Bill Hicks was an American stand-up comedian, who is now
seen as an icon with a strong following.
When Bill was in High School, he would write stand-up comedy
routines with his friend Dwight Slade, and then the two friends would sneak out
of their parent's house to perform their routines.
Bill gained popularity with his stand-up by performing in
nightclubs, universities and the Comedy Workshop in Houston.
Bill Hicks is known as the 'Outlaw Comic' 'regarding his ten year battle against
censorship. His entire performance on the Late Show with David Letterman was axed because
it was seen as too controversial. He become the first ever comic to be completely cut from the David Letterman
show, due to his anti-establishment jokes.
Bill Hicks was a massive influence on today's stand-up
comedians and the impact of his confrontational style can be seen in many
comedians. He even had a falling out with a fellow comedian and old friend,
Dennis Leary, because Leary was accused of plagiarism after his album 'No Cure
for Cancer' featured material very similar to Bill Hick's routine.
This made Bill apparently furious and the friendship ended on bad terms.
Bill Hick's comic style was mostly attacks on society, religion
and politics, delivered in a casual, conversational manner.
During the late 80's and early 90's, Bill put much needed ideas and perspectives
into a more humorous and condensed joke form. Bringing these ideas to audiences in a humorous way, he was able to divide
opinion.
On the 16th of June 1992, Bill was diagnosed with pancreatic
cancer that had spread to his liver. This was after years of being a heavy smoker and a heavy drinker. He continued to perform comedy even though he was receiving weekly chemotherapy
and the public was completely unaware of
his diagnosis.
Even years after his death, Bill Hicks still averages a
ranking of top ten most influential comedians of ALL TIME, EVERY YEAR.
I believe that this was because he was a comedian who was raw and had passion
and courage. His material in my opinion, was very thought provoking and boundary crossing.
After Bill Hick's death in February 1994, his legacy
continues through documentaries, fan sites and the charity The Bill Hicks foundation
for wildlife. The Bill hicks foundation for wildlife is a Texas not for profit
cooperation that helps and rescues wildlife, created in Bill Hicks's memory as
he was a profound animal lover who had a special fondness for racoons and
wolf-hybrid dogs. The foundation is run by volunteers and is named in Bill
Hick's honour as the cause of helping animals was something he loved and cared
about.
