William Melvin Hicks (December 16, 1961 – February 26, 1994) was an American stand-up comedian, social critic, satirist, and musician. His material—encompassing a wide range of social issues including religion, politics, and philosophy—was controversial and often steeped in dark comedy.
At the age of 16, while still in high school, Hicks began performing at the Comedy Workshop in Houston, Texas. During the 1980s, he toured the U.S. extensively and made a number of high-profile television appearances, but it was in the UK that he amassed a significant fan base, filling large venues during his 1991 tour.[1] He also achieved some recognition as a guitarist and songwriter.
Hicks died of pancreatic cancer on February 26, 1994, at the age of 32. In subsequent years, his work gained significant acclaim in creative circles—particularly after a series of posthumous album releases—and he developed a substantial cult following. In 2007, he was No. 6 on Channel 4’s list of the “100 Greatest Stand-Up Comics”,[2] and rose to No. 4 on the 2010 list.[3] In 2017, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him No. 13 on its list of the 50 best stand-up comics of all time.[4]
Comedy Dynamics sits down with Bill Hicks’ brother, Steve, who tells old stories, squashes old rumors and reveals the brother and son behind the late comedian. Told amidst old and rare footage of Bill, it’s a must watch for any fan who wants to learn more about this great comic.
In this classic special from 1992, comedian Bill Hicks tells us how he feels about non-smokers, blow-jobs, religion, war, peace, drugs and music.
The last special Bill Hicks ever taped in 1992 and features him the height of his genius. Recorded at the Dominion Theatre in London, Bill Hicks opens our eyes and minds to the hypocrisy and ludicrousness of the world around us.
On his hilarious first album Hicks unleashes his thoughts on homelessness, smoking, drugs, and porn. While it may seem dark and cynical, it’s sunny compared to the work that follows.
The Essential Collection encompasses Bill Hicks’ short but powerful career as a satirist, social critic, and stand-up comedian. It features over two hours of Bill’s best stand up material spanning his entire career including never-before-released bits from a San Ramon, CA performance, a collection of 11 original songs entitled “Lo-Fi Troubadour”, and two digital exclusives- a song called “Ice Cold Macaroni”, and “The Adventure”, a 30 minute travelogue of Hicks talking into a tape recorder on a car trip from New York City to Little Rock, Arkansas.
An unreleased live performance recorded in ’91 before what Hicks dubbed “the worst audience I’ve ever faced.” He whips out every trick in the book to win them over. The show is magic.
Recorded at the Centaur Theatre at Just For Laughs in July 1991, Bill Hicks’ Relentless: Live In Montreal was his international breakout performance. It led to two sold-out tours in the UK over the next two years, culminating in the recording of Revelations in London in November 1992. Bill’s insights that night into religion, pornography, drugs, war, news, rock stars and smoking are now available for you listening pleasure.
An incendiary album of unreleased material culled from the multitude of live recordings Hicks made for personal use from the mid ‘80s until his death in ’94.
Featuring the best of Dangerous, Relentless, Arizona Bay, and Rant In E-Minor, Philosophy creates the feel of one incredible live performance.
Perhaps his most explosive recorded work, Rant In E-Minor sees Hicks broaden the range of his comedy and further hone his satirical wit.
Rant In E-Minor: Variations is Bill Hicks’ most brilliant album in its raw form with no music interludes. The original release was compiled from multiple shows in Austin, Texas and other locations; this version is one of those Austin evenings, October 24th, 1993. It contains Hicks’ classic material, never-before-heard bits, and some new twists on some of everyone’s favorites.
This 2-hour album captures Hicks at the height of his powers in a legendary performance at Oxford University.
This EP was released in honor of the 50th anniversary of Bill’s birth, featuring five tracks of unreleased material from Bill as a 21-year-old.
This is Bill Hicks’ portrait of life on the beach after the “big one” drops California into the Pacific Ocean. This extended version is a raw and uncut show that comprised the original Arizona Bay album. Now fully-restored, much longer, and without music, hear Arizona Bay like an audience did when it was first recorded and revel in Bill’s genius once more.
Hicks developed a more complex plan for Arizona Bay, alternating music and comedy and painting a portrait of life on the beach after the “big one” dropped California into the Pacific Ocean.
This special consists of two parts: “It’s Just A Ride”, a documentary about Hicks’ life which features interviews from friends, admirers, and family; “Revelations”, a recording of his last live performance in the United Kingdom.
“Sane Man was Bill’s first full-length comedy special, taped in 1989. This is the early years and the foundation of what would become his signature material and point of view. Funny and thought provoking, he attacks corporate America with venom, and almost screams at people to start thinking for themselves.
It’s a wild night in 1989 of raucous fun as Bill Hicks shows us his unique view on smoking cigarettes, smoking pot, drinking, sex, advertising, and music.