He founded the notorious rocker club
Great-father († 83) of the Hells Angels is dead
In 1957 he founded the notorious Hells Angels. Now the great-father of the angels of hell, Ralph “Sonny” Barger († 83), is dead.
Published: 5:21 p.m
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Updated: 40 minutes ago
Sad news shook the rocker scene on Thursday. The founder and great-father of the Hells Angels died as a result of cancer. Ralph “Sonny” Barger died on Wednesday evening at the age of 83 surrounded by his wife Zorana and close relatives.
A message on his Facebook page said: “If you are reading this message, you will know that I am dead. I have requested that this message be posted immediately after my passing. I’ve lived a long and good life full of adventures. And I’ve had the privilege of being part of a wonderful club.”
In 1957 he founded the Hells Angels
Barger also writes: “Although I’ve been in the public eye for decades, I particularly enjoyed the special time with my club brothers, my family and close friends.”
In the 1950s, “Sonny” founded the biker group The Oakland Panthers. In 1957 several groups merged – the Hells Angels were born. At first the Hellenic Angels were only present in the USA, later they expanded to the whole world.
As a leader, Barger was largely responsible for what was happening within the Angels. He set the rules and was seen as a role model for the motorcycle club. He was in prison several times – because of drugs and a planned bomb attack on the clubhouse of enemy rockers.
«Stay loyal. Stay free”
In 1982, Sonny was diagnosed with throat cancer. His vocal cords were removed and he had to learn to speak again.
In parting, the great-father of the Angels wrote to his followers: “Stay loyal, stay free and keep your honor. Anytime, anytime.”