Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Taphophile Tragics: Hells Angels

I was visiting Evergreen Cemetery in East Oakland hoping to find the graves of the Jonestown victims.  Instead I found all these headstones dedicated to Oakland Hells Angels who have died.  I felt like the girl in the Exorcist, with my head whipping around when I saw these markers on my drive by.  These definitely were not here last Fall.  Their website also mentions these men but not the new grave stones.   I think they are memorial stones rather than actual grave markers.  All that black granite with the skull logos makes an impressive display.

For more cemetery wanderings, visit Julie's Taphophile Tragics.
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24 comments:

  1. Gemma WisemanMay 8, 2012 at 1:17 AM

    Memorials making a dramatic statement! What surprises me most is to see flowers left for each one! Somehow bike riders and flowers are a surprise connection!

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  2. VioletSkyMay 8, 2012 at 2:47 AM

    I agree with Gemma - it is the flowers that are surprising. Perhaps these guys were much 'softer' than any of us on the outside could ever know?!

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  3. AndyMay 8, 2012 at 2:52 AM

    Judging by the one date I could make out and their photos I would say they did not die from old age

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  4. FranciscaMay 8, 2012 at 5:11 AM

    As imposing in the cemetery as they were on the road. Can't miss 'em.

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  5. HalcyonMay 8, 2012 at 5:56 AM

    Very interesting headstones. I guess even the darker side needs to be remembered! :)

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  6. VirginiaMay 8, 2012 at 6:16 AM

    Oh I think you have a find in these headstones. I'm LOL which I probably shouldn't be doing!
    V

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  7. John @ Beans and I on the LooseMay 8, 2012 at 10:19 AM

    What a great find! Makes we want to take a trip down there to see them for myself.

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  8. DebMay 8, 2012 at 12:33 PM

    Looks like the Hells Angels is a club you never leave, even after death! Nice find.

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  9. BirdmanMay 8, 2012 at 4:44 PM

    Oh my!

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  10. hamiltonMay 8, 2012 at 5:58 PM

    Judging by their consistency, you may be right about them being memorial stones.
    They certainly stand out!

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  11. OwenMay 8, 2012 at 7:01 PM

    Sort of scary, guess they're riding in bands around the highways of hell now... no doubt still emanating vibrations of violence and criminal acts. Who can forget their presence in the Rolling Stones concert movie "Gimmee Shelter" ?

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  12. DyannaMay 8, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    I love the contrast between a man nicknamed "The Thug" and the sweet flowers on his grave.

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  13. UnknownMay 9, 2012 at 1:12 PM

    This is AMAZING! I never expected to see such a thing.

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  14. CaTMay 9, 2012 at 2:38 PM

    wow! and all with their picture...
    its funny, in a way..

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  15. ArtandArchitecture-SF.comMay 9, 2012 at 4:10 PM

    My head snapped when I saw the photo. Wow - so Oakland, so tragic, and so strange. Love all the bright and happy flowers.

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  16. Louis la VacheMay 9, 2012 at 4:34 PM

    No doubt if you happened by at midnight, the rumble of ghostly Harleys would be heard...

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  17. CarraolMay 9, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    Strange and impacted image!

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  18. GunnMay 9, 2012 at 11:46 PM

    Gosh

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  19. JulieMay 10, 2012 at 4:15 AM

    Sad, that even in death, they hunt in packs and rely on symbolism rather that logical thought. We are going through months of drive-by shootings in Sydney because of biker turf wars. I am not a fan.

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  20. Herding CatsMay 10, 2012 at 4:32 AM

    Such a striking picture.

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  21. LúciaMay 12, 2012 at 8:55 AM

    I can't say it's cool, but it's very creative and unexpected! ;-)

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  22. Rae WalterMay 12, 2012 at 9:07 AM

    A fascinating find.

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  23. AnonymousMay 16, 2012 at 9:30 PM

    I am the wife of a Hells Angel, I am close with the Oakland HA, some of whom reside under those very headstones pictured. These men are some of the most wonderful people I will ever have the pleasure of knowing. As for those of you who think it's funny, shame on you. These ARE THE GRAVES OF AMAZING MEN WHO HAVE FAMILY AND FRIENDS....JUST LIKE YOU! SHOW ALITTLE CLASS, IF YOU CAN'T DO THAT TRY RESPECT FOR THE DEAD!

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  24. AnonymousMay 16, 2012 at 11:46 PM

    To the anonymous wife of a Hell's Angel member: my respect for the dead is reserved for those who deserved respect while they were alive. That hardly includes members of any organized crime syndicate or anyone who pledges loyalty to an ominous motto like: "When we do right, nobody remembers. When we do wrong, nobody forgets". And yup, criminals have friends and family, too. Actions speak louder than words; so please tell me what amazing things these men did that deserves my respect.

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