Members gather outside the historic clubhouse in Oakland. The Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club celebrates the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Oakland Chapter back in 1957. Members from all over the world arrive to join the celebration beginning at the historic club on Foothill Blvd. in Oakland. Photographed in, Oakland, Ca, on 3/30/07. Photo by: Michael Macor/ The Chronicle

Photo: Michael Macor

Members gather outside the historic clubhouse in Oakland. The...

Image 2 of 4

A placque in front of the club shows the history. The Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club celebrates the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Oakland Chapter back in 1957. Members from all over the world arrive to join the celebration beginning at the historic club on Foothill blvd. in Oakland. Photographed in, Oakland, Ca, on 3/30/07. Photo by: Michael Macor/ The Chronicle

Photo: Michael Macor

A placque in front of the club shows the history. The Hell's Angels...

Image 3 of 4

Members gather in front of the club. The Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club celebrates the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Oakland Chapter back in 1957. Members from all over the world arrive to join the celebration beginning at the historic club on Foothill Blvd. in Oakland. Photographed in, Oakland, Ca, on 3/30/07. Photo by: Michael Macor/ The Chronicle

Photo: Michael Macor

Members gather in front of the club. The Hell's Angels Motorcycle...

Image 4 of 4

Members Harry from Germany, Weinel from Germany, A Chicago member and Ingo from Berlin made the trip to Oakland to join in on the celebrations. The Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club celebrates the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Oakland Chapter back in 1957. Members from all over the world arrive to join the celebration beginning at the historic club on Foothill blvd. in Oakland. Photographed in, Oakland, Ca, on 3/30/07. Photo by: Michael Macor/ The Chronicle

Photo: Michael Macor

Members Harry from Germany, Weinel from Germany, A Chicago member...

Hells Angels head to Oakland this weekend to celebrate club's 50th birthday

2007-03-30 21:20:51 PDT -- 03-30) 21:20 PDT OAKLAND - It was a rather unusual 50th birthday party featuring rock bands, an Elvis impersonator and lots and lots of leather.

The Oakland Chapter of the Hells Angels celebrated its half-century mark at Historic Sweet's Ballroom on Broadway, joined by myriad other bike clubs that turned out to show their support. Members of the Heavy Hitters, Skeleton Crew, Saints and Sinners, The Most Hated - and even an all-woman bike club called She Devils lined up down the block to get into the party.

Steve Brown, an organizer of the event and a member of the Hells Angels for 25 years, said that despite their outlaw reputation, they're really pretty average men.