From Biker Gangs to the Big Screen: The Incredible Story of a Photographer's Life

Entertainment | June 19, 2024, 1:05 p.m.

Celebrated photographer Danny Lyon was transported back to his biker past on the set of "The Bikeriders," a drama based on his 1968 book. While visiting the set in Cincinnati, Lyon hopped on a vintage motorcycle and kick-started memories of his outlaw motorcycle club days. At 82 years old, Lyon’s rebellious spirit captured the attention of writer-director Jeff Nichols, who had sought to adapt Lyon’s book for two decades. "The Bikeriders" movie, featuring Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, and Tom Hardy, tells the rugged story of Lyon’s time with the Outlaws Motorcycle Club in the mid-1960s. Nichols expertly captures the club’s camaraderie and lawless evolution, highlighting Lyon’s captivating photography style. Lyon, who previously documented the civil rights movement, still treasures his time with the “semi-nuts” bikers as an adventurous escape. The film’s gritty portrayal and authentic portrayal of biker culture is a testament to Lyon’s enduring legacy.