Former Hells Angel George Christie Stars in One-Man Show, 'Outlaw'

Growing up in Southern California, George Christie was drawn to the rebellious lifestyle of notorious biker clubs at a young age, hanging out with the likes of The Question Marks and Satan Slaves, eventually joining the Los Angeles chapter of the Hells Angels. In 1978, he founded the club's Ventura chapter and quickly rose to fame battling police, prosecutors, rival gangs and members of his own organization for more than three decades.

Now, Christie shares his journey from accused (though not convicted) murderer and arsonist to legitimate business owner and family man in the new, solo stage production "Outlaw." Based on his memoir "Exile on Front Street: My Life as a Hells Angel and Beyond," with a script by Richard La Plante, the show explores how the son of poor Greek immigrants became one of the most influential leaders of the world's most infamous motorcycle club.

"This show has taken me deeper into realizing why I became who I am," Christie said. "I am not making excuses, nor am I condemning my old lifestyle. It's helping me find peace with myself. I don't think you can grow if you don't explore the good with the bad."

During his years with the Hells Angels, Christie survived gang wars, multiple prosecutions and attempts on his life. In 1979, he was among a group of Hells Angels members targeted by then-U.S. Attorney Robert Mueller, who is now spearheading the investigation into alleged Russian influences on the 2016 presidential election. Through it all, Christie considered himself a peacemaker among outlaw bikers.

"The crime rate in Ventura was lower when I ran the Hells Angels," he said. "We didn't allow drive-by shootings. I told our members they could deal with problems, but not in ways that endangered the community. I kept innocent people from getting hurt."

Christie left the Hells Angels in 2011 and began writing, speaking, promoting concerts and consulting for defense attorneys. In 2015, The History Channel produced a documentary series about him, titled "Outlaw Chronicles: Hells Angels." While the documentary focused on the Hells Angels, playwright and co-producer Richard La Plante said the new stage production will offer a more personal portrait of Christie.

"I find George's story compelling because I believe if he was not an outlaw and had not chosen that path in life, he could have been the president of a large cooperation or a state senator," La Plante said. "He has the brains and charisma to do anything and be anyone. It was those brains and charisma that took him to the top of the outlaw biker world. It was his choice, guided by circumstance, and one that he has never regretted or whined about."

"Outlaw" is produced by Charles Lago in association with DTLA Entertainment Group, which hopes to take the production nationwide, following a trial run at the following locations:

April 11 and 12: Ventura, CA, Rubicon Theatre Company

April 14: Palm Desert, CA, The Joslyn Center

May 2-3 - Santa Barbara, CA, Center Stage Theater

May 5 - Sacramento, CA, The Guild Theater

June 2 - Las Vegas, NV, Baobab Stage Theatre

"Outlaw" is recommended for ages 16 and older. Information about the show is available at www.GeorgeChristieOutlaw.com. Information about George Christie is available at www.GeorgeChristie.com.

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