Summary: Hells Angels Boss Opens Up – George Christie
In this extensive interview on the PBD Podcast, Patrick Bet-David talks with George Christie, a former high-ranking leader of the Hells Angels. Christie opens up about his time in the club, his complex relationship with the infamous Sonny Barger, the internal politics and wars with rival clubs like the Mongols and Outlaws, and his eventual decision to leave the life behind. The conversation delves into the distinction between being an “outlaw” and a “criminal,” offering a rare inside look at one of the world’s most notorious motorcycle clubs.
The Outlaw Life & Sonny Barger
Christie describes his entry into the motorcycle culture, inspired by seeing an outlaw biker as a child. He discusses his rise within the Hells Angels to become the leader of the Ventura charter and a key figure in the organization. A significant portion of the interview focuses on his relationship with Sonny Barger, the face of the Hells Angels. Christie portrays Barger as a powerful but selfish leader who viewed the club as his personal property, often clashing with Christie’s more strategic and diplomatic approach.
Conflicts, Wars, and The Law
The interview covers the violent conflicts between the Hells Angels and rival clubs, particularly the Mongols and the Outlaws. Christie recounts stories of bombings, murders, and the “peace talks” he attempted to broker. He also discusses his legal battles, including beating a major RICO case and a murder-for-hire charge. He touches on the role of informants and the constant pressure from law enforcement, including the FBI.
Leaving the Club
Christie explains his decision to quit the Hells Angels in 2011. He cites the club’s shift towards fighting everyone, including clubs that wanted peace like the Vagos, as a turning point where he felt they had become the bullies they originally rebelled against. He describes the fallout from his departure, including being “out bad” and the threats he received, yet he maintains he is living his life freely in Ventura.
Final Thoughts
George Christie provides a candid, albeit controversial, perspective on the Hells Angels’ history. His story is one of loyalty, power struggles, and ultimately, the realization that the lifestyle he dedicated his life to had changed into something he could no longer support.
Vocabulary Table
| Term | Pronunciation | Definition | Used in sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outlaw | /ˈaʊtlɔː/ | A person who has broken the law, especially one who remains at large or is a fugitive. | I always wanted to be an outlaw, not a criminal. |
| Criminal | /ˈkrɪmɪnl/ | A person who has committed a crime. | There’s a distinct difference and people get the outlaw and the criminal confused. |
| Indictment | /ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/ | A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime. | In 1986, I was indicted by the FBI. |
| RICO | /ˈriːkoʊ/ | Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act; a US law providing for extended penalties for criminal acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization. | Robert Mueller prosecuted a major RICO case against the Hells Angels. |
| Charter | /ˈtʃɑːrtər/ | A written grant by a country’s legislative or sovereign power, by which an institution is created and its rights and privileges defined; here, a local branch of the club. | He decimated the Oakland charter. |
| Informant | /ɪnˈfɔːrmənt/ | A person who gives information to another, often to the authorities. | Tony Tait was an FBI informant but he was also a Hells Angel. |
| Collateral Damage | /kəˈlætərəl ˈdæmɪdʒ/ | Any death, injury, or other damage inflicted that is an unintended result of military operations or acts of violence. | I was explaining collateral damage to him. |
| Racketeering | /ˌrækɪˈtɪərɪŋ/ | Dishonest and fraudulent business dealings. | It was a 59-count state racketeering charge. |
| Convoluted | /ˈkɒnvəluːtɪd/ | (Of an argument, story, or sentence) extremely complex and difficult to follow. | It gets very convoluted and complicated. |
| Tenacity | /təˈnæsəti/ | The quality or fact of being very determined; determination. | I’ll tell you the tenacity on this guy. |
| Propensity | /prəˈpensəti/ | An inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way. | If somebody has a propensity to use narcotics. |
| Emissary | /ˈemɪsəri/ | A person sent on a special mission, usually as a diplomatic representative. | Sonny sent me as an emissary to go talk to these group of people. |
| Unbeknownst | /ˌʌnbɪˈnoʊnst/ | Without the knowledge of (someone). | Unbeknownst to him, Rolling Stone magazine really didn’t like the Hells Angels. |
| Stagnated | /ˈstæɡneɪtɪd/ | Ceased to flow or move; ceased to develop. | It just kind of stagnated and never got officially presented for a vote. |
| Autonomous | /ɔːˈtɒnəməs/ | (Of a country or region) having the freedom to govern itself or control its own affairs. | Our Hells Angels charters are autonomous to each other. |
Vocabulary Flashcards
While-viewing Tasks
Complete these tasks while watching the interview:
Guided Notes
Fill in the key information as you watch:
- George Christie’s former role:
- The name of the most famous Hells Angel leader:
- The two rival clubs mentioned most often:
- The year Christie met Sonny Barger: .
- Christie’s job while being a Hells Angel leader: .
Questions
Answer the following questions briefly:
- What distinction does Christie make between an “outlaw” and a “criminal”?
- Why did Christie decide to leave the Hells Angels in 2011?
- What happened to the “Orphans” clubhouse in Ventura?
Checklist
Tick the items as you hear them discussed:
- Mention of the Vietnam War veterans
- The 1948 Hollister riot
- “Big Carl” (Wait, wrong video, ignore) -> Mention of “Big Vinnie”
- Mention of the RICO Act
- Story about the Olympic Torch
Embedded Video:
Fill in the Blanks Exercise
1. Christie says he always wanted to be an , not a criminal.
2. The phrase “no 3 ft of level ground” is not relevant here, but Christie mentions the phrase damage when discussing bombings.
3. Sonny Barger was the leader of the charter.
4. Christie worked for the Department of while being a Hells Angel.
5. The two rival clubs mentioned are the Mongols and the .
6. Anthony “Tony” Tait was an FBI .
7. To be an effective peacemaker, you have to be willing to go to .
8. Christie’s daughter served as his .
9. The RICO Act stands for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt .
10. Christie mentions meeting Spilotro in Las Vegas.
11. The Hells Angels charters are to each other.
12. Christie quit the club in the year .
13. Sonny Barger eventually moved to the state of .
14. Christie argues the club became the people they originally against.
15. The “Golden Rule” mentioned involves getting kicked out for against other members.
Vocabulary Quiz
Fact or Fiction Quiz
Extension Activities
Choose from these activities to extend your learning:
RICO Act Research
Research the RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act. Write a short essay explaining why it was created and how it has been used against organizations like the Hells Angels and the Mafia.
Medium
“Outlaw” vs. “Criminal” Debate
Christie argues there is a difference between an “outlaw” and a “criminal.” Discuss this with a partner. Do you agree with his distinction? Why or why not?
Easy
Leadership Profile
In groups, create a profile of two different leadership styles based on the interview: Sonny Barger vs. George Christie. List the pros and cons of each style as described by Christie. Discuss which style is more effective for a long-term organization.
Hard