In the 1960s, the Hells Angels were heavily involved with the counterculture movement, particularly in California. They fit right in with the need to challenge authority, embrace individualism and promote social change. They were widely known in the famous Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco and often attended local concerts and social gatherings.
Various club members were also connected to the primary leadership of the counterculture movement. They often met with musicians and thinkers such as Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters, Allen Ginsberg, Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and others.
The Club Name Was Based on a Squadron Nickname
The name Hells Angels is commonly believed to have been suggested by Arvid Olson, an associate of the founders but not a member himself. Olson served in the Flying Tigers “Hell’s Angels” fighter squadron in China during World War II.
The nickname “Hell’s Angels” came about similarly to other nicknames which American soldiers used in World War I and II. They tried to think of the toughest and most intimidating names and used them for their squadrons.
More Charters Spring Up in California
When the club was just starting out, charters began to spring up in other areas of California at a fairly rapid pace. Ralph “Sonny” Barger, who founded to Oakland charter, said the first charters in California were located in San Francisco, Oakland, Fontana, Gardena and some other less known places.
During this period, each charter was self-sustaining and independent and didn’t even know that any other similar groups existed. It was only in the 1950’s that the different groups started coming together and united to create one big operation with its own core values, internal codes and standards for admission.
A Few Rotten Apples
The Hells Angels and some other motorcycle clubs do not wish to be known for their bad rep. They call themselves a one percenter biker club. That title, which is more than 50 years old, is based on the old expression that 1% of troublemakers give a bad name to 99% of bikers. They hope that this description will help the public separate them from the many negative stereotypes associated with biker gangs in general and the Hells Angels in particular.
Public relations aside, it is true that more than a few members have been convicted of various crimes, from dealing drugs to murder.
Going Global
The Hells Angels may have started out just in California, but by 1961 they were going global. The very first charter which opened outside the US was in Auckland, New Zealand. After that, the motorcycle club began popping up all over the world. The first European charter opened in London in 1969.
These days, Europe alone houses over 275 charters. Since the ’70s, charters have been founded in Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Eastern Europe, and more. The club is always on the lookout for new areas for expansion.