Mark ` ` Chopper '' Read died after battle with liver cancer , he says . I 'll nick anything if it 's not bolted down , and if it is , I 'll use a heavy vehicle to rip it off . ' He was once one of London 's most colorful and violent crime figures . Read was portrayed by Eric Bana in the 2000 film based on his life ` ` Chopper '' Despite spending decades in prison , Read cultivated a successful music career .
Mark ` ` Chopper '' Read died after battle with liver cancer , he says . He was once one of London 's most colorful and violent crime figures . Read was portrayed by Eric Bana in the 2000 film based on his life ` ` Chopper '' Despite spending decades in prison , Read cultivated a successful music career .