50 Facts About Hells Angels

Founding and Early History

The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC) has a rich and storied past. Let's dive into some key moments from their early days.

1. The Hells Angels were founded on March 17, 1948, in Fontana, California. Several small motorcycle clubs merged to form a larger organization.
2. Otto Friedli, a World War II veteran, is often credited with starting the club after breaking away from the Pissed Off Bastards motorcycle club over a feud with a rival gang.
3. The name "Hells Angels" was suggested by Arvid Olsen, an associate of the founders who had served in the "Hell's Angels" squadron of the Flying Tigers in China during World War II.
4. An alternative theory suggests that the club's name was taken from the "Hell's Angels" squadron of the 303rd Bombardment Group, active in the European theatre of World War II.

International Expansion and Notorious Incidents

The Hells Angels didn't stay confined to California for long. Their reach soon extended across the globe, and they became known for some infamous events.

5. The Hells Angels expanded internationally in the early 1960s. The first international chapter was established in New Zealand in 1961.
6. Their notoriety increased significantly after they were hired to provide stage security for the Altamont festival, a free Rolling Stones concert presented at a motor speedway east of Oakland on December 6, 1969.
7. One of the most infamous incidents involving the Hells Angels occurred at the Altamont festival. A Hells Angels member, Alan Passaro, was charged with murder in connection with the stabbing death of Meredith Hunter, an 18-year-old concertgoer. Passaro was later acquitted on self-defense grounds.

Charity Work and Community Service

Despite their rough image, the Hells Angels have also been involved in various charitable activities. Here are some examples.

8. The Hells Angels have organized events for causes such as the Red Cross, Toys for Tots, and Wounded Warrior.
9. In December 2014, a chapter from Fresno, California, bought all the bikes from a local Walmart and donated them to children living in a homeless shelter.
10. Some of the club's events, like a fundraiser for a special needs school in Valparaiso, Indiana, in May 2016, have been kept under surveillance by law enforcement agencies, even though the Hells Angels had done nothing wrong in particular.

Membership Structure and Legal Status

Becoming a member of the Hells Angels is no easy feat. The club also has a unique legal status.

11. Membership in the Hells Angels is tightly controlled. Prospective members face a long vetting and initiation process.
12. The process begins with becoming a "Hang-Around," then progressing to an "Associate," and finally becoming a "Prospect." Only after completing these stages can one become a "Full-Patched Member," which is the highest level of membership.
13. The Hells Angels incorporated in 1966, trademarking the club's name and four symbols. The club has filed several trademark infringement lawsuits over the years to protect its intellectual property rights.

Criminal Allegations and Law Enforcement

The Hells Angels have often found themselves on the wrong side of the law. Here are some of the criminal allegations they have faced.

14. Law enforcement agencies have long associated the Hells Angels with various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, gun running, and prostitution.
15. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has characterized the Hells Angels as an "outlaw motorcycle gang" in its National Gang Report.
16. The club has faced numerous raids on its clubhouses by law enforcement agencies.

Notable Members and Public Perception

Certain members of the Hells Angels have become well-known figures, and the club's public image has been shaped by various media portrayals.

17. Ralph "Sonny" Barger, a long-term president of the Oakland chapter, is one of the most well-known members of the Hells Angels. Barger's public image and national spokesman role helped increase the club's notoriety.
18. The Hells Angels have been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries. Hunter S. Thompson's book "Hell's Angels: A Strange and Terrible Saga" (1966) is particularly notable for its detailed portrayal of the club's activities and culture.
19. Movies like "The Wild Angels" (1966), "Hells Angels on Wheels" (1967), and "Hell’s Angels ’69" (1969) have contributed to the public's perception of the club as violent and criminal.

Symbolism and Patches

The Hells Angels place great importance on their patches and symbols. These elements are more than just decoration; they carry deep meaning.

20. The "Death Head" logo signifies full membership in the club.
21. The number 81 patch is a common sight among members, with 8 representing the eighth letter of the alphabet (H) and 1 representing the first letter (A), thus forming the initials HA for Hells Angels.
22. The club has taken steps to protect its intellectual property rights, including trademarking its name and symbols.

Media Representation and Cultural Impact

The Hells Angels have left a lasting impact on popular culture. Their influence extends beyond their own activities to the broader cultural landscape.

23. The Hells Angels have been featured in numerous films and documentaries, often portraying them in a negative light.
24. The film "Hell’s Angels," directed by Howard Hughes and released on November 15, 1930, showcased extraordinary and dangerous feats of aviation during World War I, which likely influenced the naming of the squadron and subsequently the motorcycle club.
25. The legacy of "Hell’s Angels" continues to endure, remaining a milestone in cinema history. The film's impact extends beyond its historical significance to its influence on filmmaking techniques and storytelling.

Membership Numbers and International Presence

The Hells Angels have grown significantly since their founding, with a presence in numerous countries around the world.

26. The Hells Angels have approximately 3,500 members worldwide, with hundreds of charters across the globe.
27. The club's widespread presence has contributed to its notoriety and influence.
28. The Hells Angels have chapters in numerous countries, including New Zealand, which was one of the first international chapters established in 1961.

Legal Battles and Trademark Infringement

The Hells Angels have been involved in several high-profile legal battles, including trademark infringement lawsuits.

29. In 1989, the club filed a federal lawsuit against a group accused of trademark infringement.
30. The club has faced numerous raids on its clubhouses by law enforcement agencies.
31. The Hells Angels have taken steps to protect their intellectual property rights, including trademarking their name and symbols.

Historical Significance and Cultural Impact

The Hells Angels have left a lasting impact on popular culture. Their involvement in various historical events has cemented their place in the annals of history.

32. The Hells Angels have been involved in various historical events, such as the Altamont festival.
33. These events have cemented their place in the annals of history and contributed to their cultural impact.
34. The Hells Angels place great importance on their patches and symbols. These symbols have cultural significance, reflecting the club's values and history.

Complex Relationship with Society

The Hells Angels have a complex relationship with society. While they are often portrayed as violent and criminal, they also engage in charitable activities and community service.

35. The Hells Angels have organized events for causes such as the Red Cross and Wounded Warrior.
36. Despite their reputation, the Hells Angels have been involved in various charitable activities.
37. The club's events, like a fundraiser for a special needs school in Valparaiso, Indiana, in May 2016, have been kept under surveillance by law enforcement agencies, even though the Hells Angels had done nothing wrong in particular.

Notable Members and Public Image

Certain members of the Hells Angels have become well-known figures, and the club's public image has been shaped by various media portrayals.

38. Ralph "Sonny" Barger is one of the most well-known members of the Hells Angels. His public image and national spokesman role have significantly contributed to the club's notoriety.
39. The Hells Angels have been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries. Hunter S. Thompson's book "Hell's Angels: A Strange and Terrible Saga" (1966) is particularly notable for its detailed portrayal of the club's activities and culture.
40. Movies like "The Wild Angels" (1966), "Hells Angels on Wheels" (1967), and "Hell’s Angels ’69" (1969) have contributed to the public's perception of the club as violent and criminal.

Symbolism and Cultural Impact

The Hells Angels place great importance on their patches and symbols. These elements are more than just decoration; they carry deep meaning.

41. The "Death Head" logo signifies full membership in the club.
42. The number 81 patch is a common sight among members, with 8 representing the eighth letter of the alphabet (H) and 1 representing the first letter (A), thus forming the initials HA for Hells Angels.
43. The club has taken steps to protect its intellectual property rights, including trademarking its name and symbols.

Media Representation and Cultural Impact

The Hells Angels have left a lasting impact on popular culture. Their influence extends beyond their own activities to the broader cultural landscape.

44. The Hells Angels have been featured in numerous films and documentaries, often portraying them in a negative light.
45. The film "Hell’s Angels," directed by Howard Hughes and released on November 15, 1930, showcased extraordinary and dangerous feats of aviation during World War I, which likely influenced the naming of the squadron and subsequently the motorcycle club.
46. The legacy of "Hell’s Angels" continues to endure, remaining a milestone in cinema history. The film's impact extends beyond its historical significance to its influence on filmmaking techniques and storytelling.

Membership Numbers and International Presence

The Hells Angels have grown significantly since their founding, with a presence in numerous countries around the world.

47. The Hells Angels have approximately 3,500 members worldwide, with hundreds of charters across the globe.
48. The club's widespread presence has contributed to its notoriety and influence.
49. The Hells Angels have chapters in numerous countries, including New Zealand, which was one of the first international chapters established in 1961.

Legal Battles and Trademark Infringement

The Hells Angels have been involved in several high-profile legal battles, including trademark infringement lawsuits.

50. In 1989, the club filed a federal lawsuit against a group accused of trademark infringement.

The Dual Nature of Hells Angels

Hells Angels Motorcycle Club is a mix of infamy and philanthropy. Founded in 1948, they’ve grown into an international presence, known for both their charitable acts and criminal allegations. Their strict membership process and iconic symbols, like the "Death Head" logo, add to their mystique. While media often highlights their violent incidents, like the Altamont festival tragedy, it’s also true they’ve donated to causes like Toys for Tots and Wounded Warrior. Legal battles over trademark infringement and criminal activities keep them under constant scrutiny. Yet, their cultural impact remains undeniable, from Hunter S. Thompson’s book to countless films. The Hells Angels are a complex organization, embodying both rebellion and community service. Understanding them requires looking beyond the headlines to see the full picture of this enigmatic club.