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A renowned figure from the biking world shares his insights on the impact of “The Bikeriders,” a new action-drama film centered around motorcycle clubs. According to George Christie, a former leader of the Hells Angels’ Ventura chapter, the movie is likely to inspire a surge of interest in joining well-known biker clubs, driven by America’s fascination with outlaw culture.
Christie cautioned that embracing this lifestyle requires more than just enthusiasm. He specifically warned against wearing Hells Angels insignia without official membership, which could lead to serious consequences, ranging from stern reprimands to physical altercations. He highlighted that unauthorized sales of the club’s patches online are misleading people about the significance of the club symbols, particularly the iconic diamond patch.
“The Bikeriders” narrates the tale of the Vandals, a Midwestern motorcycle club, as they transition from casual biking to a life of outright lawlessness. The film features an ensemble cast including Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Norman Reedus, Jodie Comer, Mike Faist, and Michael Shannon, drawing from real-life events. Christie personally knew the individual Reedus portrays, Funny Sonny, and commends Reedus for his accurate representation.
Regarding an anecdote about Michael Shannon not learning to ride a motorcycle for his role in the film, Christie offered to teach the two-time Oscar nominee himself.
Ultimately, Christie is open to the film encouraging people to explore motorcycle clubs, as long as they truly understand what they’re getting into.