Adrenaline Crew (originally spelled Adrenalin Crew, also known as "AC") is an American stunt team that started in Los Angeles, California. The team was originally formed to do film stunts but also created their own series of stunt, skit and prank DVDs featuring riders performing various dangerous motorcycle stunt riding and automobile stunts on public roadways.
History
Origins
Kenny Kelley
Adrenaline Crew was formed in 2002 by Kenny Kelley in Hollywood, CA. The main focus of the company was to provide actual motorcycle stunt riders to the movie industry.(1) Their first stunt work was in an indie movie titled In The Wrong Hands. (2)
One of the original members of Adrenaline Crew was Vivid Video's only male contracted adult film star Dale DaBone. Adrenaline Crew performed stunts in the movies Biker Boyz, Fear of Speed, In The Wrong Hands and Torque. They have also done the stunt work for numerous independent films as well as some higher budget adult themed films. These movies earned a combined gross of over 80 million US dollars. After the need for motorcycle stunt work had subsided, Dale left Adrenaline Crew.
In 2004, Adrenaline Crew changed their direction. Instead of doing the stunt work for other films, they began filming 'guerilla' style videos themselves (meaning without a valid permit on public roads). Which followed suit to the popular Jackass television show. This got many of the riders into legal trouble, which just helped to build the new 'outlaw' reputation the company was now going after. Other members of the crew have had their licenses revoked several times.(4)
Adrenaline Crew eventually became one of the best known motorcycle organizations in the world and released their first mainstream movie, a Pay Per View special which aired in June 2004. The special was aired on DirecTV and EchoStar and was watched by over 10,000,000 domestic and international viewers.(5)
After the success of the PPV special, Adrenaline Crew was able to secure worldwide distribution for a movie series. Several companies distributed the Adrenaline Crew DVD series overseas including Revolver Entertainment in Europe and Warner Music Group in the United States of America. The crew toured on the Van's Warped Tour to promote the DVDs and brand.(6)
Controversy
The Adrenaline Crew's rising popularity attracted attention. The television show Inside Edition aired a special investigation citing the dangers surrounding the crew's method of filming and riding calling it 'careless' and 'dangerous' to the general public. Senior Investigative Correspondent Matt Meagher commented in the piece, "It's motorcycle mayhem! They drive on the wrong side of the road, do wheelies, weave in and out of traffic, perform dangerous stunts and terrify people on the road around them. These stunt bikers risk their lives while also putting everyone else on the road in danger." (7) This upset Kenny Kelley, who had agreed to release some footage for the show so that they could share their side. Inside Edition did not air the scenes where Kenny and the crew stated that they wanted a legal place to do the stunts as well as sanctioned competitions such as the X Games. This portion of the interview was later leaked on the Internet.[1]
Following the Inside Edition investigation, many magazines also focused on the team and their extreme stunt riding. One crew member is quoted saying "Most normal people pull over when they see lights or hear sirens, we immediately drop a gear and hammer it. There isn’t a police car out there that can keep up with these bikes, so it’s a no-brainier. You have to constantly scan for police. If you see one, run the other way regardless – don’t wait for them to find a reason to pull you over. The police are here to f--k you over, so whey give them the chance?”(8)
Video game series
The 2012 smartphone video game series Race Stunt Fight has the characters from Adrenaline Crew's movie series doing tricks while racing and running from the police.
Info: The second Mainstream DVD release from Adrenaline Crew
All Stacked Up (AC Chicks DVD)
Released: November 2006
Distribution: Official website only
Info: The DVD containing uncensored footage they could not show in the mainstream releases.
Awaiting Trial "Director's Cut"
Released: January 2007
Distribution: Impact Video Distribution
Info: The uncensored version of 'Awaiting Trial'.
The Road Behind
Released: October 2007
Distribution: Impact Video Distribution
Info: A 2-hour documentary.
The Road Behind "Director's Cut"
Released: May 2008
Distribution: Official website only
Info: A remastered version of 'The Road Behind' in High Definition. Also includes 'Arena Legal' and 30 minutes of extra footage. The last DVD including Street Bike Tommy.
Double Disc "Awaiting Trail/The Road Behind" (Australian Version Only)
Released: March 2009
Distribution: Beyond Home Entertainment
Info: Australia's version of the last 2 US titles.
