No single human being has ever had as much influence on me as Bill Hicks had. Not one. Sure, Bob Dylan makes me think and I like the Beatles, I’ve even been known to laugh at Monty Python. They never completely changed my perception of the world though.
The first time I ever saw any of his act must have been on Channel 4 (looking back it was probably Relentless), the vehemence with which he attacked those things that disgusted him was amazing. I’d never seen someone so angry, or informed, about a subject.
Virtually unknown in the states Hicks only ever really became moderately famous in the UK. Part of the reason for his lack of success in the States could be attributed to his poor opinion of America, and his disappointment in people he once admired. Jay Leno, presenter of The Tonight Show, was one such entertainer. Originally idolised by Hicks for his comedic ability Hicks noted that he’d been reduced to hawking Doritos not even when he needed the money. “You not got enough money, you fucking whore? You’ve got to sell snacks to fucking bovine America now?”. It was this kind of rampant commercialism that dissapointed Bill the most.
Outspoken on virtually all the topics you could care to mention from the Kennedy assassination to people involved in marketing (”Kill yourselves.”) Hicks has left a lasting impression on my world and would suggest that you try and let him do the same to you.
Bill Hicks died of pancreatic cancer on the 26th of February 1994 and the world’s just a little bit heavier for it.
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