With the recent demise of probably the most popular televison show about outlaw bikers (Sons of Anarchy), what better way to spend time than to look at the original template. The motorcycle club that all others are measured against. The real McCoy. I’m talking of course, about the one and only Hells Angels. Incidentally, I just discovered several of the cast members in S.O.A were actual members of the HAMC Not sure if that’s art imitating life or vice versa.
Formed in 1948 in California, the club to this day claims to be comprised of motorcycle enthusiasts that raise money for charities, while law enforcement agencies take a much different view. Whichever you believe, one thing is undeniable. When they ride in packs on Harley Davidsons, with that unmistakable winged death head on their backs, they are absolute 100% badasses. If you want to know more about how the club operates, check out an article Fortune did on them a while back. In the meantime, here’s Hells Angels Forever – a 1983 documentary that profiles the infamous club, and features Sonny Barger, one of the founding members of the club. You can watch the whole movie below.
You may also want to check out:
Hells Angels Circa 1965
Rubble Kings: New Doc Profiles History of NYC Street Gangs
Crips and Bloods: Made In America
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