If you are interested in knowing more about the rebel patch
bike gang scene in Australia, especially during the 1970s and 1980s, David Spiteri’s book
should be a real eye-opener. He has fictionalized events related to his involvement in the founding and leadership of a motorcycle club but the events described in the book are
based on real experiences. Over the last couple of weeks, Spiteri has appeared extensively in the Australian media to promote his book. I first heard of The Prez this week when he was interviewed by Trevor Chappell on ABC Radio and I was greatly impressed by Spiteri's candour and tough-guy persona. You wouldn't mess with this guy!
The blurb from the
publisher: Book Description
′This story is a true account of the
birth of outlaw motorcycle clubs in Australia. There was no template for us, it
just evolved. It shows our simple creed: loyalty to the club and respect for
your brothers.′
David Spiteri was a founding member and
long-time President of one of Australia′s first outlaw motorcycle clubs from
its inception in the early 1960s through to the early 2000s. He has been
uniquely placed to witness the clubs develop from loose affiliations of riders
to the well structured and well connected groups we see today, with links to
police, politicians and lawyers. In this never-before-told inside story,
Spiteri puts himself at risk to reveal everything from the drug trafficking
which funds the clubs′ operations to the extreme violence that continues to
make them infamous. For the first time, the true extent of the clubs′
corruption will be exposed, and the treachery and subsequent retribution
enforced by their own brand of law known as ′the code′ is brought to light. A
truly shocking and compelling look at a fascinating subculture.
To its credit, the publisher Harper Collins has in the last couple of days
posted close to 100 pages of Spiteri’s book online here: http://browseinside.harpercollins.com.au/index.aspx?isbn13=9780732294878
The first 2 or 3 pages of the book's 32 chapters are included. You will quickly develop an understanding and taste for the book's raw logic.
The first 2 or 3 pages of the book's 32 chapters are included. You will quickly develop an understanding and taste for the book's raw logic.
A 15 minute interview on ABC Radio Brisbane with Spiteri by Steve
Austin can be found here: http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2012/03/david-spiteri-the-prez.html
This is an engaging interview with Spiteri but Austin obviously has not read the book and only makes one passing reference to it. He is more interested in pumping-up a discussion about Bikie culture to reinforce the in-built perspectives of his conservative audience. Spiteri reveals two real life incidents which have been incorporated into The Prez.
This is an engaging interview with Spiteri but Austin obviously has not read the book and only makes one passing reference to it. He is more interested in pumping-up a discussion about Bikie culture to reinforce the in-built perspectives of his conservative audience. Spiteri reveals two real life incidents which have been incorporated into The Prez.
An ABC TV interview with Quentin Dempster can be found here:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-03/interview-with-david-spiteri/3866346
This is short, fascinating interview in which Dempster asks Speteri some tough informed questions.
This is short, fascinating interview in which Dempster asks Speteri some tough informed questions.
Breakfast, Monday April 16, 2012: Ross Solly interviews
David Spiteri:
This is a more recent ABC Radio (Canberra) interview in which
Spiteri discusses his personal fall-out with his motorcycle club since the
publication of The Prez. After
thirty-one years, he has handed in his colours and has donated his
custom-made Harley to the club.
Buy the book here:
I scored my copy from K-Mart where it is widely available.
Find my Book Review here: http://georgedanderson.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/book-review-david-spiteri-prez-harper.html
Find my Book Review here: http://georgedanderson.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/book-review-david-spiteri-prez-harper.html
