Chapter 3 Summary and Analysis

The waves of public attention and notoriety devoted to the Hell's Angels converted the obscure motorcycle gang from a band of bush-league bums into perceived big-time criminals—at least in the public perception. The California public demanded law enforcement step up efforts to curb motorcycle gangs, and the police complied. The extensive media attention converted gang members into a weird form of celebrity. Everyone wanted photographs and stories. Even 'Hell's Angels Fan Club' T-shirts were marketed. Gang members tried to capitalize on this newfound fame by charging, usually unsuccessfully, for photographs and interviews. In general, the gang became notoriously famous but did not garner income from their newfound notoriety.

The increased police attention caused most of the smaller chapters to wither away. Even the San Bernardino chapter suffered a marked drop in numbers. Only in Oakland did the Hell's Angels...