Sonny Barger, the symbol of the Hells Angels, has died.

A story of violence, that of the Hells, who knew how to be implacable against those cultures and those movements that we considered enemies, such as the hippies and the Black Panthers. They weren’t against the Vietnam War, even if they didn’t compete to be in the army. And when they found a rival group on their way, the brawl took place on time, often with blades and not infrequently with firearms. But the Hells Angels also managed to make clandestine deals with some complacent sheriff, capable of turning a blind eye to the violence and drug trafficking – especially amphetamines – for which the motorcycle club was responsible. Moreover, they knew how to sell well, so much so that they offered themselves as an order service at a free concert organized by the Rolling Stones in exchange for a few hundred dollars and beer. He certainly did not lack the means to be respected by everyone, but on the occasion of that concert, in Altamont in December 1969, a member of the Hells killed an eighteen year old under the stage on which Mick Jagger and his companions were performing. A feared and respected criminal group, still active today with about 250 chapter worldwide. And Sonny Barger was their charismatic leader. In one of the three autobiographical books on his life, Freedom: Credos from the Road of 2005, in the premise he wrote: “Live life Sonny Barger’s way? I don’t recommend it.” He left at the age of 83, after having really combined all colors.

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