As an expert with deep knowledge of motorcycle clubs, I‘m often asked about that most notorious biker gang – the Hells Angels. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll give you an insider‘s look into everything you need to know about this unique organization, from its origins to famous rivalries, infamous crimes, and more.
History and Origins of the Hells Angels
It all started back in Fontana, California in 1948. Several disenchanted members of the Pissed Off Bastards of Bloomington motorcycle club broke off to form their own club – the Hells Angels. The name was inspired by historic military aviation units, and the group‘s official organizing meeting occurred in 1950.
Under the leadership of Ralph "Sonny" Barger, the club began to expand rapidly. By 1959, they were an official organization with hundreds of members across the country. As you‘ll see, this marked the start of their rise to become one of the most well-known biker gangs worldwide.
Hells Angels Membership and Chapters Over the Years
Estimates peg the number of Hells Angels members worldwide between 2,000-2,500. The majority are concentrated in the United States, where there are likely between 1,800 and 2,500 members currently active.
Here‘s a quick look at how their membership numbers and chapters have grown over the decades:
| Year | Approx. # of Members | # of Chapters |
| 1950s | 50-100 | 1 |
| 1960s | 200-300 | 15 |
| 1970s | 500-1000 | 50 |
| 1980s | 1000-2000 | 100 |
| Present | 1800-2500 | 200+ |
California remains the epicenter of their presence, with extensive chapters in Oakland, San Francisco, and elsewhere. However, they now have a strong presence across the country from Massachusetts to Alaska.
Internationally, Hells Angels can be found in over 20 countries. Some of their most notable overseas chapters include London, England and Sydney, Australia.
The Hells Angels vs. The Outlaws: A Legendary Biker Feud
The Outlaws Motorcycle Club are the main rivals to the Angels. Formed in Illinois in 1935, they competed with the Hells Angels for territory across the Midwest and on the East Coast.
By the 1960s, a bitter feud was in full swing. Shootouts, stabbings, and assaults have occurred regularly between members ever since. Key incidents in their rivalry include:
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1974 – Hells Angels members allegedly assault an Outlaw member in Florida, triggering retaliation. Over the next year, dozens of motorcycle gang members were wounded or killed.
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1994 – Hells Angel Gerry Tobin is shot dead on his way to a motorcycle rally in Britain, sparking clashes across Europe.
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2002 – Outlaws members fire at Hells Angels‘ clubhouse in Norway with rocket launchers.
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2015 – A Hells Angel shoots the Outlaws president at a gas station in Kentucky, reigniting tensions.
With thousands of members across the globe, these two heavyweights remain bitter rivals competing for territory to this day.
Most Notorious Crimes and Activities of Hells Angels Members
Hells Angels members have been connected to all types of violent crimes over the decades. Some of their most notorious illegal activities include:
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Drug trafficking – Hells Angels have been implicated in selling all types of narcotics, including meth, cocaine, heroin, and more.
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Weapons trafficking – Members smuggle illegal guns and even explosives, including military-grade rocket launchers.
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Murder – Angels members are tied to dozens of deadly clashes with rival gangs, contract killings, and more.
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Assault – Angels frequently engage in "shoulder tapping" and other violent acts against rival bikers to intimidate them.
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Money laundering – Chapters launder drug money and other illegal proceeds into legitimate businesses.
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Extortion – Angels allegedly extort from legitimate and illegal businesses for "protection."
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Prostitution rings – Members have been convicted of kidnapping and forcing women into prostitution.
Despite their claims of simply being a "motorcycle enthusiast" group, Hells Angels clearly engage in frequent criminal activities according to numerous convictions and court documents.
Becoming a Hells Angel: The Long Road from Hang-Around to Member
Curious about how you become a Hells Angel? It‘s extremely challenging – in fact they may never fully accept outsiders as members.
First, you must get in good with current members. This means hanging out, partying, riding bikes, and attending club events to gain trust.
If they think you‘re loyal, you become a "hang-around" taking orders from Angels, doing dubious jobs like guarding clubhouses or transporting drugs.
After months or years of being a hang-around, you may be sponsored by a member to become an "official prospect." The prospect wears a vest with the bottom rocker "Prospect" and must follow orders from all members. You‘re continually judged on obedience to the club.
Finally, if you receive a unanimous approval vote, you‘re approved as a probationary member and get your full 3-piece patch. But even then, members face constant scrutiny and can easily be kicked out.
Fewer than 1 in 100 hang-arounds will successfully join the elite ranks of the Angels. It takes complete commitment to their lifestyle and values.
Hells Angels Organization and Structure
The Hells Angels function through a strict hierarchy and top-down structure. Here‘s a quick look at how it‘s organized:
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Each local chapter has a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary elected through votes.
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Chapters then report up to regional or even national leaders. So the power flows from the top down.
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There are weekly and monthly meeting to handle club business, coordinate criminal activities, and resolve disputes.
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Members pay monthly dues to fund club events and operations. Drug trafficking and extortion also finance chapters.
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Punishments like beatings or demotion keep members in line. But they can also be expelled completely if they break the club‘s code of conduct.
This organized structure is a key reason the Angels have been able to persist and grow globally while less disciplined clubs have faded away.
Territory and Operations of Ohio Hells Angels
There are several active Hells Angels chapters spread across Ohio:
- Cleveland ("Midwest Brotherhood" Chapter)
- Dayton ("Devils Elite" Chapter)
- Elyria ("The Corporate" Chapter)
- Akron ("Kristen" Chapter)
With an estimated 100+ members statewide, Ohio Angels engage in typical activities like meth and firearms trafficking, extortion, and money laundering.
Some of their most brazen crimes in Ohio include:
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1989 – 10 Angels members convicted on 48 counts including conspiracy to sell drugs.
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1991 – Authorities raid Cleveland clubhouse, seizing drugs, weapons, and explosives.
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2008 – Akron members arrested for stealing motorcycles and drug trafficking.
Law enforcement continues monitoring and cracking down on their operations, but the Ohio Hells Angels remain active.
Ongoing Worldwide Reach and Activities
Despite countless members being convicted and incarcerated, the Hells Angels continue to maintain a global reach and are active in at least 29 countries spread across 6 continents.
Some of their strongest overseas chapters include:
- London, England
- Sydney and Melbourne, Australia
- Vancouver and Montreal, Canada
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Marseille, France
- Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Moscow, Russia
- Athens, Greece
New charters are still opening today as they look to expand. Clearly, despite legal efforts, the Hells Angels are still going strong in their seventh decade.
Reputation for Intimidation and Violence
The Angels have developed a reputation as the most violent and feared motorcycle club. Some examples of their intimidation tactics and violence include:
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Shoulder tapping – Forcibly removing the insignia of rival bikers to humiliate them.
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Beatings – Attacking rival bikers with fists, knives, chains and other weapons.
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Murder – Dozens of dead bodies have piled up from turf wars and disputes.
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Battery acid attacks – Angels allegedly keep battery acid on hand to maim rivals.
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Intimidation – They frequently show up en masse to extort legitimate businesses.
Make no mistake, while they promote the image of easy riders, the reality is the Angels will use every tool at their disposal to dominate the biker underworld.
The Ongoing Debate: Are the Hells Angels Really "Good Guys"?
Given the overwhelming criminal convictions and indictments of Hells Angels members over the decades, most objective observers agree they do not deserve the label of "good guys." While they run some charitable events like children‘s toy drives, these seem aimed more at softening their image.
At their core, the Angels frequently engage in violence, intimidation, and trafficking of drugs, weapons, and people. Hundreds of members have spent time in prison.
That said, there are always exceptions. Some members insist they just love the biker lifestyle and are unfairly discriminated against. But the vast majority appear tied to frequent criminal activity.
In the end, the sheer volume of arrests and assaults makes it very challenging to consider the Hells Angels a "good guy" organization. More often, they‘ve proven to be a dangerous threat.
The Future of the Notorious Biker Club
Despite all the legal pressure, the Hells Angels seem poised to continue their reign as one of the top biker clubs globally for years to come. Their organized structure and fierce loyalty ensures they‘ll keep attracting new prospects to their ranks.
And while law enforcement will continue cracking down wherever possible, the Angels extensive international reach guarantees they‘ll maintain their power and influence.
For anyone intrigued by motorcycle clubs, the Hells Angels represent the ultimate anti-establishment organization. But their history leaves no doubt about the violence and lawlessness that too often follows members of the storied biker crew.
