While I've never driven a motorcycle -- much less harbored a desire to ever own one -- I too must confess a tireless fascination with the Hells Angels. Blame it on Hunter S. Thompson's book, or the Maysles' "Gimme Shelter" (wherein the Angels aren't exactly portrayed in a flattering light), but I can't help but be intrigued by this hardscrabble legion of legitimate outlaws. How do they even exist anymore?
The Hells Angels (note defiant lack of proper apostrophe -- a signature "up yours!" to the oppressive statutes of grammar and "the man!") have held court here in New York City on East Third street for so long that they're practically a revered neighborhood institution (although I'm sure some might quibble with that assertion). Legend has had it that nothing happens on that little strip without their say-so. As such, they run a tight ship. It's conceivably one of the safest blocks in Manhattan (though, again -- I'm sure someone might quibble with that assertion). My interactions with them have been fleeting at best, but I did attend one of their fabled Halloween block parties back sometime in the 90s. The Angels in attendance seemed downright neighborly. Whenever I walk down East Third, I usually can't resist taking a pic of their front door or of their bikes (like the shot above, furtively snapped in 1998), before quickly moving on (lest I rouse their ire).
Time was, however, when the Hells Angles were pointedly more than just a quaint curiosity. Check out this snippet on NYC The Blog of "Hells Angels Forever," an early 80s documentary that gave a warts-&-all account of the gang's penchant for violence.
Here in 2011, the Hells Angels are still holding on to their East Village turf, although they are currently involved in a protracted spat with -- of all demographics -- tourists and pedestrians for unsolicitedly sitting on their bench!
What would Sonny Barger have to say about that, one wonders.
Click here for more on the Hells Angels in NYC.
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