Thursday, June 30, 2022

Hells Angels

Sonny Barger -- whose real name was Ralph -- just died at 83 from cancer. He was the famous leader of the Hells Angels (Oakland chapter). Sonny founded the group the year I was born (1957) and ran it at the tragic event in Altamont when the Angels (hired as "security") killed a Black man during a 1969 Rolling Stones concert. (The murder was captured on film and is at the center of the documentary "Gimme Shelter.")

I read Sonny's autobiography four decades ago. One notable thing that jumped out at me was Sonny's admission that he wanted to ride a Honda sport-touring bike but feared his fellow gang-members would make fun of him for not riding a Harley so he never switched bikes. Here's a guy, leader of the Hells Angels, who's afraid to ride the motorcycle of his choice because his male buddies might tease him. That story taught me about real courage and cowardice.


6 comments:

  1. Wow. Thanks for sharing such a great life lesson!

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  2. Interesting post Ally, I never knew that about the Hells Angels.

    What a shame that Sonny was unable to do what he wanted because of peer pressure.

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  3. Thanks, I shared this story with my son tonight.

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  4. I'd heard of the Hells Angels before, but I knew very little about the group and I'd never heard of Sonny Barger specifically. I appreciate reading your reflections!

    claire @ clairefy

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  5. Interesting story, I cannot imagine the leader of the Hell Angels riding a Honda, lol

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  6. That is a powerful story there. Thank you for sharing!x

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