In ‘The Bikeriders,’ Johnny Davis, the leader of the Vandals, is assisted in overseeing the club’s operations by his loyal aide, Brucie. The man, serving as his personal aide, is frequently eclipsed by other characters in the film, particularly his superior and Benny Cross.
His indispensable aid is increasingly required as the gang expands its operations and power, therefore accommodating the peculiarities of the biker organization.
Although individual members exhibit little regard for adhering to norms and regulations, Brucie frequently conforms, and his influence within the narrative intensifies as the story unfolds. An in-depth analysis of his origins indicates that the fascinating figure is modeled by a real individual.
The Origins of Brucie
‘The Bikeriders’ comes from the 1968 homonymous photo book by Danny Lyon, which documents his experiences with the Outlaws Motorcycle Club in Chicago. During that time, Lyon engaged with Brucie, the actual equivalent of the Vandals member overseeing the club’s activities under Johnny Davis.
Brucie is commemorated in a photograph by Lyon entitled ‘Brucie, his CH, and Crazy Charlie, McHenry, Illinois.’ The screenplay, authored by Jeff Nichols, who also directed the film, characterizes Brucie as an electrician who became a member of the Vandals and acted as Johnny’s right-hand man from the outset.
Brucie asserts that his parents disapprove of his motorcycle pursuits and that society, broadly, unjustly critiques criminal culture. In an interview with Lyon, Funny Sonny, who transitioned to the Outlaws from the Hells Angels, recounted his initial encounter with Brucie, also referred to as Bruce, and his partner, Gail.
He stated, according to the source material, “And Bruce and Gail, are you familiar with Bruce and Gail?” Gail inquires about the appearance of the Angels in California. Bruce turned to her and indicated me, stating, “Estimate about 150 to 200 of him, and you will grasp the point immediately.”
Following Benny’s assault by two men in a bar for declining to remove his jacket, Johnny, Brucie, and the other Outlaws proceed to the location to exact retribution for their wounded comrade. During Kathy’s interview with Lyon, she stated, “Then the Outlaws arrived, and they intended to incinerate the establishment.”
It was unfavorable. The Outlaws – Corky, Johnny, Wahoo, Bruce, and numerous others. They intended to incinerate the pub across the street because that is where the incident occurred. Benny was not present in the tavern.
He was situated outside the tavern. Consequently, Brucie was invariably at the center of the action whenever conflict arose, owing to his position within the organization. He was a prominent enforcer among the Outlaws and consistently depended upon during crises.
What Was the Cause of Brucie’s Death in the Bikeriders?
In the movie’s story, disaster happens when Brucie dies in an auto crash as his motorcycle collides with a car reversing from its parking space. Brucie dies instantly when his skull collides with the car, a consequence of the gang’s common culture of not wearing helmets while riding.
Kathy characterizes it as a pivotal moment in the screenplay, discussing how the Vandals transformed from a mere refuge for bikers into a more malevolent group following Brucie’s demise. This segment of the narrative intertwines reality and fiction, as Danny Lyon’s book omits any reference to Brucie’s death or Kathy’s elaboration on it, unlike the film.
Johnny’s attempts to send flowers to Brucie’s funeral home are illustrated through an unconnected incident.
In reference to the suicide of an Outlaws member named Paul, the club president, Johnny, stated, “I ultimately contacted a florist and instructed him to deliver the flowers there; he informed me that they were not accepting flowers, but I insisted he send them regardless.”
I assert that they may consume them if they refuse to accept them. I assert that it is inconsequential to me. I desire the flowers to be dispatched. The individuals contributed collectively for a substantial floral arrangement.
Approximately four feet in circumference, a substantial floral arrangement similar to those purchased for all club members who have deceased, regardless of their current affiliation, provided they were in good standing at the time of their departure.
Brucie’s parents loathe Johnny for his influence on their son’s motorcycling lifestyle, a sentiment mirrored in Paul’s relatives’ response to Johnny in Lyon’s narrative.
The precise circumstances surrounding Brucie’s end remain unclear, as Lyon stated in an interview with A Rabbit’s Foot, “Most of the bikers I knew are deceased.”
Occasionally, I receive inquiries from their offspring, frequently regarding parents I was acquainted with but they were not. As time has elapsed, knowledge concerning members of the Outlaws has diminished. Nichols attempted to ascertain the locations of numerous bikers, but was unsuccessful.