Such is Bill's legacy that it has become a common occurrence for Bill to be quoted or his material referenced by writers in all sort's of unusual publications. Sometimes for the most obscure reasons.
Here are two interesting ones this week-
The Economist
Beyond the edge
Whatever happens to Greece, the failings of the euro zone have not been addressed
BILL HICKS, a comedian, used to joke that there must be a “ledge beyond the edge”. How else could the survival of Keith Richards be explained? What goes for rock stars also appears to go for Greece, which has been on the brink of a second bail-out package for weeks.
Read more
Chicago Reader
Another sold-out show, another "Freebird!"
At last night's sold-out Heartless Bastards show at Lincoln Hall, the inevitable happened: some dolt hollered "Freebird" during the quiet time between songs of the Bastards' set. His hackneyed shout-out to the nine-minute Skynyrd romp elicited an immediate chorus of boos from what was, all things considered, a pretty mellow crowd, which had till then seemed content to soak up the chill high brought on by Erika Wennerstrom's wailing. The band chuckled at the audience's disgust, and bassist Jesse Ebaugh said something like, "I don't think I've ever heard an entire audience boo one guy like that."
In a 2005 Wall Street Journal piece called "Rock's Oldest Joke: Yelling 'Freebird!' in a Crowded Theater," Jason Fry investigates the inane ritual's origin. At one point he tells the story of an enraged, almost otherworldly freak-out by comedian Bill Hicks during a Chicago show in the early 90s:
Read More
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
University Times article - Remember, You Are Unique; Just like Everyone Else
Robert Grant
Staff Writer
In a now famous stand-up routine, Bill Hicks, the viciously articulate comedian, begins a section of his show with an unusual imperative to all those involved in marketing and advertising. His advice? “Kill yourselves”. Of course, the audience laughs along, assuming this to be just another piece of shocking rhetoric Bill is known for. But he goes on:
Seriously though, if you are, do. Ah, no really, there’s no rationalisation for what you do and you are Satan’s little helpers. Okay – Kill yourself, seriously. You are the ruiner of all things good, seriously. No this is not a joke, you’re going “there is going to be a joke coming” there’s no fucking joke coming.
At this point one begins to suspect that Bill’s routine is descending into a rather mean, hate-filled rant. However, as with all great comedians, he averts this danger by revealing a piercingly perceptive critique of contemporary society. He continues:
Staff Writer
In a now famous stand-up routine, Bill Hicks, the viciously articulate comedian, begins a section of his show with an unusual imperative to all those involved in marketing and advertising. His advice? “Kill yourselves”. Of course, the audience laughs along, assuming this to be just another piece of shocking rhetoric Bill is known for. But he goes on:
Seriously though, if you are, do. Ah, no really, there’s no rationalisation for what you do and you are Satan’s little helpers. Okay – Kill yourself, seriously. You are the ruiner of all things good, seriously. No this is not a joke, you’re going “there is going to be a joke coming” there’s no fucking joke coming.
At this point one begins to suspect that Bill’s routine is descending into a rather mean, hate-filled rant. However, as with all great comedians, he averts this danger by revealing a piercingly perceptive critique of contemporary society. He continues:
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
WTF - Ralphie May talks about opening for Marc Maron & Bill Hicks
Stand up Ralphie May appears on Marc Maron's WTF podcast and talks about opening for Marc and Bill.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
APPETITE FOR DISRUPTION: A TRIBUTE TO BILL HICKS ON HIS 50TH BIRTHDAY
Tribute Article posted on www.fastcocreate.com
In the '90s What’s Up With That? Seinfeld era of pre-#firstworldproblems observational humor, Bill Hicks was a bristling outlier. What was up with Bill Hicks, really, was his rage. He railed against the evils of corporate greed, was outraged over consumer complacency, fought vehemently for the freedom of expression, and was deeply offended by the criminal unfunniness of Jay Leno. (No doubt, 20 years on, you can relate to one, if not all, of these trangressions.)
Much of his work has been made available over the years, but Rykodisc just released a new EP of previously unreleased material, in honor of his 50th birthday today, with plans for the definitive box set in mid-January.
While alive, his charged diatribes (which made up for in passion what they sometimes lacked in cohesion) were aggravating and off-putting to mainstream audiences, as evidenced by an infamous appearance (or rather, non-appearance) with on David Letterman that was rectified years later by the late-night host.
Much of his work has been made available over the years, but Rykodisc just released a new EP of previously unreleased material, in honor of his 50th birthday today, with plans for the definitive box set in mid-January.
While alive, his charged diatribes (which made up for in passion what they sometimes lacked in cohesion) were aggravating and off-putting to mainstream audiences, as evidenced by an infamous appearance (or rather, non-appearance) with on David Letterman that was rectified years later by the late-night host.
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