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.
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!
ReplyDeleteI 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?!
ReplyDeleteJudging by the one date I could make out and their photos I would say they did not die from old age
ReplyDeleteAs imposing in the cemetery as they were on the road. Can't miss 'em.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting headstones. I guess even the darker side needs to be remembered! :)
ReplyDeleteOh I think you have a find in these headstones. I'm LOL which I probably shouldn't be doing!
ReplyDeleteV
What a great find! Makes we want to take a trip down there to see them for myself.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the Hells Angels is a club you never leave, even after death! Nice find.
ReplyDeleteOh my!
ReplyDeleteJudging by their consistency, you may be right about them being memorial stones.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly stand out!
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" ?
ReplyDeleteI love the contrast between a man nicknamed "The Thug" and the sweet flowers on his grave.
ReplyDeleteThis is AMAZING! I never expected to see such a thing.
ReplyDeletewow! and all with their picture...
ReplyDeleteits funny, in a way..
My head snapped when I saw the photo. Wow - so Oakland, so tragic, and so strange. Love all the bright and happy flowers.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt if you happened by at midnight, the rumble of ghostly Harleys would be heard...
ReplyDeleteStrange and impacted image!
ReplyDeleteGosh
ReplyDeleteSad, 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.
ReplyDeleteSuch a striking picture.
ReplyDeleteI can't say it's cool, but it's very creative and unexpected! ;-)
ReplyDeleteA fascinating find.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteTo 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.
ReplyDelete