Hells Angels

The Hells Angels is the famous or infamous motorcyle gang well known in the US and Canada and has chapters in other parts of Europe. To be a member of this motorcycle club one should be a Caucasian male with a valid driver's license, a working motorcycle. He must not be a child molester and he should not have applied or become a police officer or prison guard. Now this last two membership requirements really makes no sense to me. Anyway to be a member one has to be a "hang around" in the group - being invited to the group's events and meeting club members. If they find favor on him he will be asked to be an "Associate" and later on after a year or two he would be invited to partcipate in the club's activities though he has no privileges yet to vote, at this point he is called a "Prospect." If the group thinks that he is suitable to be a lifetime member then he will be elevated to "Full Membership" where he will receive the four piece crest including the 'Death's Head' logo, two rockers (top rocker: 'Hells Angels'; bottom rocker: State or Territory claimed) and the rectangular 'MC' patch below the wing of the Death's Head. Prospects are allowed to wear only a bottom rocker with the State or Territory name along with the rectangular 'MC' patch.

The Hells Angels was organized and formed in 1948 in California. The group's name was inspired from the squadrons of World War 1 and World War 2. There are many stories about the history of how the chapters of Hells Angels were founded in the US and in some parts of the world and we will not go on all of those individually. As far as the insignia and colors of Hells Angels patches is concerned here are the basics: the fonts are in red over a white background and the logo is called the Death Skull wearing a helmet with wings. Members also wear a club patch to identify their position within the group.

The rivals of this gang or group are the Mongols, the Bandidos, the Outlaws, Pagans and the Vagos. The Hells Angels criminal activities range from drug trafficking, racketeering, assault, extortion, prostitution, stolen goods and sometimes murder. In fairness to the group they also are good at putting up fundraisers and community events.

Photo Credit: Hells Angels Insignia
Photographer: Mnew
Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mnew/