I have studied the world of “biker media” since the early 1960s. One of the main things that is so apparent in that world is that we—the members of the “biker culture”—are so, so unique. No other area of society is “observed” as we are. No other area of society is feared, yet so envied as we are. We represent so much to so many people who live vicariously; people who either can’t or won’t allow themselves to do the things that we do each and every day.
As I examine biker media, the first—and most obvious—observation is whether or not what is being presented is positive or negative. And that is usually based on whether or not the material is produced from the “inside” or from the “outside” of this lifestyle.
The other main consideration is whether or not the material being presented is the truth.Again, this depends a lot upon the source of the material—does it come from the “inside” or the “outside.”
I’ve been pretty encouraged lately by just how much media has been coming from the “inside.” It’s been so gratifying to see “our people” show their talents in the fields of writing and films and television and music and the internet.
It’s been nice to see the truth.And it’s been nice to experience things about this way of life that are simply entertaining.Here’s a list of some great new stuff. Positive stuff. Entertaining stuff. Media stuff from the “inside:”
“One Percenter: The Legend of the Outlaw Biker” is the new book by the editor of Easyriders magazine, Dave Nichols. Dave does a great job in tracing the history of the outlaw biker. Not only does Dave lay out biker history from its American beginning at Hollister in 1947 all the way to the present; Dave goes way back in time, tracing outlaw origins in the Vikings, the Huns, the pirates and virtually every other historical group of “the powerful and the feared.” The book also includes some great vintage photos by another heavyweight in the Easyriders/Paisano magazine group, Kim Peterson.
“Iron City Blues” is the new film documentary by one of the few true musicians in this world who understands the real essence of the biker lifestyle, Big Mike Griffin. Big Mike has made a career out of playing every biker event from coast to coast. His CDs like “Harley in the Rain” and “Two Lane Road” are classics! In “Iron City Blues”, Big Mike rides into the toughest town in the south in order to gather inspiration for writing the ultimate blues tune. This film is also a classic! Truly great stuff!
“When Bikers Meet Humans” is the new book by a guy whose stories you’ve read for many years in the pages of Easyriders and other publications, J.J. Solari. This compilation of J.J.’s short stories is truly from the “inside.”
“Going Back to Memphis: A Biker Band Tribute to Elvis” is the newest CD by a biker band that has been paying their dues for quite awhile, Mean Gene Kelton & The Die Hards. Mean Gene and his boys do a great job on such classics by The King as “Jailhouse Rock,” Blue Suede Shoes,” Little Sister,” and “Hound Dog.” And it’s all done with that great and powerful “biker band” feel.
“Love Ride 24” is a great CD of biker music inspired by the legendary charity ride that rolls out of Glendale, California, every November. No other ride has produced so much participation by some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Stars like Jay Leno, Robert Patrick, Peter Fonda and Lorenzo Lamas all help to lead 25,000 bikes on one of the world’s biggest charity rides. This CD was compiled by a truly legendary artist, Andrew Kastner, of the equally legendary band, Jack Mack and the Heart Attack. The disc features great tunes by Gregg Allman, Brian Setzer, Randy Bachman and many others.
“81: Red & White Support Crew” is the new CD by a man who is unparalleled in the world of biker music, Charlie Brechtel. Charlie has devoted his musical artistry to paying tribute to the individuals, the clubs, and the events that have made this lifestyle what it is. This new CD features the tunes that Charlie has written for and dedicated to members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. One of the highlights of the disc is the tune “Red & White,” a tune that features the back-up vocals of a whole bunch of members of the club!
“MIA: A Soldier’s Homecoming” is yet another incredible film documentary produced, written and directed by a true genius, Randall Wilson. The Vietnam War era is one of the four most important eras in the evolution of the American biker. A lot of major motorcycle clubs were formed during and after this era; just as World War II produced such legendary clubs as the Hells Angels MC and the Boozefighters MC. This film traces the ongoing search for the remains of military personnel lost during the Vietnam War. I had the privilege of viewing the screening of this film with members of the Viet Nam Vets MC. This is one powerful and compelling documentary!
“Riding Solo to the Top of the World” is an amazing documentary about filmmaker, Gaurav Jani’s solo bike trip from Mumbai (formerly Bombay, India) to one of the remotest places in the world, the Changthang Plateau in Ladakh, bordering China. This is the kind of experience to think about the next time you get sore and tired after a two hour ride on a well-equipped bagger!
“Destination Bike City” is a very fun documentary film about two bikers—Capt’n Chuck and Stones—and their journey from California to Sturgis. For those of you who have never taken the ride from wherever you may be to the Mecca of Sturgis, definitely pick up this DVD. It will inspire you; it will give you the idea of the kind of fun and adventure that everyone in this lifestyle should have.
“Showdown in Durango” is the newest documentary film by custom bike builder and filmmaker, Jeff “EZJ” Kraus. Jeff has put together some great documentaries (his film on the legendary Yuma Prison Run is excellent!) but this one shows what can happen when we—in the biker community—allow the “authorities” to keep up their relentless suppression of our major rallies and events.
Sturgis Rider Live’s Tonight Show/David Letterman style show for bikers is one of the best and most entertaining ventures to hit this lifestyle in a long time. The concept of a knowledgeable host interviewing and getting “inside” of some of the most compelling members of this lifestyle is brilliant. Keith R. Ball (former editor of Easyriders and Sturgis Museum Hall of Fame member) makes for the perfect host and the Charlie Brechtel Band is our answer to Doc, Paul and all the other late-night band leaders! This show needs to be picked up by a perceptive and daring cable TV network. This will blow other so-called “reality shows” out of the water!
Feel free to email me, Bill Hayes, at gotdablues@hotmail.com for information on how to acquire any of the great stuff that I have mentioned. It’s so refreshing to see material like this…material from the “inside”…material that tells the truth!
