Controversial deep-south American comedian Bill Hicks died 20 years ago this week at the age of 32. In some circles he’s regarded as the king of dark comedy and political satire, his stand up routine is not one to be watched by the squeamish.
Hick’s early career was beset by his erratic behaviour fuelled by alcohol and drug addiction and much of his material revolves around these topics and religion.
In the late 80s early 90s, American comedy venues were reluctant to book Hicks, who then turned to the UK and Ireland where he became a huge hit.
Although Hicks died 20 years ago, he still ranks highly in many of the best comedians of all time countdowns, illustrating the timelessness of his material.
Looking back on Hicks career it’s easy to have rose-tinted glasses; however, some of his material was extremely offensive.
“If anyone here is in advertising or marketing, kill yourself. Seriously, there’s no joke coming, you are Satan’s spawn, filling the world with bile and garbage. Kill yourself now; it’s the only way to save your souls. Now, on with the show…, “ he once told his audience.
Hicks wasn’t one for the cheesy one liners, he was an intellectual comedian, funny yet he provoked thought.
His addiction to smoking never left him, instead of quantifying how many packets of cigarettes he consumed he would joke he’d expend two lighters per day.
From disability to the LA riots, anti intellectualism in the Southern US, Hicks never held back giving his opinion
Hicks was never far from controversy and his demand for free speech brought him to loggerheads in 1993 with American TV network CBS when he performed on Late Show with David Letterman.
The comedian used his now famous line; "If Jesus came back he might not want to see so many crosses". Letterman pulled his entire performance from the show allegedly because of a pro-life commercial aired at the break. The fallout from this perceived censorship only increased Hicks appeal.
Hicks never made his illness public and kept doing shows, he would joke during his final tours that his current performance would be his last.
On February 26, 1994 Bill Hicks succumbed to pancreatic cancer in his home town of Little Rock Arkansas. He left a note which read: "I left in love, in laughter, and in truth and wherever truth, love and laughter abide, I am there in spirit”.
In his short life Hicks left a large back catalogue of material and comedians such as David Cross, Russell Brand, and Ron White have stated that they were inspired by him.
Many of Bills shows are available on Youtube:
