping hand to their neighbors and strangers alike whenever needed. Once you treat them with respect, you can always look out to return the same positive energy to you. However, give them a negative vibe – you know what their response will be.
Respect Is Shown Where They Receive It
Their Security Jobs
When you visit certain concerts and entertainment zones, you will see some Hells Angels standing around. There is no need to fear as, since 1961, they started working as concert securities. It all started when George Harrison took some Hells Angels to London from San Francisco to watch over a Beatles concert. Since then, The Beatles have high respect for the club.
After that, many bands and other concert hosts started hiring the members as security for their events. Not only do they get to attend the concerts for free, but they also get some good payment for their services. Also, the Hells Angels get to show their pride and quality to the world.
Their Security Jobs
Their Fallen Brothers Are Always Honored
Well, seeing Hells Angels ride motorcycles, there is a high chance of accidents, and people will eventually die. Whenever a member dies, especially one of their young members, they always work hard to keep that brother’s memory alive. They will do many things to remember their dedication to the club, such as sport their pictures while riding or even discussing them at their meetings.
Back in 2018, a young member, Clay Hubbard, committed suicide, and a year later, on his birthday, a few Hells Angels visited the area where he lived, and upon seeing them, his mom, Christy Hubbard, became a little scared. But, instead of going hard on her, they showed her support and comforted her. They prayed with her while they were at their annual summer rally, and before leaving, she gave them a bracelet as a representation of Clay so his spirit and memory could be with them while they rode along.
Their Fallen Brothers Are Always Honored
They Value Community Involvement
Hells Angels are a community growth group as they don’t only focus on their club. A lot of their members are a part of their community development committee and also join various charities and events. It is not a strange occurrence to pop into your local bars and shops and see Hells Angels supporting them too.
On one of the occasions, they learned of a local bar hosting a charity event to raise funds for the SELF school. They chipped in and donated a lot of resources to help the program that benefitted disabled children as well as those who were diagnosed with cancer. They also hosted different events to help raise funds to help purchase other educational supplies that were needed. So, you can see how much the Hells Angels support local development.
They Value Community Involvement
The Brand And Image Must be Protected
From what you have read so far, we can see you understand the importance of protecting the image and brand of the club. But, to say how far they will go to protect, we have not let ourselves dig in. Many people will believe they resort to violence to protect their brand, but interestingly, they abide by the law.
The Hells Angels at one point brought a lawsuit against Disney when they released the movie Wild Hogs, as it was a film that somehow brought a damaging effect to the club’s brand.
The Brand And Image Must Be Protected
They Have Their Own Rules
When it comes to regulations and rules, one of the most critical rules of the club is – follow the club’s rules. They don’t live solely by the rules of society, and once you become a member, you now have another set of rules you have to adapt to.
In a release that was published about the group, it noted the members didn’t have jobs and never found the regular lifestyle of most Americans fascinating or intriguing enough to follow it. They would ride around, spend lots of time in bars and events areas, fight those who disrespected them, and live by their own rules and regulations. They had their code of conduct, but it was somehow an interesting setting.
They Have Their Own Rules
A Legacy In The Making
History has it that the Hells Angels were formed in Fontana, California, on March 17, 1948. The original club was built by the Bishop family and many World War Veterans who were coming in from different bike clubs across the region.
However, there were reports of lots of criminal activities and negative news. Still, the new club looked beyond that to report they got their foundation started based on the military surplus that allowed them to afford motorcycles easily. The after-war experience left many young men feeling like they didn’t have a purpose in life, so they needed to get their lives back and in an interesting way.
A Legacy In The Making
A Squadron Nickname Inspired The Club’s Name
The name Hells Angels got its history from Arvid Olson, who served in China during WW2 as part of the Flying Tigers “Hell’s Angels” squadron.
During World Wars I and II, American soldiers would give their squadron a defensive and fierce nickname to drive some form of intimidation in their rivals. As such, Hell’s Angels was one of those nicknames.
A Squadron Nickname Inspired The Clubs Name
The Charters Began to Expand
When the club started in the early days, it started to spread across California quickly. Ralph “Sonny” Barger, the founder of the Oakland charter, noted that when the club started to expand, it reached areas like San Francisco, Gardena, Oakland, and many other places that were not so popular.
When the charters started, they never focused too much on the others across town but were concerned only about themselves. However, when the 1950s kicked in, the different groups started to form a larger team and had a sense of unity. This was where they started to develop the idea of having certain criteria that must be met before joining.
The Charters Began To Expand
A Cornerstone of Counterculture
The counterculture movement was a big thing for Hells Angels back in the 1960s and was a big deal in California. They would attend all the local music and social events, especially in the Haight-Ashbury regions of San Francisco.
Their attendance was important as some of the members were directed to some of the music legends such as the Merry Pranksters, Jerry Garcia, and the Grateful Dead, Ken Kesey, and the Rolling Stones.
A Cornerstone Of Counterculture
Bad Reputation Is Not Their Thing
Hells Angels and some other biker clubs refer to themselves as a one-percenter biker club. This is a phrase that spans over 50 years and was said as they believed an average of 99% of bikers were given a bad name based on 1% of troublemakers who posed as bikers.
They used the name as a way of distancing themselves from those who many categorize as being negative. For sure, the Hells Angels have been classified as that a lot, especially seeing a lot of their members have been arrested and charged for a lot of crimes.
Bad Reputation Is Not Their Thing
International Reach
The Hells Angels started in California, but by the time the early 1960s kicked in, then were gradually expanding internationally. In 1961, a charter began in Auckland, New Zealand, the first charter outside of California. Since then, the club began to expand and reach other borders and began to spread around the world.
The first European charter started in London in 1969, and from then until now, there is an estimated 275 charter in Europe alone. At the start of the 1970s, new charters started to open in places like South Africa, Brazil, Australia, Eastern Europe, and many other places. To date, other areas are in the pipeline to open new charters.
International Reach
Their Attire
The Hells Angels have a way of letting you know who they are and when they are around. They would always be seen in a leather or denim vest, classified as a motorcycle thing. They also have cuts on them where you can see a lot of visible patches that outline their names on the back and the name of their charter on the lower end.
Once they become full-fledged members, they will also sport the red and white-winged “death head” logo and the letters HAMC which stands for Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. You will also see numbers 81. Seeing ‘H’ is the eighth letter of the alphabet and ‘A’ being the first letter. As members grow deeper in the club, they will earn more patches along the way.
Their Attire
The Journey to Becoming a Member
It is not as easy to join the club as many people would make it seem. The reality of joining is that it can take years to become successful – that is, if you even make it at all.
Before you will become a member of the team, you must possess a motorcycle license, be the full owner of a Haley-Davidson motorcycle over 750 CC, and be matched to all the others for members in the club. The requirements listed above, prospective members should also have a clean record in terms of no charges for child abuse or molestation, never applied to the law enforcement, and other requirements the public never has and will never hear.
The Journey To Becoming A Member
Being a Hang-Around
After hanging around for a while and you become an eligible prospect, it is a step going forward for you. This is the start of this process, and as it goes on, you will get a chance to visit some of their meetings or even hang around in their public gathering places.
As a hang-around, you get a chance to meet the members of the club, connect with them, and get a closer feel of what the lifestyle is like.
Being A Hang Around
Prospect After a Hang-Around
When people hang around for a while, and they are still interested, they will become an associate. As an associate, they will stick around for a few more years and get more details on how the club operates, spend time with members, and show the team how dedicated they were in putting their lives forward to the growth of the club. The next upgrade from an associate is becoming a prospect. Prospects do have a little privilege as they get the chance to attend closed meetings, but they are not allowed to vote on critical issues – or no issues for that matter. Daily, these prospects are put on a trial to prove how much they are ready for the club’s mission until they become full-fledged members. They can wear a cut with a patch which highlights the charter they are a part of.
Prospect After A Hang Around
Unanimous Vote For Full Patch Membership
To become a big member of the team, a prospect must receive a vote from other members already registered in the club. The charter is responsible for voting in new members. However, before the vote is done, the prospects go to the different groups in the area and let themselves be known and how dedicated they are.
Once voted into your charter and fully accepted, prospects will receive their vest with the club’s emblem, the death head logo, and other times (where necessary), at the initiation ceremony. When they become members, they would classify it as “being patched.”
Unanimous Vote For Full Patch Membership
The “Filthy Few” and “Dequiallo” Patch
Tony Thompson wrote a book titled Gangs, where he noted members can earn numerous patches for completing certain roles. One of the patches is the Nazi-style SS lightning bolts that carry the words “Filthy Few.”. Thompson highlighted that this patch is earned by members who already committed a crime for the club, which includes murder or is willing to do so.
The next patch he highlighted is called the “Dequiallo.” This patch is given to members who have had a violent encounter with law enforcement while they were arrested or getting arrested. A lot of other patches are given that are secretly worn by members to highlight just how much they are willing to sacrifice for the club.
The Filthy Few And Dequiallo Patch
Hunter S. Thompson And The Hells Angels
Hunter S. Thompson is a journalist who got a boost with the start of his career with the help of the Hells Angels. Hunter knew a little about the group as he lived in their clan for over a year, rode with them, and lived a bit of their lifestyle. So, his book Hells Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, has a lot to say that would interest you.
But, how did Thompson end up becoming an ex-member? Well, it turned out he tried to intervene in a man who was beating his wife, and this was not accepted, so they turned around and beat him instead. Besides, the club was a bit upset with him as they noted he only used them to gain for himself. His book was a major success, and he gave nothing to the club from the major earnings he got.
Hunter S Thompson And The Hells Angels
An Incident At Altamont Concert
Back in 1969, a concert that was held at Altamont Speedway saw the Hells Angels serving as security for the event. However, to this day, many people are still contemplating who hired the club for that position, but a lot of party-goers and musicians did agree that it wasn’t a good idea.
The Hells Angels beat up many party-goers who were probably “misbehaving,” and one serious incident happened where one person was killed. It happened when Merideth Hunter pulled out a gun and was attacked by the Hells Angels. While being pounced on, a member named Passaro repeatedly stabbed Hunter while he laid on the ground, helpless. He eventually died on the spot. Passaro was arrested but was later freed as with the release of video evidence, it showed Passaro acted in self-defense as Hunter attacked him.
An Incident At Altamont Concert
The Club and Sons of Anarchy
If you remember the TV show, Sons of Anarchy, that was written by Kurt Sutter, then we will tell you it was based on the operations of the Hells Angels club. The film was portrayed as a real-life scenario as the events in the film linked to the daily runnings and encounters of the Hells Angels club.
Interestingly, many the Hells Angels members were also a part of the film, such as Rusty Coones, David Labrava, Sonny Barger, and Chuck Zito. Labrava was a technical advisor for Sutter as they wanted to present a realistic image of what the club goes through. The role of “Happy” was also played by Labrava throughout the entire airing of the show.
The Club And Sons Of Anarchy
The Hells Angels And Sonny Barger
Sonny Barger is a figure that the Hells Angels look up to as the founding member of the Oakland charter. Yes, each charter has its president and is governed by its laws, but Barger is a foundation and key member who is above them all.
Barger is currently over 75 years old and is still very much active in riding. To date, he holds the longest membership in the club and, for the most part, has tried his best to stay out of trouble. He had served four years in prison in 1988 when he tried to set a rival gang’s clubhouse on fire. Since then, he has lived a clean life free of issues and drama, and because of his character, he has also appeared in lots of tv shows and films and has also written a few books that detail his life and life in the club.
The Hells Angels And Sonny Barger
Maurice “Mom” Boucher
Unlike Sonny Barger, who tried to live up to a good name for the club’s image, Maurice “Mom” Boucher was a complete opposite. He turned out to be one of the deadliest and most cruel presidents in the club’s history. He was in charge of the Montreal charter and was the head of the pack during the eight-year-long Quebec Biker War. Currently, he is serving three consecutive life sentences for murder and his dealing with drug trafficking. Before joining the Hells Angels, he was a member of a white supremacy biker gang known as SS and was also the head of the Lennoxville Massacre. This made him the most ruthless president in the club’s history.
Maurice Mom Boucher
The Club And Lawsuits
The Hells Angels are more than a club but can be categorized as a corporation and more than simply riding bikes. For the longest while, they have been involved in many legal battles as back in 2007, the club sued Disney for using their logo in their film Wild Hogs without their permission.
In 2010, they filed another lawsuit against Alexander McQueen for the use of their trademark winged death head symbol in a misleading manner. They also sued two e-commerce companies, Saks Fifth and Zappos.com, who were selling rings with their logo inscribed in them. Then again, Toys “R” Us got a legal note from their lawyer as the company issued yo-yos with the “Death Head” logo on it. But to think this is all…no, there are a whole lot more legal affairs the club had to deal with.
The Club And Lawsuits
George Christie – Ventura President
George Christie served as the president of the Hells Angels, Ventura, California charter. While being a member, he served as the longest president in the club’s history. In 2001, he left the group, but it was under many speculations with rumors indicating he was in communication with the police. This made him a “bad apple” for the club.
In 2013, he was arrested and served a year in jail for his role in a tattoo shop being firebombed and extorted. After his release, he worked with the team on Outlaw Chronicles, a History Channel show film. Also, it is reported he has a book that will be released soon.
George Christie Ventura President
Barred From Ventura
After leaving the group in 2001, George Christie was barred from attending Ventura County Fair in 203, and it wasn’t the first time it was happening. In 2002, he also tried to break one of the rules and policies related to gang attire and tattoos.
Christie noted his time and life in Hells Angels was more than just constitutional but more of a way of life for him. He noted he dedicated his life and soul to the club, and it felt like a religious kind of thing for him.
Barred From Ventura