In a move that lifts the lid on one of the world's most notorious bikie gangs, the national president of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club has authored a candid tell-all book from his Illawarra home.
An Unfiltered Life in the Brotherhood
Tony Vartiainen, known as 'Big Tony', the Illawarra-based national leader of the Bandidos, has penned what he describes as an "unfiltered and unapologetic" history of the club. The book, titled Bandidos MC: Past, Present and Future, traces Vartiainen's personal path from his childhood in New Zealand to leading one of the globe's largest motorcycle clubs.
In statements released through his publisher, New Holland Publishers, Vartiainen said the work was written "with my hand on heart" to explain the meaning of wearing the club's patch and living by its code. He emphasises themes of loyalty, resilience, and brotherhood, arguing the club continues to grow across Australia despite legislative crackdowns.
While it is believed the manuscript was written from his Illawarra residence, this detail remains unconfirmed as Vartiainen declined a request for an interview from the Illawarra Mercury.
Jail Meetings and a Notorious Massacre
The publication delves into pivotal moments in the club's 40-year history, featuring rare photographs and accounts from founding members. Vartiainen reveals that his own entry into the Bandidos began in 2012 after a fateful meeting with a member while both were serving time in jail.
Perhaps the most significant historical event covered is the infamous Milperra Massacre on September 2, 1984. The deadly Father's Day shootout between the Bandidos and rival Comancheros at the Viking Tavern in Sydney's south-west resulted in seven fatalities, including a 14-year-old girl who was selling raffle tickets. The book addresses this dark chapter, which led to the arrest of over 30 people and the questioning of 500 witnesses.
Canberra Launch and Collector's Edition
The book's release was marked by a high-profile gathering in mid-November 2025. Just five days after publication, Bandidos members rode to Canberra for a launch event and meeting on November 14 and 15, an unusual public display in the national capital. The Canberra Times reported it was the first such public gathering by the club in the ACT, a jurisdiction without laws banning the wearing of club colours in public.
Monitoring such gang meetings has come at a significant cost; police resources exceeding $400,000 have been deployed to surveil similar gatherings in Canberra since 2024.
For dedicated followers, a special collector's edition of the book is available. This version is housed in a metal box with a clip lock and is personally signed by Vartiainen, who refers to himself as the "1%er Presidente." Within its pages, the Bandidos boss asserts that the brotherhood is "built on blood, sweat and sacrifice" and claims it remains "in good hands."
