'erm, and the Hot Licks?

Bill Hicks is nothing without recognition of the backup as well.........sorry, but I grew up listening to the stuff!

Originally posted by Razimus
I can see why letterman chose to censor it maybe it was the first jokes, they were kinda harsh

Not sure if you've seen the last video but according to Hicks, Letterman and the producers pre-approved his material, so they knew what he was going to say.

but I think the censorship was probably the best thing that ever happened to Bill Hicks, otherwise nobody would be watching those videos on youtube and I sure as heck wouldn't have ever remembered him.

You are completely wrong.

People would be watching, and I'm guessing they will be watching and listening to him for a long long time, not because he was 'harsh' but because he spoke the truth and made people think.

Bill Hicks certainly was ahead of his time, not just in the comedy but he had the framework up of an elitist family corporate control structure theory, which I believe adequately portraits society's workings. He was one smart cat.

People like him are missed. As are the two mommas.

ok anonymous... it's a subjective call but i think there is room here for some objectivity... tell me, what comedians do you find thought-provokingly funny?

In my book Hicks is right up there with two of the greats at this dark fearless satirical brand of humor... George Carlin & Lenny Bruce.

As for this particular sketch he did for Letterman, i'd rate it as one of his best.

Matter of fact now that i think of it, Hick's bit on Jesus's reaction to crosses worn as necklaces reminds me a lot of Bruce's...

If Jesus had been killed twenty years ago, Catholic school children would be wearing little electric chairs around their necks instead of crosses.

[edit on 31-1-2009 by The All Seeing I]

Thank you for the warm welcome All Seeing!
I have visited here many times, after hearing about this place on Coast To Coast AM. I've never been compelled to post anything until today however.

I really can't explain why I didn't like Hicks bit. It's a guttural thing you know, either something makes you laugh or it doesn't. Kind of beyond my control really, I either feel it or I don't.

Carlin was a comic genius there's no denying that, and his delivery was flawless. Mr. Hicks delivery was (pardon the expression) lifeless, in my opinion and I found no similarities between his and George's.
I can see I am in the minority there, so all I can say is "to each his own."

XOxo~Drea

Correction; an official-clandestine-belated-welcome to you.

On Hicks not being your cup of tea... maybe it's an issue with his delivery/style?

As for the Hick's pro-lifer bit being the sole reason letterman cut the routine, i'm thinking it could have just as well been the kill a celebrity tvshow or jesus's reaction to crucifix necklaces... he probably didn't want to be found guilty by association... and probably had visions of his ratings taking a nose dive through the floor. It is a business after all, the bulk of which is supported by an audience full of celebrity and god worshipers. Now that he has achieved everything one could dream possible in such a position... taking such "risks" no longer exist.

Bill Hicks is not for everyone, but I love his stuff.

I was really happy to see this aired, after all these years.

It wouldn't have made a difference to Bill's career if it had aired as scheduled - he was dead shortly afterwards, but it provides some satisfaction to his fans, I guess.

I've always found him to be one of the most thought-provoking comedians to take the stage. Maybe it's just because I agree with everything he says.

I wish more people would take the plunge and listen to some of his material. It's not for everyone - some of his stuff is extremely graphic and angry, but there's no shortage of insight in his work. A typical Hicks set might go something like: Sex, Violence, Sex, Sex, political commentary, Sex, Sex, philosophical insight, Violence, Sex, Violence - take a bow.

It's not like you can write him off as just another shock comic though, because he covers topics few others would dare to approach.

R.I.P. Bill Hicks. You're sorely missed.

(I can't imagine what he'd have to say about current events. It's almost a good thing he died when he did, because the nose-dive this country has taken since would surely have made his head explode out of anger and frustration.)

excellent critiques...

I'd also like to add, that if Hicks was with us today, i could see him loving this place, even doing an interview with rabbit and johnny. He's the conspiracy theorist's comic, i could just imagine his take on 9/11, Iraq, Voting Machines, Katrina.

He most certainly would have been a headliner... he's the kind of comic that is hard for the media to ignore... especially when you consider all the material he would have had during the bush years. Though i wonder if the headline would be a tragic one that left us all pondering, much like we do over JFK/RFK/MLK, over which adversaries cut his life short.

Thanks for posting this.

I remember wanting to see that particular Letterman routine, but never could, and wondered why it wasn't aired.

A moment of silence for brother Bill. I always enjoyed his stuff.

I'm a little surprised that Paul hadn't heard of Eric Johnson....shame.


Peace

I'm glad, but also sad.

I'd take two hours of his standup over any "comedy" from the past few years any day.

Hicks was fantastic and missed by many. I for one cannot stand Letterman. His boring approach and highly over-rated show outline how easily some can be amused and so called entertained. I agree with the marketing angle taken by another poster. Typical cheap antics and hollow sincerity guided by letterman.

brill