LUCIFER (Rising). (Patreon)

Kenneth Anger is a cult filmmaker known for his experimental films that often feature occult and erotic themes. In his book "Secret Historian," author Justin Spring wrote about Anger's visit to the Anchor tattoo parlor where he had the word "Lucifer" tattooed across his chest, along with his young companion Bobby Beausoliel.

“Shortly after being introduced, Anger came to the Anchor to have Steward tattoo the word Lucifer across his chest in large Old English letters, and to have a similar Lucifer emblazoned across the chest of his young companion, a musician named Bobby. Because Ed Hardy was at that point keen to meet Anger, Steward arranged an evening with him in the Haight, during which Hardy lit up a “couple of high-powered joints” and the three men got high.” - Excerpt from Secret Historian

In 2011, Bobby Beausoliel, who is currently serving a life sentence for the 1969 murder of Gary Hinman, reached out to me via email. Bobby was correcting author Justin Spring's account of the Lucifer tattoos, which I had previously posted about on my website. Despite his imprisonment and the specter of his association with the Manson family, Bobby took the time to clarify some information about his tattoos, showing a dedication to accuracy even in difficult circumstances.

“Kenneth Anger may have been tattooed by Phil Sparrow, but I wasn’t a participant in that. All of my tattoos were done while I’ve been in prison, all designed by me, many tattooed by me. Other jailhouse tattoo artists did the work in the places where I couldn’t reach with my right hand or see with a mirror.” - Email from Bobby Beausoliel, 2011

He followed that email up with further context:

“Hey Shawn,

Yes, I tattooed LUCIFER on myself while at San Quentin, back in ’73. I had been caught up in a serious fracas on the SQ yard, and was in the infirmary mending a broken jaw and broken left hand. A friend smuggled some ink and guitar string into me, and I did several tattoos on myself in the weeks I was in the infirmary with my jaw wired shut and my hand in a cast. The Lucifer tattoo is below an eagle that had been done earlier. It represents a personal vow I made then to dedicate my life to creativity, renouncing violence and destructiveness, to live and express as an artist (i.e. “lightbearer”) for all of my life thereafter. I have stuck to that vow.

Bobby

PS: Hardy’s description of meeting me and what my apartment was like was the only accurate section on that page from Spring’s book you sent me.”

While historians and archivists can provide valuable insight into the past, it is important to recognize that what we do is inherently nebulous. Historical accounts are often based on fragmentary evidence, and the interpretation of that evidence can change over time. Moreover, history is ultimately shaped by the memories and perspectives of those who create and transmit it, which can be subject to biases and distortions that will ultimately be taken as fact.

Firsthand accounts can provide unique perspectives and insights that cannot be found in other sources, such as academic studies or media depictions. They can also help to contextualize and humanize the subculture, highlighting the personal stories and motivations beyond the modifications themselves.

While the challenges of finding and interviewing these sources may be daunting, the insights and perspectives they offer are well worth the effort.

Update: Kenneth Anger passed away on 11th May, 2023 at the age of 96. May he Rest in Peace.