Everyone with a TV read this (Bill Hicks)

Tonight on bbc4 at 10pm they're showing AMERICAN: THE BILL HICKS STORY.
Followed up by the REVELATIONS performance at 11.40, the last really big gig he ever did before passing away.

Those who like Hicks already know the score, but anyone who hasn't, please watch this, or at least tape it.

Don't want to sound like the Bill Hicks sheep who namedrop him without actually understanding his message so instead it's best to let the man speak for himself.

If you haven't seen the doc, or the gig, please watch it, one of the more significant freethinking artists we've had.
(repeated at 1.20am)

He's a little dated and course for my tastes.

Isn't that nice Micheal Macintyre on the BBC earlier?

I mean no offence but I always thought Ben Elton did the whole angry polemic with more craft and elegance.

A few years ago, I really wanted to see what he was all about. What with all the hype surrounding him, I finally managed to acquire myself a tape from one of his shows. What a disappointment. I suppose I didn't get it or him and what he was always about.

Does anyone find him funny (is he supposed to be funny?) or is it just about what he's saying?

Dated? Well his newest stuff is twenty years old!

Quote: Leevil @ August 27 2011, 4:29 PM BST

Does anyone find him funny (is he supposed to be funny?) or is it just about what he's saying?

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Yes, I find him funny.

Of course he's supposed to be funny. Even if it doesn't tickle you, I think it's pretty clear he's delivering routines and lines that are supposed to make you laugh.

I heard him give an interview on his worst ever gig that was aces.

But I dunno he always seemed to overwork his jokes.

Quote: Matthew Stott @ August 27 2011, 4:30 PM BST

Of course he's supposed to be funny. Even if it doesn't tickle you, I think it's pretty clear he's delivering routines and lines that are supposed to make you laugh.

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It was a genuine question. I promise. I assumed he was going for anti-comedy. "You laugh at this, then you're one of them". Whoever "them" are. When I watched One Night Stand (I believe it was). I felt like the audience I could hear roaring their arses off with laughter were watching a different show. I only remember raising a smile once. I simply didn't get it.

Quote: Leevil @ August 27 2011, 4:34 PM BST

It was a genuine question. I promise. I assumed he was going for anti-comedy. "You laugh at this, then you're one of them". Whoever "them" are. When I watched One Night Stand (I believe it was). I felt like the audience I could hear roaring their arses off with laughter were watching a different show. I only remember raising a smile once. I simply didn't get it.

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No, not anti-comedy at all!

Anti comedy?

Is that,

I want to give my aunty a drink it'll be funny
SHE DRINKS LIKE A FISH!!!

Did he role straight into being what he was or did he start his standup career of telling one liners and really cheesy jokes? I hope so!

Quote: Leevil @ August 27 2011, 4:38 PM BST

Did he role straight into being what he was or did he start his standup career of telling one liners and really cheesy jokes? I hope so!

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He definitely developed into the more political stuff as he went along.

Quote: sootyj @ August 27 2011, 4:38 PM BST

Anti comedy?

Is that,

I want to give my aunty a drink it'll be funny
SHE DRINKS LIKE A FISH!!!

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C'mon, you know what I mean. Self-loathing comedian. Doing it ironically or for some other knobbish reason.

Quote: Leevil @ August 27 2011, 4:39 PM BST

C'mon, you know what I mean. Self-loathing comedian. Doing it ironically or for some other knobbish reason.

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No, he wasn't being ironic, he meant what he said.

Yes I know what anti comedy is if you knew anything of my works you would know that I have mastered it.

I also like puns.

I am a renaissance master of all the comedic arts.

Quote: Matthew Stott @ August 27 2011, 4:40 PM BST

No, he wasn't being ironic, he meant what he said.

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Are you calling my aunt an alcoholic?

Quote: Matthew Stott @ August 27 2011, 4:39 PM BST

He definitely developed into the more political stuff as he went along.

View original

I think he had great stage presence and before getting to see a full performance any clips I saw looked really good. I was eager to see him. His chosen material and subjects meant nothing to me though. I still don't understand what he was going on about. I'm not really into following politics, so a lot of it, especially American politics goes right over my head. What's left after that? Some sick jokes and angry antidotes?

Admitting to not understanding politics says more about you then it does about Hicks.