by Paul Costello
Bill Hicks was one of America’s best and most intense stand-up comedians. Travelling the country on what he routinely called his “Flying Saucer Tour,” Hicks preached his unique brand of comedy: caustic, vitriolic, profane, cathartic, fearless, honest, hilarious. Though he had something of a fanbase, he remained largely uncelebrated on his home turf during his lifetime, having some more success in the UK. Hicks sadly died on February 26th 1994 of pancreatic cancer at the age of 32, because cancer really is an asshole.
Bill Hicks was one of America’s best and most intense stand-up comedians. Travelling the country on what he routinely called his “Flying Saucer Tour,” Hicks preached his unique brand of comedy: caustic, vitriolic, profane, cathartic, fearless, honest, hilarious. Though he had something of a fanbase, he remained largely uncelebrated on his home turf during his lifetime, having some more success in the UK. Hicks sadly died on February 26th 1994 of pancreatic cancer at the age of 32, because cancer really is an asshole.
However, in the years since his death, Hicks’s work has grown with a increasing pace, gathering momentum as more and more people become aware of who he was and why he was so good at what he did. He’s been voted amongst the top five comedians of all time more than once; several very successful stand-ups working today have identified him as an inspiration; he’s appeared in the comic book series Preacher; been the subject of TV specials; and had his life story told in Cynthia True’s brilliant biography American Scream and the documentary film American: The Bill Hicks Story. Russell Crowe is even reportedly working on directing a Hicks biopic.
Let this be clear: Bill Hicks is a goddamn legacy.
One of the most enduring parts of his legacy comes from The Bill Hicks Official Tribute Nights, which have been running since 2004, ten years after Hicks’s death (started by Matt Harlock, who directed American: The Bill Hicks Story). At such nights, fans would gather together to remember the man who squeegeed their third eye. It also helps to support The Bill Hicks Wildlife Foundation (a network of volunteers who dedicate their time to helping Texas wildlife) and No Surrender (the UK cancer charity that started one of the first online social networks to connect sufferers and now raise funds through special events to support research projects into the causes and potential cures for pancreatic cancer).
Let this be clear: Bill Hicks is a goddamn legacy.
One of the most enduring parts of his legacy comes from The Bill Hicks Official Tribute Nights, which have been running since 2004, ten years after Hicks’s death (started by Matt Harlock, who directed American: The Bill Hicks Story). At such nights, fans would gather together to remember the man who squeegeed their third eye. It also helps to support The Bill Hicks Wildlife Foundation (a network of volunteers who dedicate their time to helping Texas wildlife) and No Surrender (the UK cancer charity that started one of the first online social networks to connect sufferers and now raise funds through special events to support research projects into the causes and potential cures for pancreatic cancer).
And this year marks the 20th Anniversary of that man’s death, which makes this year’s Tribute Night extra special. Not only will it see live comedy from comedians like Robin Ince and Brendon Burns, but will also see members of Hicks’s family (his mother Mary, brother Steve and sister Lynn) in attendance for the celebration. There will also be an onstage interview with Bill’s brother Steve.
As someone who has been a massive fan of Bill Hicks for over a decade, I urge you to get yourself along to this event if you can. My life would be vastly different were it not for the influence of Bill Hicks's comedic truth-telling and I cannot recommend getting to know his work highly enough. Not only will it be supporting two incredibly worthwhile causes, but it will be a chance to be part of the something special dedicated to the memory of one of the genuine greats of stand-up comedy. And if you’re still not entirely sure who Bill Hicks is, this is a great way to learn.
For a rundown of the event, see details below.
Date: Wednesday 26th February 2014
Time: 7 – 11pm
Venue: Dingwalls, Camden 11 Middle Yard, Camden, NW1 8AB
Tickets: £15 and available via www.eventbrite.com
Acts:
Live comedy from Robin Ince, Brendon Burns & Jeff Innocent (MC)
Steve Hicks onstage interview & Q&A
Rare clips programme from the Hicks archive
BBC6Music’s Shaun Keaveny segment presenter
Music from upcoming singer/songwriter Daniel Glove
Great prizes & giveaways
As someone who has been a massive fan of Bill Hicks for over a decade, I urge you to get yourself along to this event if you can. My life would be vastly different were it not for the influence of Bill Hicks's comedic truth-telling and I cannot recommend getting to know his work highly enough. Not only will it be supporting two incredibly worthwhile causes, but it will be a chance to be part of the something special dedicated to the memory of one of the genuine greats of stand-up comedy. And if you’re still not entirely sure who Bill Hicks is, this is a great way to learn.
For a rundown of the event, see details below.
Date: Wednesday 26th February 2014
Time: 7 – 11pm
Venue: Dingwalls, Camden 11 Middle Yard, Camden, NW1 8AB
Tickets: £15 and available via www.eventbrite.com
Acts:
Live comedy from Robin Ince, Brendon Burns & Jeff Innocent (MC)
Steve Hicks onstage interview & Q&A
Rare clips programme from the Hicks archive
BBC6Music’s Shaun Keaveny segment presenter
Music from upcoming singer/songwriter Daniel Glove
Great prizes & giveaways
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