The future's so briiiight....

Last Spring I got to spend four days at the NYC Tattoo Convention. It was sponsored by the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. The experience was interesting to say the least. My friend Matthew, who I will introduce later and I had an effortless trip up there. I was surprised at how easy it was to get around. After checking into the Sheraton Tower on Broadway, we decided to play tourist and check out Times Square and Broadway. Knowing the next days would be hectic, we ate some sushi, had a few nightcaps (we're talking a well stocked bar here) and called it a night.

The next day I was walking out of the elevator and this young man was walking backwards toward me. He was being mobbed by people asking for his autograph. Flash bulbs were a poppin. I recognized his face but not his name. I practically caught him as I noticed the lobby was packed. It was the daytime Emmy's and many of the stars were staying here. For the next day or two we saw quite a parade of stars, limos and red carpets. After breakfast we had to get to the Roseland ballroom to set up. Artists from Japan, Spain, Austria, Italy, Cypress, Germany, South America and the United States were represented. This was a gathering of the best of the best. Almost every artist or shop I saw, I would recognize.

Lets take a little side step and go back a few years, to when a group of scientists discovered the frozen body of a person believed to be around six thousand years old. After close examination they discovered some tattoos. Seems tattooing has been around a long time. When Captain Cook made his famous trip around the world [discovering Australia, FYI ~ Ed.] he saw islanders with tattoos. These tattoos were mainly for a right of passage. They would include face tattoos and large areas on the body and thighs. Early Christians would tattoo a small cross in the palm of their hands to recognize each other from their Roman oppressors. In 1853 when Admiral Perry opened up Japan, the Japanese outlawed tattoos, afraid the Western World would think them barbaric. This was a class system where only upper classes could wear colorful attire. The lower classes would cover themselves with a full body tattoo and upon their deathbed, take off their kimono and show off their defiance. Some would even go as far as having themselves skinned and having the tattoos mounted. The Japanese style of tattooing is very thematic and often results in a full body tattoo taking years of tattooing and costing thousands of dollars. Only after sailors from around the world wanted tattoos did the Japanese allow tattooing to continue. Men such as Czar Nicholas of Russia and King George the V of England had dragons tattooed on their forearms. Even today sailors still get tattoos to document their travels.

Ok, we're back to Friday now and the show is ready to start. Having been a biker and martial artist for thirty years, I knew I was in for a long night and would have to prepare accordingly. I took a shot of scotch, slipped two Macanudos in my vest pocket, grabbed my trusty tape recorder and I knew I was ready for anything. Motorcycles were everywhere, many with the familiar deaths head skull logo. The place was electric! Everybody from wall streeters to yuppies, rubrs, bikers and the truly bazaar were here. The familiar smell of green soap filled my nostrils, as loud music, dancers, swordswallowers and a ninja demonstration took center stage. (Let's not forget Ola the trapeze artist!) The wild fashions, punk hair styles and incredible piercings reminded me of my "old" New Wave Punk Rock days. I'm talking serious platforms here! This was the World Series of the tattoo world, I knew I had my work cut out for me! I'd better get me a beer!

As I approached the front door I saw The Biker your mom had always warned you about. This was my choice for the all time, no.1 doorman. A large imposing gentleman with tattoos on his temples (everywhere else too), Mohawk hairstyle, wide leather wristbands covered with spikes, and all the biker accoutrements you would expect to see. This would be my first victim!

As I approached this guy, I asked who he rode with? "Friends" he replied. I was stunned to see tattooed across his neck were the words: Don't judge a book by its cover. Never has a case for this statement been truer. His name is Mike and I asked him about his tat. He said it was "self-explanatory" also about the name Corrine tattooed below it. "It's my wife's name", explained Mike. Corrine (the lovely) who was sitting next to Mike, promptly showed me a tattoo of Mikes name "for endearing love". Mike then stated he got Corrine's tattooed so he could "remember her name". I jumped back three feet and we all laughed. Mike then explained the different tats he had. "This was a tribute to my father, kind of a tombstone, a reminder of how much you miss them."

"Mike, could you explain your other tattoos?"

Mike: "I have a number of Indian tattoos. They have certain things in common with bikers like wanting to be free and sticking together. They also lived off the land and were close to nature with a free spirit. These tattoos help me get through the crazy, mechanical world we live in, more relaxed. I also have a lot of skulls, but I don't see them as skulls. When I was growing up I loved pirates, the freedom on the high seas. A lot of bikers get skull tattoos because it makes them look mean, but I like them because they also represent a lifestyle of men making their own way, by their own rules not like this crazy lifestyle of today. I have tattoos of tigers because they represent the same type thing."

"Mike, my friend Matthew says he has seen you before."

Mike: "About four years ago while in the antiques business, a man came into the shop. He said I should send some photos to an agent in Hollywood, I did and before I knew it, I was in several movies and soap operas. I love being typecast. For the last four years I've been on the HBO hit series OZ. (With bodyguard to the stars, martial arts expert and Hells Angel, Chuck Zito.) and things keep getting better. Don't go out and get tattoos to try and be in the movies, but if it works for you naturally fine, I would be the same way anyway."

I thanked Mike whole-heartedly and I have to say at this point, that Mike was a complete gentleman and total professional. He is warm, genuine and a "cool guy". I am sure his talents were partly responsible for the success of this show.

On Saturday, friends of Matthew arrived. Jim and his daughter Alicia, John and his friend Debbie had all come to compete in the show representing the Independent Tattoo Studio.

Since Jim was a biker, I thought I would get his thoughts. "Jim, I've been riding a long time and have seen all kinds of tats, but when I see you, I see this whole magnificent body piece of a tropical rain forest. What's the story?"

Jim: "I like nature, the balance of life between the flowers, plants and animals. Nothing to do with the bike."

"So the tats reflect more of your personality?", I asked.

Jim: "Absolutley!" Jim had mentioned to Matthew earlier, that since he had put on a few pounds, "he was the only rain forest still expanding."

Next we have Weasel from Savage Creed. "Could you tell me about your tats?"

Weasel: "Some are art pieces, some have special meanings."

Which pieces mean most to you?", I asked.

Weasel: "I have some in memorial pieces for my friends who have been killed, sorta like they're always with me."

"Thanks for your time", I replied.

This next gentleman's name is George Milne. George is a devout Christian and has been a biker for 18 years. George has been the electrican and effects expert for Miss Saigon, (9yrs) Les Miserables and too many others to mention. He currently handles all these duties at the Broadway Theater next door to the David Lettermen show, for the hit musical Blast.

"George," I asked, "you even sing in the choir but you have tats all over. Can you explain?"

George: "It's a new world out there. All my tats have meaning, about my soul, my wife's soul and our kids." On Georges arm he has a band of roses to represent each member of his family. "These show the joy of them coming into the world." On his back he has a "cave style painting" of a bear. "This represents my soul and the protector, the three lionesses (my girls) watch out for the pride."

"So you feel those spirits?", I wondered.

George: "Absolutely!"

As a biker and a Christian, do you have any conflicts with your beliefs?

George: "Christ teaches to forgive and love everybody and this is just part of the whole picture, what somebody does to their body is their business. I judge nobody and I want nobody judging me."

George then tells of a funny story of how an elderly lady tried to wipe a Yin Yang tat off the back of his neck while walking through the church. She thought it was dirt.

"We are more socially accepted by the masses now. They have always wanted to be part of what they considered was our taboo underground. Now they want to express their ideas, thoughts and souls on their bodies. A lot of them are being trendy but a lot of them are coming out of their shells. First timers to bike shows and tattoo shows, many who have looked down on these things before, are older now and more accepting and can enjoy themselves now."

As I was talking to George, he was getting a full chest piece from Matthew. It was a show-stopper! People were gathered around to watch. The tattoo was a picture of two rams getting ready to butt heads. "Why?", I asked.

George: "I guess I've just butted heads with people all my life." George and I have another story that made me do a little reflecting, but that is later on.

While I was there, a Veterans MC came in to see the show. They left before I could interview any of them. I was very disappointed.

One other type of tattoo is the "one percenter". This is the outline of a diamond shape with a one percent sign in the middle. I have seen various versions such as the diamond shape with a wolf's head, lightning bolts, the number 13 and the letter M, all in the middle. These are the symbols of the hardest core bikers. Their wives and girlfriends often have the tattoo "property" of such and such a club or person. Often they will also wear this as a patch on the back of their jackets. In a previous conversation with the president of the local Pagans MC, he explained how they had come up with the idea and other clubs adopted it.

The most famous one percenters are: The Hells Angels, Pagans, Outlaws and the Banditos.

Next we will talk with the artists and get great advice from the experts. Also George and I have interesting things to share, like my biggest regret!

The editor gets his leg inked!

[Editor's Note: It just so happens that I got inked for the first time just last Saturday, so when this story turned up, I thought it was 'fate' to publish it this month!
... And yes, it hurt.. A LOT! ;-) ... ~ MJ]

(Continues next issue...)