The Death Head

HAMC colors are sacred, and nothing is more sacred than the Death Head. The Death Head is earned, over years, and it is extremely valuable. For a non-member to even touch one, let alone own or wear one, is to invite violence. The Death Head is ALWAYS club property. Wear the Death Head while not a member of the HAMC and you are courting an instant beat down, no questions asked.

Early designs (before 1953) were copied from the insignias of the 85th Fighter Squadron and the 552nd Medium Bomber Squadron. The HAMC attributes it’s official Death Head insignia design to Frank Sadilek, past president of the San Francisco charter.

If a member leaves the club, the Death Head must be returned. This includes the removal of body ink and jewelery. Failure to do so can be a death sentence as it is considered stolen from the club.

Gear seized by cops on Vancouver Island in 2020 has an old design, one with the Death Head’s mouth open. The Nanaimo chapter was sunk by a cop rat. At some point the design was changed from an open mouth to one stitched shut – reflecting core club values. Speaking to the press and to non-members about the club or other members is strictly forbidden. In antiquity, stitching the dead’s mouth shut prevented secrets from being told in the afterlife.

HELLS ANGELS®, HAMC®, and the Death Heads (winged skull logos)® are trademarks of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Corporation. While the patent has expired, the trademarks are often defended by the club.