Exile on Front Street: My Life as a Hells Angel . . . and Beyond

Like any other book by an outlaw motorcycle guy, Exile on Front Street accomplishes two things: 1) It downplays the author's culpability in club chaos and criminality and 2) illustrates the horrific overreach and corruption of federal law enforcement when it comes to prosecuting these groups. I like George's persona and his writing, and I find him insightful and cool, but I believe he embellishes and minimizes history to serve his own narrative. But I would do the same thing, and so would you, so who cares. The most important thing about books like this, to a "citizen" reader like me, is how George puts on the record all of the dirty tricks and unconstitutional misbehavior of the alarmist and infantile investigators who build their careers bringing cases against motorcycle clubs. Having read books by police and the bikers alike, I am convinced that the ATF and other agencies pose a graver risk to society than a few thousand guys who allegedly sell high-grade meth and ecstasy to people who seek it out. All of that aside, George's book is similar in tone and content to many of the other biker memoirs. It is far from an exhaustive history but covers all of the necessary bases and is quick and entertaining enough to complete in one lengthy read.

I'd always been fascinated with stories about George Christie, one of the most famous (and infamous) Angels of them all. His story is one of determination, diplomacy, and grit. Being a peacemaker was great for the organization, but not so great for the bigger egos in it. And that's where George went wrong. He readily admits he loved and identified with the outlaw biker life, but also admits that he saw the error of his ways, especially as it pertains to his children. He tried to amicably walk away, but somebody wasn't going to let him, hence being exiled (out) on Front Street, which means you're working without a net or any protection. I love George's story and his keen insights. He makes no excuses for the things that went wrong, including a fractured relationship with his late son. This was a very gripping read, one I couldn't put down. I commend George for telling his story...it's one that needed to be told.

The book is an interesting read. I'm pretty sure mafiosos use the same logic as the author. As Camus said, “We are all exceptional cases. We all want to appeal against something! Each of us insists on being innocent at all cost, even if he has to accuse the whole human race and heaven itself.”The author's appeal is to honor, brotherhood, patriotism, family, and the "outlaw" mentality, which means nothing more than following one's own ethos. Yeah, so how does that make you any different from a common house cat? Well, as the author found out the hard way, cats make poor "brothers." You can't have an organization based on everyone "doing their own thing." Neither can society or any decent culture be had without shared common ground. If each is his own authority, then there is no authority. Power becomes the sole method of settling disputes. Christie laments the fact that he is no longer able to reason with his club and senses it is the beginning of the end. When every man is his own authority, all they have to do is look at you and shrug. To what will you appeal?Christie tiptoes around possibly "getting religion" at some future date. I hope he discovers the only basis for morality and rationality sooner rather than later, before he discovers his entire life has consisted of trading one illusion for another.

I was hooked on the first page and read this book in about a day. I have read a few other books about the Angels but really enjoyed this read. I felt that Mr. Christie told an honest story that was true to his heart which reflected his many years of dedication to this group of men and their ultimate club goals.Not all of it was happy but life isn't either. One thing that pissed me off was all the years, sweat and tears that was freely given to his brothers by this dedicated man, and they spat on him, and turned their backs on him, plus changed his status of a clean retirement from the club to "out bad" because one person decides he can't give up his petty hatred and or jealousy of him.

When I first thumbed through the book I found this history to be true for any club of the top 5. We all came up in the late 50’s early 60’s, most have had dealings with the ATF, Local and State Police with the Highway Patrol thrown in to boot. You will not find a virgin here! There is however, another squabble going on. ….. in the beginning George offers his opinion on an aspect of logistics that have and is still posing a problem for the hierarchy of the club.This is club business. Don’t talk out of school. Other than that this is rich history of a chapter that ran the torch for the Olympics, pictures of the world run, pic’s of the Club at its best; this history is all well and good but, the tension is still building within the two. Sonny doesn’t like the way George is standing and both can be hard headed. The book finishes as good as any autobiography will; all good in paradise and life goes on. We were told in the beginning, this book was “not" George apologizing for anything. This book is the facts.”Good history, great pictures.This one is a keeper if for nothing else than the history.

The story was a good read. Tamer than I expected, but I guess I wouldn't air too much of my "untame" past either. It makes you realize the kind of tough man it takes to live within the outlaw world. That is a lot of pressure. Glad Christie made it. His face is the one I recognize the most. I guess that recognition came from the Olympic Torch run.

I read this book very quickly and thoroughly enjoyed it as one of those great books where you don't want to put it down but if you do, picking it up again does not lose the pace or storyline. I've read a number of motorbike books about outlaws and clubs. I think this is one of the best written because it has a great human side while still revealing a brutality and mentality alien to most people unfamiliar with outlaw culture of some biker clubs. It also suggests what I think many suspect about the inadequacy and unfairness of the American criminal justice system. It is an interesting read just for that aspect. The investigating and prosecuting authorities do not emerge with much glory and the legal system certainly comes across in a very bad light.I realise that everyone tends to put their own spin on things but if the narrative is true then some of the big names in the outlaw world come across with tarnished reputations. The philosophical conclusion about the author's original attraction to the outlaw culture as he grew older was an interesting one. I won't spoil the book by revealing it though it might be obvious to many if we stopped for a moment to think about it.Overall it is a very good and easy read!

He was the President of Ventura HAMC for 30 years.The book takes the reader on an action packed journey through his time as an Hells Angel, from the war with the Mongols MC to having a contract taken out on him by the head of the Outlaws MC.He describes being part of a biker brotherhood, and being betrayed, targeted by the Feds, and the time he spent in prison.In the end he left the club for the sake of his family, only for the club leadership to turn on him.The book is an attempt for him to set the record straight, a hard hitting account of what it is means to be a Hells Angel in the good times and the bad.It is a fascinating read, I read it over a weekend.

When I first thumbed through the book I found this history to be true for any club of the top 5. We all came up in the late 50’s early 60’s, most have had dealings with the ATF, Local and State Police with the Highway Patrol thrown in to boot. You will not find a virgin here! There is however, another squabble going on. ….. in the beginning George offers his opinion on an aspect of logistics that have and is still posing a problem for the hierarchy of the club.This is club business. Don’t talk out of school. Other than that this is rich history of a chapter that ran the torch for the Olympics, pictures of the world run, pic’s of the Club at its best; this history is all well and good but, the tension is still building within the two. Sonny doesn’t like the way George is standing and both can be hard headed. The book finishes as good as any autobiography will; all good in paradise and life goes on. We were told in the beginning, this book was “not" George apologizing for anything. This book is the facts.”Good history, great pictures.This one is a keeper if for nothing else than the history.

I became interested in MC and 1% cultures due to watching ( ironically, because it gets called out in the book ) Sons of Anarchy, mainly for the brotherhood aspect. This was a great read to learn how this life looks in reality. It gives great insight into progression of things, you vs the state questions and progression in life in general.If you are, like me, interested in biker culture this is a great read.

I lived in Pierpont Ventura in the late 90s and the Ventura Hells Angels were a familiar sight on S.Seaward and riding down Main Street. They kept themselves to themselves so this book is a fascinating insight into what was happening at the time before during and after.