What is Hells Angels 1%? Exclusive badge of honor explored in upcoming A&E's 'Secrets of the Hells Angels'
FONTANA, CALIFORNIA: 'Hells Angels 1%' refers to a faction within the Hells Angels motorcycle club.
The term '1%' originated from a statement made by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in response to a motorcycle rally held in 1947 in Hollister, California, which turned violent. The AMA asserted that 99% of motorcyclists were law-abiding citizens, suggesting that the remaining 1% were troublemakers.
This statement led the Hells Angels to proudly adopt the "1%" designation as a symbol of honor, reflecting their defiance of societal norms and their outlaw status.
Therefore, "Hells Angels 1%" refers to those members of the Hells Angels who embrace this outlaw identity wholeheartedly.
This documentary on 'Secrets of the Hells Angels' guarantees an insider's perspective into the secretive world of the Hells Angels motorcycle club, offering viewers a glimpse into their history, operations, and inner workings.
Featuring exclusive interviews and unparalleled access, the show delves deeply into the enigmatic realm surrounding one of the world's most notorious motorcycle clubs.
The Hells Angels Club traces its roots back to March 17, 1948, in Fontana, California, when several small motorcycle clubs decided to merge. Contrary to popular belief, the club was not founded by the late Ralph 'Sonny' Berger.
Although motorcycle enthusiast Otto Friedli is often credited with the inception, this claim has been disputed and even denied by Friedli himself.
Led by former leader Sonny Barger, the Hells Angels Brotherhood expanded its influence across the United States. However, with persistent allegations of criminal involvement, the biker club garnered a reputation as a formidable force not to be underestimated.
To join the Hells Angels, you require the right personality, a Harley Davidson, and connections within the club. You start as a "Hang-Around," progress to an "Associate," then a "Prospect," and finally become a "Full-Patched Member." This process takes years, much longer than becoming a police officer or a doctor.
Hells Angels club former president Pat Matter opens up about defending themselves from the authorities with 'bullets and bombs'
'Secrets of the Hells Angels' will showcase interviews with five former chapter presidents, including PeeWee Goldsmith, Thomas Eriksen, Pat Matter, Matt Zanoskar, and George Christie. There will also be exclusive interviews with law enforcement officers, undercover agents, victims, and others.
In the trailer, former Hells Angels Club presidents candidly share their experiences. One notable moment features Pat Matter, the former Minnesota Hells Angels founder and 21-year president, discussing his time in the club. Alongside other former presidents in the trailer, Matter recounts incidents involving disputes with the authorities, that included encounters with bullets and bombs.
"Angels Forever, Forever Angels" stands as the traditional motto of the club. Among other Hells Angels slogans are "When we do right, nobody remembers. When we do wrong, nobody forgets," "Three can keep a secret if two are dead," and "When in doubt, knock 'em out," the latter of which was coined by New York City chapter member Vincent "Big Vinny" Girolamo.
What are the stories that will be covered in A&E's 'Secrets of the Hells Angels'?
There will be various stories covered in A&E's 'Secrets of the Hells Angels'.
Each one-hour episode of the documentary delves into extraordinary tales, including the transformation of the Cleveland Hells Angels division from a motorcycle club to a murder club, an assassination plot targeting Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, along with accounts of drugs, violent assaults, and rival biker wars. The series also highlights Sonny’s ex-wife, Noel Barger, who breaks her silence for the first time about Sonny’s motivations and unveils the hidden truth that shattered their relationship.
Through in-depth, never-before-heard interviews, rare archival footage, and exclusive content, the series exposes the club’s most closely guarded secrets and explores the ultimate toll of being part of the Hells Angels.
'Secrets of the Hells Angels' is set to premiere on Sunday, April 14 at 10 pm ET/PT.
