Narrated by the visionary founding member, Hell's Angel provides a fascinating all-access pass to the secret world of the notorious Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club. Sonny Barger recounts the birth of the original Oakland Hell's Angels and the four turbulent decades that followed. Hell's Angel also chronicles the way the HAMC revolutionized the look of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle and built what has become a worldwide bike-riding fraternity, a beacon for freedom-seekers the world over. Dozens of photos, including many from private collections and from noted photographers, provide visual documentation to this extraordinary tale. Never simply a story about motorcycles, colorful characters, and high-speed thrills, Hell's Angel is the ultimate outlaw's tale of loyalty and betrayal, subcultures and brotherhood, and the real price of freedom. |
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91 of 100 found the following review helpful:
Memoirs of a modern outlaw Jul 17, 2000
By Chapulina R
I remember a thrilling experience during my childhood in the mid-sixties: while driving to San Francisco, our family car broke down on the Bayshore (101) Freeway. My parents were startled when two long-haired, bearded, beSwaztica'ed patch-holders pulled up on their loud, chopped Harleys. The bikers spoke briefly with my dad, then performed some minor mechanical magic on our carburetor. They accepted no payment for their assistance, but left us a business card featuring their winged deaths-head logo and words to the effect: "You have been assisted by... the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. When we do right, no one remembers. When we do wrong, no one forgets." At least one person has always remembered. Within a mere few years, I had a stripped-down Hawg of my own, and began acquiring tattoos and speeding tickets. While I was never a one-percenter, it seemed during that tumultuous era that *all* motorcyclists were judged "guilty by association" with the legendary Hells Angels. Whether describing doing right or wrong, HAMC president Sonny Barger minces no words in his hard-riding, fast-reading biography. Nor does he pull any punches. He explodes the myths perpetuated by grade-B biker-flicks and trashy "wannabe" publications, but unapologetically depicts the counterculture without romanticizing it. The Angels we meet in these pages are neither ravenous, rapacious Huns nor iron-steed-mounted rescuers of stranded citizens. Barger's raw writing style, anecdotes, and numerous photos give his book genuine, gritty, outlaw character. It should appeal to one-percenters, citizen-bikers, and even to the "cagers" who fear and loathe them. There is something exhilerating, even archetypal, about the sight and sound of a chapter of Hells Angels, in full color, thundering down the highway. Could it be something remniscent of the soaring, awe-inspiring formations of Bombers and Fighters which spawned the post-War motorclubs? More likely, like a pack of wolves running wild, they symbolize an unfettered and formidable free-spirit, feared by a civilized Society.
23 of 24 found the following review helpful:
Sonny Barger's Flawed Philosophy Jan 20, 2003
I read it in a single day, a rarity for me. Couldn't put it down. Barger's honest and open telling of his own worldview and the detailed sketch of the culture of HAMC, along with the complete lack of apology, make it really compelling.But he is a criminal, and the con in this book is the statement near the beginnning, to the effect of: "All I ever wanted to do was ride and be free." He proceeds to prove, through the rest of the book, that that is merely a justification for his lifestyle and (possibly) plea for fame and respect in the valuable cultural currency of 'freedom from oppresive powers' (he already has plenty of fame and respect on his own terms), but its not true. Barger likes to pick fights, bother innocent workaday people and locals, and be the center of attention wherever he goes. His quest for freedom required the abrogation of everyone else's freedom, not just the police and rival clubs as he seems to want you to believe. "Hell's Angel" is most interesting, for me, in the depiction of his dynamic leadership and the need, so often suppressed, for men to band together and be unified in something. I envy him the brotherhood he founded and don't begrudge them the right to defend it's name, by violence if necessary, against fools who want to challenge it or steal it. But I don't believe for a moment that he wants to live and let live. He and his club steal, con, and completely disregard the wishes of the citizen's of any community they enter; in reality, it's power that they want, not freedom. Just admit that, and this account would be balanced. Its already very entertaining and valuable cultural history.
63 of 77 found the following review helpful:
 Hell's Angel speaks the truth. May 18, 2000
Back in the late 60's, I was a member of the Green Dragon'sMotorcycle Club in Houston. We were a linked brotherhood with theBanditos MC. During a rally in Dallas, some 50 or 60 Hell's Angels attended. To my pride I was able to meet Sonny Barger, he was at that time with the Oakland Chapter of the Hell's Angel. He is nothing short of one classy, dedicated to bikes and bikers, and honest to the bone. This book, he brings IT ALL OUT. I was amazed to read how the Angels got started and managed to stay together dispite the law breathing all over them, the public have a definite attitude against them. It was Sonny who kept the brotherhood together. Yes, we all know of the legal problems with the ANgels as well as other biker groups, in this book Sonny is totally honest and forthcoming. He has some very funny stories on state rallys and of course the problem at Altamont. This book is a must read for all bikers and those who WANT TO BE A BIKER. A classic read by Sonny. May God Bless You Sonny and keep doing just what you are doing. Don't change one thing. "The Attorney" Green Dragons MC - Houston
8 of 8 found the following review helpful:
No halo on this Angel. May 22, 2000
Straight forward, plain talking, Barger is not out to justify anything he has done in this very interesting book. It comes through very clear - Barger has lived his life, his way. You can accept it, reject it or condemn it, but you will find it to be fascinating reading. This book will be enjoyed by the hardcore biker, the biker wannabe and anyone who would like to live their life their way.
23 of 28 found the following review helpful:
Hells Angels May 29, 2000
By John O. Morton
I was born in Oakland California in 1940. I saw the Angels around 1958, when I was working as a custom auto painter/pinstriper. The club was a small group of "very real" guys who had the first "Choppers". I painted and pinstriped several of the clubs "Bikes" and got to know some of the members, along with Ralph (Sonny). This was one group that wasn't going to change to the so called "modern world", yet Ralph was very hip to the latest ways. He also studied the ways of several world leaders, and learned from their mistakes. (my own observation). The book was very well written for the subject matter, and shows a lot of the personal life of a very dedicated person. The so-called "Blood & Guts" of the book was mild compared to some of the things that man has created. The Angels believed in one thing, "Don't screw with us and we won't bother you." Once you have read the "Good Parts," you will find that there is a real "inner depth' to the club and it's Chief. I have written my autobiography "It Ain't Gonna Work" which clearly shows that many of us have traveled down the same path.
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