The Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club has acquired a reputation as a rough and rowdy, take-no-prisoners motorcycle gang. While there is a history of violence connected to the bikers, there is much more to the organization than meets the eye.
More than just a bunch of bikers at bars, the Hells Angels have been involved in many of history's most controversial events. Being extremely active in the 1950s and 60s, the Hells Angels have been involved in multiple scandals and movements from the hippie and drug scene to the murder of Meredith Butler. So, while the Harley Davidsons, leather jackets, and bar fights have been captured extensively by Hollywood over the years, the real Hells Angels' lives are still mostly shrouded in mystery.
Here are 15 cool vintage photos of the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club that give an inside look to their lifestyle.
16 The Hell's Angels Were Formed in 1948
The Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club was formed on March 17, 1948, making it 72 years old this year. Formed by the Bishop family, it was really just a conglomeration of multiple, smaller motorcycle gangs. However, it was not until Sonny Barger formed the Oakland chapter in 1957 that the Hell's Angels became fully united and grew across the nation and even the world.
15 The Hell's Angels Show Great Respect For Their Fallen
Hell's Angels greatly respect their fallen comrades, and a funeral for one of the bikers is a sight to behold. While much of their media coverage is negative, this is one aspect of their culture that is truly honorable. The bond between riders is one of many flattering aspects of the HAMC that goes unnoticed by reporting of the brotherhood.
14 The Hell's Angels Became International In 1961
The Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club grew quickly from its conception in 1948. First spreading quickly in California, chapters were opened in major cities across the state before eventually spreading across the nation. It only took 13 years for it to become an international organization. The first overseas Hells Angels chapter was formed in New Zealand in 1961.
13 The Hells Angels Protect Their Brand
After decades of activity and growth, the Hells Angels have become an iconic brand. If their image is threatened or they are treated unfairly by media, Hollywood, or even law enforcement, the Hell's Angels are willing to fight. One example is when the Hell's Angels sued Disney for the movie Wild Hogs.
12 The HAMC Let Hunter S. Thompson Spend Two Years With Them
The great gonzo journalist, Hunter S. Thompson, spent time with the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club in the 1960s. What he experienced is the basis for his book Hell's Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs. Although he was allowed to spend time with the gang and chronicle his experience, he was quickly turned on when he tried to intervene with an Angel beating his wife.
11 The Grateful Dead Played At A Hells Angels Funeral
The Hell's Angels became friendly with the Grateful Dead and worked security for many of their shows. Because of this friendship, the band played a free concert at the funeral of Angel George Hendricks. Hendricks was a part of the San Francisco chapter of the Angels and was killed in an accident on his motorcycle in 1967.
10 The HAMC Reject 'Normal' Lifestyles
The Hell's Angels Motorcycle club reject the lifestyle of comfort and stability. They prefer a lifestyle almost comparable to gypsies as they ride from place to place on their beloved Harley Davidsons. They consider themselves to be free from society's comfortable mentality of security, and actually enjoy not knowing what each day is going to bring.
9 Hells Angels Are Forever Linked To The Altamont Concert
The Altamont Concert was a free show put on by the Rolling Stones on December 6th, 1969. The Hell's Angels were hired to work security for the show and the event quickly became unruly. At the height of the 1960s drug craze, many people were under the influence and intoxicated. A man named Meredith Butler was near the stage with a gun, and an Angel quickly tackled, and stabbed him, resulting in his death.
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7 Riddled With Controversy
A Google search of the Hell's Angels will bring up many stories of clashes with the law, celebrities, or other motorcycle gangs. They have had connections with white supremacy, Hitler and the Nazis, and many other controversial groups. While these stories are often the ones sensationalized, they have also been known to contribute to charitable groups over the years as well.
6 The Hells Angels Have Many Rivals
The Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club is known for violence and clashes with the government, but nothing compares to the wars between rival motorcycle gangs. From the Bandidos to the Mongols, there have always been conflict between fellow outlaws about territory, revenge, or even just protecting their image. Being a powerful group, the Hells Angels were always being tested by up and coming gangs to well-established clubs that wanted to find weaknesses in the Angels' ranks.
5 Girlfriends or Wives of Hell's Angels Were Called 'Old Ladies'
Women love the bad boy aura of the Hell's Angels. Many women have been a part of the gang as a rider, but most girls involved are a girlfriend or wife of a member. These women are referred to as the "old ladies" and are often found riding on the back of their boyfriend's or husband's Harley Davidson as they move on to the next bar.
4 The Hells Angels Worked Concert Security For Beer
When you already have a reputation as big, scary men with a tendency for violence, you become the perfect group to form an intimidating concert security team. The Hell's Angels worked security for many bands, from the Grateful Dead to the Rolling Stones. As is the case in the Altamont Concert mentioned earlier, oftentimes they would trade their services for beer instead of money.
3 The Hells Angels Greet Each Other With A Kiss
Long before Pride parades were celebrated in cities across the country, the Hells Angels were creating shock by greeting fellow members with a full kiss on the mouth. This became a tradition and is still carried on today, but originally would be performed to draw attention to themselves, shock onlookers, or even more exciting, stir up the news-press.
2 The Hells Angels Were Involved In The Great Nordic Biker War
The Great Nordic Biker War took place from 1994 to 1997 and is one of the most violent wars of motorcycle gang history. Mainly staying in cities in Scandinavia, this war saw open conflict, car bombs, rocket launchers, and many assassinations attempted throughout its three years. Involving the Hells Angels and the Bandidos, by the end of the turmoil there had been 11 murders of motorcycle club members.
1 The Hell's Angels Are Targeted By Law Enforcement
The Hell's Angels have a well-known conflict with the government and law enforcement. In fact, the HAMC has ended up in court many times against law enforcement and often won its cases. However, this does not stop people riding Harley Davidsons and sporting the Hells Angels death head from being closely watched by law enforcement.
Sources: Houston Chronicle, SFGate, NY Times, NZ Herald, New Yorker, San Francisco Chronicle, Life, Narratively