Bill Hicks at the Laff Stop in Austin Texas cropped

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]

Bill Hicks Reflections comedy album

Bill Hicks: Reflections

Comedy Dynamics sits down with Bill Hicks’ brother, Steve, who tells old stories, squashes old rumors and . . .

Bill Hicks Relentless CD Album

Bill Hicks: Relentless

In this classic special from 1992, comedian Bill Hicks tells us how he feels about non-smokers, blow-jobs, . . .

Bill Hicks Revelations comedy film

Bill Hicks: Revelations

The last special Bill Hicks ever taped in 1992 and features him the height of his genius. . . .

Bill Hicks: 12/16/1961

Bill Hicks: 12/16/1961

This EP was released in honor of the 50th anniversary of Bill's birth, featuring five tracks of . . .

comedian Bill Hicks Arizona Bay Extended album

Bill Hicks: Arizona Bay Exte...

This is Bill Hicks' portrait of life on the beach after the “big one” drops California into . . .

Bill Hicks Arizona Bay

Bill Hicks: Arizona Bay

Hicks developed a more complex plan for Arizona Bay, alternating music and comedy and painting a portrait . . .

Bill Hicks Dangerous comedy

Bill Hicks: Dangerous

On his hilarious first album Hicks unleashes his thoughts on homelessness, smoking, drugs, and porn. While it . . .

Bill Hicks The Essential Collection comedy album

Bill Hicks: The Essential Co...

The Essential Collection encompasses Bill Hicks’ short but powerful career as a satirist, social critic, and stand-up . . .

Bill Hicks Flying Saucer Tour Vol 3

Bill Hicks: Flying Saucer To...

An unreleased live performance recorded in ’91 before what Hicks dubbed “the worst audience I’ve ever faced.” . . .

Bill Hicks Relentless comedy Live in Montreal

Bill Hicks: Relentless: Live...

Recorded at the Centaur Theatre at Just For Laughs in July 1991, Bill Hicks’ Relentless: Live In . . .

Bill Hicks Love Laughter and Truth comedy album

Bill Hicks: Love, Laughter a...

An incendiary album of unreleased material culled from the multitude of live recordings Hicks made for personal . . .

Best of Bill Hicks Philosophy comedy album

Bill Hicks: Philosophy: The ...

Featuring the best of Dangerous, Relentless, Arizona Bay, and Rant In E-Minor, Philosophy creates the feel of . . .

Bill Hicks Rant In E Minor

Bill Hicks: Rant In E-Minor

Perhaps his most explosive recorded work, Rant In E-Minor sees Hicks broaden the range of his comedy . . .

Bill Hicks comedy: Rant in e-minor Variations

Bill Hicks: Rant In E-Minor:...

Rant In E-Minor: Variations is Bill Hicks’ most brilliant album in its raw form with no music . . .

Bill Hicks Salvation Oxford November 11, 1992

Bill Hicks: Salvation

This 2-hour album captures Hicks at the height of his powers in a legendary performance at Oxford . . .

Totally Bill Hicks comedy album

Totally Bill Hicks

This special consists of two parts: “It’s Just A Ride”, a documentary about Hicks’ life which features . . .

Bill Hicks Sane Man comedy record

Bill Hicks: Sane Man

“Sane Man was Bill’s first full-length comedy special, taped in 1989. This is the early years and . . .

Bill Hicks one night stand comedy album

Bill Hicks: One Night Stand

It’s a wild night in 1989 of raucous fun as Bill Hicks shows us his unique view . . .