Hells Angels is one of the four most dangerous motorcycle clubs in the world, and their rules are no joke. Becoming a member means that you'll have to be willing to sacrifice certain things... like your retirement. Do you have what it takes to be an Angel?
Respect the Patches
Once inducted into Hells Angels, members receive patches to signify their dedication to the club, which are then adhered to a leather jacket or vest. These patches are to be respected at all costs. In fact, it's rumored that some members won't let doctors cut through their clothing in the event of a medical emergency.
Snitches Get Stitches
No matter what, don't rat out a fellow member of the club, regardless of what kind of unsavory business with which they're involved. It's not unheard of for members to be questioned by the authorities. Despite what may happen, members may never incriminate fellow members or the club as a whole.
Subtance Abuse is Not Tolerated
Although Hells Angels may have a "tough guy" reputation, not every stereotype associated with the organization is true. The group employs a strict zero-tolerance policy against substance abuse of any kind: "All 'contact or use of [substances] is strictly forbidden' as is the use of needles 'for pleasure.'"
Always Pull Over for Police
If one member is pulled over by the cops, it is customary for the rest of the gang to pull over in solidarity. This is not only a display of unity, but it may help to intimidate the authorities. If you mess with one Angel, prepare to mess with them all.
Show Up to Meetings—Or Else!
The Angels exercise extreme strictness when it comes to their meeting schedule. Exceptions may be made for illness or work responsibilities, but it's a bad idea to bail on a gathering. Attending meetings and events is a way to express your commitment to and respect for the group.
Merch for Members Only
If you're not in the club, don't wear the Angels gear. The group takes official merchandise very seriously. The only people allowed to produce, distribute, and wear Hells Angels merchandise are official members of the club.
Ride or Die
Hells Angels is a motorcycle club, after all. Members of the organization ride an average of 20,000 kilometers every year. If you can't keep up with fellow members on the road, you might want to hand over your leather vest and call it quits.
Don't Ask How You Can Join
Interested in becoming an Angel? Well, tough luck, because this club doesn't welcome questions. The FAQ section of their site reads, "If you have to ask, you probably will not understand the answer."
You Can't Be Connected to Law Enforcement
Given their proximity to criminal activity, it's no surprise that the Angels reject any members who may have tethers to the authorities. If you have worked as a police officer or in a prison, you are ineligible for membership—and even if you've only ever applied for work in the field, it still disqualifies you from becoming an Angel.
They Don't Ride in a Random Order
If you've ever seen a pack of Angels members riding down the street on their bikes, you'll likely notice how evenly-spaced and organized they are. The order in which the riders are assembled signifies seniority. The president and road captain typically ride at the front, while fresh meat rides toward the back of the formation.
Keep Your Mouth Shut
The public only knows so much about the Angels because one of the tenets of membership is to avoid speaking to the media at all costs. Julian share, an investigative writer who has been trailing the gang since 2000, states that the Angels have a strict policy when it keeps to keeping their operations covert. "It's part of their secrecy and, to some degree, a part of their security," he said.
Harleys Only
Hells Angels are a motorcycle club, so it's not exactly shocking that members need to own a bike—but not just any bike will do. It's a tradition for members to ride a Harley Davidson. However, some other makes are acceptable, such as Buell, which is owned by Harley Davidson.
No Ladies
Unfortunately, it's true that women are excluded from the club. Even though they may not be official members, women close to the gang must remain loyal and adhere to the expected lifestyle. Either way, don't mess with a lady close to the Angels—you never know who she's got on her side.
Consent Is Crucial
Women may not be allowed into the club, but that doesn't mean Angels can't respect their boundaries. There is a zero-tolerance policy for sexual assault. Members' behavior should always reflect positively on the group.
Stick to the Dress Code
If you want to be an Angel, you have to dress for the part. The group has a dress code which is strictly enforced: black jeans, black shirt, black vest. No shorts allowed.
It's Up to a Vote
Being accepted into the club is a rigorous process involving several rounds of membership. In order to make it past the final phase, men must be voted in by the rest of the club. The process may take several years!
Don't Link Their Website Without Permission
Member or not, you may not link the Hells Angels website without explicit written permission from the organization. "You may not establish and/or operate links to this website without the prior written consent of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club," it reads. "Such consent may be withdrawn at any time at the Hells Angels MCs own discretion."
Angels Only
Once you've been inducted into the organization, don't even think about joining another gang. "Never combine your support to Hells Angels with other clubs, street gangs, or others if you are unaware of the relationship between those others and the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club," the website reads.
No Apostrophes
You may have noticed that there is no apostrophe in the name of the organization, but that's very much intentional. "Missing apostrophe in Hells Angels?" the site reads. "Yes, we know that there is an apostrophe missing but it is you who miss [sic] it. We don't."
Angel for Life
Once an Angel, always an angel. You can never retire! According to its website, "There is no such thing as a retired or undercover Angels member and never has been. There are a few of our brothers who cannot associate with us do to our govt. and their parole stipulations." Bear that in mind before you commit to the club...
You Need the Right Personality
If you want to become an Angel, you need the right personality to fit in with the rest of the club. Those who are looking to join a motorcycle gang likely already have similar interests to those already involved with Hells Angels, so it won't be too hard to find some common ground. That being said, there are plenty of facts you should know before you want to join...
Celebrity Bonds
Hells Angels are no stranger to celebrity connections. They have been associated in the past with acts like Jerry Garcia, Allen Ginsberg, and Ken Kesey. HAMC is even known to have ties to bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Hells Angels Brand
Hells Angels has transformed itself into more than just a motorcycle club. HAMC diversified its brand by producing merchandise like coffee mugs, t-shirts, and yoga pants. Sonny Barger, head of the HAMC, has his own line of branded good.
Free Security
Would you mess with the Hells Angels? The HAMC once provided security for a free Rolling Stones concert. The club patrolled the Altamont festival in December of 1969 in exchange for free beer.
Hells Angels vs. The Rock Machine
The Rock Machine, like HAMC, is an international motorcycle club, albeit a much smaller one than Hells Angels. The Rock Machine were known rivals of the Hells Angels from 1986 to 2002. The Quebec Biker War waged on between both groups for years after The Rock Machine's leader was locked up.
They Partied With The Beatles
Both The Beatles nor Hells Angels are down for a good time. When George Harrison hung out with some HAMC members in the U.S., he invited them back to party with him in the U.K. This later became the origin story of the U.K. chapter of Hells Angels.
HAMC Inspired Many Movies
In the '60s and '70s, motorcycle clubs had become the subject of much public scrutiny. Filmmakers rode the wave by churning out features name-dropping HAMC in the title, such as Peter Fonda's The Wild Angels (1966) or Jack Nicholson's Hells Angels On Wheels.
They're Everywhere
Although the HAMC was formed in America, the club has expanded globally, aside from the Netherlands, where they are banned. Over 29 countries are listed in their charter.
Racism Prevails
Historically, Hells Angels is a whites-only outlaw motorcycle club. Over the decades, especially in chapters outside the U.S., this stance has loosened—but ultimately, Hells Angels is an organization that does not embrace progressive politics, favoring Nazi symbolism and aligning themselves with groups like the Aryan Brotherhood.
Close Brotherhood
It's hard to keep your spirits up when you and your friends are under the constant scrutiny of the law. Hells Angels manage to stay connected with one another by running a number of legitimate businesses, like a store in Toronto. The club also fundraises for charities like Toys for Tots.
Sons of Anarchy Is Loosely Based on HAMC
This fictitious TV series is loosely based on Hells Angels. Many events that occurred on the show also happened in real life, and the series creator, Kurt Sutter, even cast some original Hells Angels members. Sutter even hired David Labrava, a real-life member, to work as his Technical Advisor.
Lennoxville Massacre
In 1985, five members of the North Laval, Quebec chapter were murdered by fellows members of Montreal and Nova Scotia chapters. The victims were perceived to be high-risk members due to their party-heavy lifestyles. They were invited to meet at the Lennoxville clubhouse where 41 members violently killed them and dumped their bodies in the nearby river.
The Most Famous Ex-Leader
Maurice "Mom" Boucher is one of the most notorious ex-leaders of the HAMC. He was the acting president of the Montreal chapter during the 8-year-long Quebec Biker War. Boucher, a known white supremacist, is a convicted murderer and drug trafficker. He was in charge when the Lennoxville Massacre transpired.
Waco Biker Shooting
The Waco Biker Shooting took place on May 17, 2015, at the Twin Peaks restaurant in Waco, Texas. Several bikers' clubs had convened to discuss motorcyclist rights. A fight broke out when someone's foot was allegedly run over in the parking lot. By the time the police intervened, 9 were dead, and 18 were severely injured.
Justified Violence
In the eyes of the Hells Angels, violence is always justified. Some members of the club refuse to conform to the standards of the American Motorcycle Association handbook, instead choosing to form their own rules and regulations.
Biker Gangs Make Up 2.5% of All Gang Members in the U.S.
It may seem like biker gangs are leaders in the U.S. crime circuit, but in reality, only 2.5% of the gang population in total consists of biker gangs. Biker clubs are able to fly under the radar because the FBI focuses most of their energy on taking down street gangs and prison gangs.
Lots of Veterans
The founding members of Hells Angels were veterans of WWII. The name of the club was inspired by the Flying Tigers' "Hells Angels" squadron. It can also be traced back to a popular aviation war film by Howard Hughes titled Hell's Angels.
Death Head Logo
The most recognizable symbol of the Hells Angels is their official "death head" logo, designed by the former president of the San Francisco chapter, Frank Sadilek. Death head patches are affixed to their leather or denim vests in order to make their loyalties clear.
They Sued Disney—And Won
In 2007, HAMC filed a lawsuit against Walt Disney for their attempt to reference the club in Wild Hogs. The lawsuit was dismissed after Disney assured the Angels that the reference would be removed. A similar issue happened with the design house Alexander McQueen, Zappos, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Sometimes, They Take the Legal Route
Although HAMC is technically considered an outlaw group, that doesn't mean they always avoid the path of the law. The Angels do bring in the big guns when people or corporations use their logo, name, or likeness without permission.
One Percenters
Hells Angels are by far the most recognizable motorcycle club, but that's because there aren't very many, to begin with. Most of those involved in illegal outlaw biker club activities are referred to as "1 percenters" because, for the most part, the other 99% of the riding club community are simply groups of people who love to ride motorcycles.
Chain of Command
Like any club, there is a strict chain of command in place for HAMC. The Angels have presidents, vice presidents, and treasurers who deal with the more business-oriented elements of the club. Everyone in the club has their own unique role.
Creative Nicknames
The sky is the limit when it comes to your biker nickname. Usually, your nickname is the way you are referred to by other members of the club. These nicknames are afforded to members based on arbitrary characteristics. For instance, one member of the HAMC goes by "Gray Beard" because he has a big gray beard.
Hand Signals
There is an unspoken code of respect between motorcyclists. There is a specific way that members of biker clubs wave to each other, by extending their hand low instead of high. They also use specific hand signals to warn one another about speed traps, police, or other traffic issues.
Safety in Numbers
Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than those in passenger cars. By riding as a large unit, biker clubs can heighten their visibility, therefore lessening the chance of an accident.
Back in Time
Motorcycle clubs have existed for over a century. The first motorcycle club was established in 1903, called the New York Motorcycle Club. NYMC merged with other groups to become the Federation of American Motorcyclists.
Patches vs. Colors
Different patches mean different things, which vary per club. Colors, on the other hand, are usually a group of three patches: a "top rocker" with the name of the club, the club logo in the center, and a "bottom rocker" that depicts the region of the club.
Sports Bikes Aren't Enough
If you want to join a biker gang, a sports bike just won't cut it. As evidenced by every photo of the HAMC, a motorcycle is the vehicle required to become part of the club. Sorry to any BMXers out there.
"Full Patch" Status
It can take quite a while to receive "full patch membership," or a complete set of colors. A rider can spend anywhere from months to years as a "prospector" racking up miles on their bike and earning the trust of their brotherhood.
Separate Language
Like many communities, the HAMC has developed a vernacular of their own, often including vulgar euphemisms. One of the more viewer-friendly examples you might hear is a member calling someone a R.U.B., or a "Rich Urban Biker." This is a way of making fun of them.
Law-Abiding Citizens (Mostly)
It's no secret that biker gangs across the world have a less-than-savory reputation. However, the vast majority are law-abiding citizens. Only a small minority of clubs are "outlaw" biker clubs. Most clubs such as the Iron Medics EMS Motorcycle Club, lead very normal lives during the workweek.
Tattoos Are Important
Members of motorcycle clubs like HAMC are extremely proud of their organizations. One way to show off their loyalty to the club is by getting tattoos. Tattoos are a common way for bikers to display where their loyalties lie, especially among outlaw biker gangs, where members may be forced to remove tattoos upon leaving the club.
There Are Female Biker Gangs
Although women may not officially be allowed in Hells Angels, that doesn't mean they haven't found their own way to represent sisterhood. Women bikers have established ladies-only motorcycle clubs across the U.S. The first female motorcycle club, established in 1941, was called the Motor Maids.
How Many Members?
Since they were established in 1948, Hells Angels have racked up quite the member count. It is estimated that there are 2,500 Hells Angels members across the globe, in 230 different chapters or branches, spanning 26 countries.
McCook Outlaws
Decades ago, the first illegal biker gang was formed. They were known as the McCook Outlaws, founded in 1935. Now, the club is simply known as the Outlaws. They have been around for 85 years, meaning their 100th anniversary is coming up sooner than one might think.
Warlocks
Hells Angels are not necessarily the most violent of all the biker gangs. The Warlocks have such a nasty reputation that many of their fellow clubs won't even recognize them. The gang has a history of brutal violence and drug trafficking.
The Highwaymen
The Highwaymen would be no match for Hells Angels or the Outlaws, capping at around 200 members. However, their history is a bloody one. The Highwaymen have brought plenty of crime to Motor City, including murder and cocaine trafficking.
Black Pistons Motorcycle Club
The Black Pistons are a support club for the Outlaws. A support club exists solely to deal with the dirty work that even a one-percent gang won't take on. Black Pistons deal drugs or get rid of enemies on behalf of their father gang.
Bandidos Motorcycle Club
The Bandidos are one of the largest gangs in America. Although it has only been around for just over sixty years, the gang has a presence in 16 states and 14 countries. The federal government has labeled them a one of the Big Four Motorcycle Clubs—which consists of the Pagans, Hells Angels, Outlaws, and Bandidos.
Pagans
The Pagans began as a nonviolent club. However, in the 1970s, leader John "Satan" Marron got the club inveigled with organized crime. Despite their small membership, they are considered one of the most dangerous motorcycle clubs by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.