Hell’s Angels

   Hell’s Angels were US gangs of Harley Davidson motorcycle riders who wanted to continue the camaraderie of the Second World War. A London chapter was authorized from Oakland, California, in 1968. The original Angels inspired the film The Wild One with Marlon Brando, and the song ‘Leader of the Pack’ (1965). They practised violence, drug use and general anti-social behaviour. A more ‘respectable’ brand of independent, maverick Angel is based on the film Easy Rider with Peter Fonda, and a majority of British Angels follow this model. They have appeared in the media sporadically, usually in the context of a suburban nightmare: they were deemed the ‘neighbours from hell’ in a long running court case in Reading.

   See also: heavy metal

   MIKE STORRY