Motorcycle Clubs Do They Impede On Music Culture?

Motorcycle Clubs And Their Impact In The Music Counterculture

 

Motorcycle clubs are becoming a pop culture sensation. Mostly because of television shows like Sons Of Anarchy and Mayans. However, there seems to be a blurred line between attire and the MC culture. Whether it’s hip hop, heavy metal, or punk there seems to be tension and moments of embarassment. From a kid getting harassed for wearing a Sons of Anarchy vest, to Black Label Society cuts. But what is causing this to happen? Is it just the television shows? Possibly, but I think there’s more to this. So, before we cross the lines into motorcycle clubs, we must take a look at the key factors. And yes, this will be broken down and simplified.

Before we go any further, I want to make something perfectly clear. The biker filming this video is not a 1%er. And there are plenty of MC YouTubers that explain this. Dibber In The Wind, one of my favorite YouTubers touches on the topic and he shares his thoughts. Mind you, he’s a veteran biker so his thoughts and opinions are valid. “I don’t think that guy has ever been in a club in his life.” Dibbler says. And yes, he’s referring to the person with the camera. Not the kid with the SOA vest. “If he’s not a patch holder of a motorcycle club, what right does he have?”

 

Cuts And Culture

Now, you’re probably wondering why I’m talking about old news? Well, this is actually an ongoing thing. When you have YouTubers that may or may not be apart of motorcycle clubs, it just goes to show you how popular the culture is. However, the problem as previously mentioned is the blurred lines when it comes to attire and offending others. And it appears that music fans are clearly “concerned” about whether or not their vests/cuts are “safe to wear.”  This is where things get a little embarrassing. Music fans are sending Youtubers like Dibbler In The Wind pictures of their vests/cuts for approval. “Is this safe? Am I okay to wear this? Will I be okay walking around with this?” My stomach is in knots just typing this. Because odds are, these people KNOW their vests are fine to wear. However, there is merchandise causing a lot of problems.

 

Welcome To DemonsRow TV

Now, we’re #ghostin with this MC. Allow me to introduce to you a man that is a Sergeant At Arms. And if you’re anything like me, its surreal to watch this man talk about MC culture on a public platform. What you’re about to see will answer a lot of questions. However, a lot of uncertainty and unanswered questions remain. But this video is a great place to start. This is the Holy Grail of MC culture.

With all this in mind, I do not have a three piece patch on any of my vests. But, I do drive right by the Highway Men clubhouse when I head to RoxxxTV HQ and the dispensary. And I have never come into contact with any outlaw biker out here in Michigan except at work. And he is a Boozefighter. When I was in New Hampshire, I did run into a Diablo. In fact, we were working together at Green Mountain Rifle Barrel. And for those that know me, I’m not afraid of conversation. Not even with members of Motorcycle clubs.

But back to the video, towards the end its mentioned that if you’re wearing a three piece patch or colors that may offend someone, you never know what could happen. Well, in all my days of being at shows, I’ve had motorcycle riders ask me about my vest. But I’ve never come into contact with someone who’s part of a motorcycle club. And that to me is just fine. However, there may come a day when you’re in biker territory and you’re rocking your vest. What should you do?

 

Crossing Paths

As previously stated, I’m not afraid of conversing with anyone. So, when I see bikers or MC on their cuts I’m not intimidated. Now that being said, I’m respectful and I will not pick a fight with someone. Let alone a patch holder. But I will ask questions because I’m naturally curious. And before I dive into conversation, I’m going to at least have a little bit of knowledge under my belt. When working with the member of the Diablo, he invited me to come and “hangout” and I politely declined. But we remain civil and respectful.

I have a friend that started an RC out in New Hampshire. RC stands for Riding Club which means they are not a 1%er. Now, from what I’m told there is no need to “check in” if you’re starting up a riding club. But my friend went ahead and got permission any way. And there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, that’s bonus points. Again, I’m telling you all this for a reason. If you’re truly worried about what you’re wearing, just be cautious of where you’re going. If there’s a show at a biker club, maybe don’t wear your vest. But if you do, and you see a member of a Motorcycle club? Maybe start up a conversation and discuss your vest with them. Odds are, they will not care. However, they may take interest in your story. Everyone is different.

 

Questions I Have

Even with everything I’m learning about the MC culture, I still have questions that I want answered. No, I will not be apart of a Motorcycle club anytime soon. However, I’m wondering what a music fan is supposed to do to “check in” their cuts? So far, I’m learning that every club is different. But since I’m not on twos (motorcycle) I assume there’s going to be no issues. Especially because I have studs all over my vests. Yeah, I didn’t earn my patches, but each one has specific meaning to me much like my tattoos.

Secondly, if I’m asked to hand over my cut, is there a way to get it back? Thirdly, what do they do with vests they take away? And I have for you a response from Dibber In The Wind:

“What happens in that situation? They simply take it. How that goes down is totally up to you and if you hand it over or not when asked. A patch holder doesn’t have to be a high ranking member to take a cut, a prospect can take it too.”

Next question is who’s more determined to take a cut? Well, I’m guessing a prospect because he/she is trying to earn their patch. So, to me I’m more nervous about running into a prospect than a patch holder.

Lastly, how and where do you get your cut “approved?” And I’m going out on a limb here and just guessing, But you don’t just show up to their clubhouse and ring the bell. That just seems like a bad idea.

 

Final Thoughts

Again, I’m not looking for confrontation. In fact, I much prefer the idea of Motorcycle clubs and music fans chatting and being respectful. Not to mention, its unnecessary conflict. However, I’m also not one to disrespect someone unless I feel as though they’re trying to cause problems. I seriously doubt I’ll have ever have problems and I’m not saying that to be cocky. I’m simply saying that because I am not afraid of conversation. What would I do if someone asked me to take over my cut? I would simply take it off and ask if we can talk over a beer. But if someone was trying to take my vest? Well, that’s a different story. I would rely heavily on diplomatic skills and negotiation.

Again, its embarrassing to even discuss. But for some reason the conversation continues to go on and on. Mainly for attention it seems. Case in point, this kid unboxing a Black Label Society waistcoat. Just listen to what he has to say. So, get your Tums ready. You’ll need it.

“I’m going to go out and get my ass kicked by a bunch of bikers.”

And this is a video of what not to do. And not just as someone who rocks a vest, but in general. Do not be this guy. There will be a part two to this article, so stay tuned as we dive further into the motorcycle club counterculture. In the mean time, check out this interview with Block McCloud!