Bill Hicks: Sane Man

Ok it's true. I TOO am from Austin, TX. (Are people in Austin the only ones who know this gem exists?) Therefore, I might be slightly biased. I know several comics in the local scene here and most all of the comics wish to be Bill Hicks on SOME level. Bill Hicks is to our generation what Lenny Bruce was to that of the late 1950's and early to mid 1960's. In my opinion, the BEST comedy is the type that not only makes you laugh but challenges you to think and ask questions as well. It is also rife with social commentary.

This performance video is NOT for the "squeamish" and "sensitive". If you appreciate the "comedic stylings" of Adam Sandler or Dana Carvey, or if you have ever said to yourself: "Damn that Carrot Top is funny! Where DOES he come up with these things?!?!?" then I suggest you move along. For as you spend time reading this TV show "COPS" is on the air somewhere and you're MISSING IT!

If however you fall into that "other" category, this might just be your ticket.

Bill Hicks was never one to mince words, and this 1989 taping at the "Laugh Stop" in Austin, TX. is certainly no exception. This film was made primarily as a "demo" for the folks at HBO in hopes of lading Bill a spot in their "One Night Stand" series. Thanks to Bill's friend Kevin Booth, we now have this as a piece of his lasting legacy.

In this set, Bill touches on several issues from smoking, to drugs, to religion, to pornography, to musical pop culture. (This part's a HOOT! If this particular bit doesn't make sense to you, insert more current names. It will become clear.) This was Bill at the height of his career. He was exceedingly vibrant and full of life. --- Sadly, as with most truly great artists, he was taken from us at age 32 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Still, once you watch this you will be begging for more. I promise! (This is assuming you got the joke to begin with. If you didn't do not fear. I think Nick at Night is running "Who's the Boss" right now, and if you hurry, you can catch it.)

When you then find yourself in need of a "Hicks fix", there is much to be gleaned. (You're already ON the internet! Just do a search for "Bill Hicks".) There are four albums produced when Bill was still alive and two that were released years after his death. There are also various videos to be had. After a few good doses of Hicks, you will be amazed and astounded at how the insights of a man that young can be so profound and so relevant to today's society and culture. (The rest of you will look at the screen like a dog that's just been shown a card trick.)

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For those of you who have over the years enjoyed the humor of Denis Leary, I would HIGHLY suggest that you view this video and listen to a few of Bill's Albums. I am sad to report to you that Denis "hacked" a good majority of his early act from Bill Hicks. Denis however was a more toned down almost "user friendly" version of Hicks.

There is a VERY dark joke amongst comics: Q: "Why did Bill Hicks die but Denis Leary continues to live? A: "Because there's 'No Cure for Cancer'."

(And as Bill's friend Jimmy Pineapple would say, "Case F***ing Closed!")