Who else misses the brilliance of Bill Hicks?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the legacy and impact of comedian Bill Hicks, exploring his unique style of humor and the absence of similar figures in contemporary comedy. Participants share clips, quotes, and personal reflections on Hicks' work, as well as comparisons to other comedians.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express admiration for Bill Hicks as a brilliant and cynical comedian, questioning if any current comedians match his caliber.
  • Quotes from Hicks are shared, highlighting his provocative humor and social commentary, with some participants reflecting on their personal reactions to his jokes.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of humor, with one participant offering a definition that humor arises from the perception of incongruity.
  • Some participants note the sadness and complexity in Hicks' performances, suggesting that his laughter often masked deeper emotions.
  • There are references to other comedians like George Carlin, Chris Rock, and Dave Chapelle, with varying opinions on their relevance compared to Hicks.
  • Participants share clips of Hicks' interviews and performances, discussing their impressions and the comedic styles of interviewers like Clive Anderson and Michael Parkinson.
  • Some participants engage in light-hearted banter and personal anecdotes, creating a playful atmosphere while discussing Hicks' influence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the brilliance of Bill Hicks, but there is no consensus on whether any current comedians can be considered his equal. The discussion includes multiple perspectives on humor and the emotional depth of Hicks' work, remaining unresolved in some areas.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal interpretations and emotional responses to Hicks' comedy, which may not be universally shared. The discussion includes references to specific performances and quotes that may require additional context for full understanding.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in comedy, cultural commentary, and the legacy of influential comedians may find this discussion engaging.

the number 42
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I got a book on Bill Hicks for Christmas. He was a great comic. Is there anyone of his calibre today? Anyway, I just found this clip. Anyone not familiar with Hicks should check it out:

http://www.billhicks.com/videos/justaride/justaride1_bg.ram

Anyone else miss Bill Hicks?
 
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Bill Hicks is a wonderful cynical comedian, may he rest in peace.
 
Think of me as Chomsky with *ick jokes.

- Bill Hicks

Ever noticed that people who believe in Creationism look really unevolved?

- Bill Hicks

When Jesus comes back to Earth the last thing he wants to see is a cross.

- Bill Hicks

The world is like a ride in an amusement park. And when you choose to go on it, you think it's real because that's how powerful our minds are. And the ride goes up and down and round and round. It has thrills and chills and it's very brightly coloured and it's very loud and it's fun, for a while. Some people have been on the ride for a long time and they begin to question, is this real, or is this just a ride? And other people have remembered, and they come back to us, they say, "Hey - don't worry, don't be afraid, ever, because, this is just a ride... And we... kill those people.

- Bill Hicks

Gosh 42 you make me feel real proud of myself, every name you drop I have to googlesearch. :biggrin:
 
Polly said:
Gosh 42 you make me feel real proud of myself, every name you drop I have to googlesearch. :biggrin:

Ahem, remember 'Ma Yau Yau'? I spent two full days at the library before you told me his name is really Yo Yo Ma. (Exaggeration alert :biggrin: ).
 
I just found this clip of Bill Hicks being interviewed by Clive Anderson (an 'hilarious' ex barrister) on Britain's Channel 4 in (I think) 1992.
http://www.sacredcow.com/media/links/hicks/clive_bill_bg.ram
 
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*puffs a smoke *sips some coffee

too bad his lifestyle killed him eh? ;)
 
:biggrin: It's really funny, had I not read the "cross and Jesus" joke previously, I would have rolled off my chair. Still there was a certain uptightness in Hicks even when he was laughing, and sadness when he was not laughing, I wonder why.

The anchor is dead funny for a lawyer, he IS hilarious. I like his "I must stop you here" :biggrin: . Is he still in business? And how does he compare to Parkinson? (I have just seen the trailor of the show on Star so couldn't tell).

Reminds me of this meaningful definition of humour that I came across years ago: "Humour is the perception of incongruity". I think if one dissect the meaning carefully one can actually teach oneself to be funny.

Thanks 42, you are wonderful ^.^ :approve: .
 
Polly said:
Reminds me of this meaningful definition of humour that I came across years ago: "Humour is the perception of incongruity". I think if one dissect the meaning carefully one can actually teach oneself to be funny.
Yep, that's what I did and it got me the pink ribbon.
 
Polly said:
:biggrin: It's really funny, had I not read the "cross and Jesus" joke previously, I would have rolled off my chair.

I thought the bit about not understanding why Christians are against capital punishment was great: "If there was no capital punishment, there'd be no Easter". Great stuff. Apparently his final David Letterman appearance was never aired as he made jokes about the anti-abortion lobby.

Polly said:
Still there was a certain uptightness in Hicks even when he was laughing, and sadness when he was not laughing, I wonder why.

Having watched it in slow motion several times, I think he was probably trying to stifle a f*rt. Hard to tell.

Polly said:
The anchor is dead funny for a lawyer, he IS hilarious. I like his "I must stop you here" :biggrin: . Is he still in business? And how does he compare to Parkinson? .

Gee whiz, I guess you'll be needing this then:
http://any-app.tripod.com/ca/
I wouldn't go bragging about it though. I haven't seen him on TV in a while, but I think he's on the radio a bit (BBC Radio 4).

Parky is okay, but a bit on the genial/avuncular/needs-a-rocking-chair side. I dunno, but maybe the best interviewer these days is Paul Merton (Room 101).
http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/profiles/paul_merton.shtml

Polly said:
:Thanks 42, you are wonderful ^.^ :approve: .

Its about time somebody noticed
 
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  • #10
When it comes to comedians, Bill Hicks was Jedi. IMO, the only comedian in his sphere who's still alive today is George Carlin, maybe Chris Rock and Dave Chapelle.

As for his death, cigarettes weren't the cause, unless cigarettes cause pancreatic cancer.
 
  • #11
any medics in the house? medic??
 
  • #12
the number 42 said:
Having watched it in slow motion several times, I think he was probably trying to stifle a f*rt. Hard to tell.

I DID NOT BURST OUT LAUGHING! I REPEAT, I DID NOT BURST OUT LAUGHING!

:smile:

Good God, that would give me a high-minded, mind-blowing intellectually intelligent deep-thinker a bad name, but I can't help it :smile: .

*wipes tears off eyes* We don't have any such witty counterpart of Hicks in Hong Kong I am afraid, but we do have http://www.time.com/time/asia/2003/heroes/stephen_chow.html , aka King of the Inane. Enjoy.
 
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  • #13
Polly said:
I DID NOT BURST OUT LAUGHING! I REPEAT, I DID NOT BURST OUT LAUGHING!

:smile:
Good God, that would give me a high-minded, mind-blowing intellectually intelligent deep-thinker a bad name, but I can't help it

You are the only person at PF who seems to like me... :cry: Are you sure you are intelligent? Or maybe this is a cunning ruse, pretending that you think I'm not full of solids, and then laughing in my face at the worst possible time, like Carrie in the film, er... Carrie. Try to cover ole '42 in pigs blood, eh? Git all yer frinds to f*rt God Save the Queen at me, eh? Well, I aint havin it, dagbladit!
 
  • #14
the number 42 said:
You are the only person at PF who seems to like me... :cry:

Awww, that's not true. You're well-liked around here. :smile: :approve: We just didn't know your ego was suffering due to us not voicing this regularly enough. Should we dedicate a thread to you and everyone has to say something good about you in it? Just be warned, if we start, we won't stop until we have you blushing crimson! :blushing: :biggrin:
 
  • #15
the number 42 said:
Are you sure you are intelligent? :

I promise you I am so intelligent that I think you are eye-battingly intelligent (as for whether it is more insulting to me or you I honestly don't know :smile: )

the number 42 said:
Git all yer frinds to f*rt God Save the Queen at me, eh? Well, I aint havin it, dagbladit!

And I promise you also I will not do that, cause I don't know the tune :smile: .
 
  • #16
Moonbear said:
Awww, that's not true. You're well-liked around here. :smile: :approve: We just didn't know your ego was suffering due to us not voicing this regularly enough. Should we dedicate a thread to you and everyone has to say something good about you in it?

Sweet Baby Jesus, please don't. (Between the two of us, I was saying that stuff just to get a sympathy cuddle from Polly. That way I get to feel her boobies a bit etc through my pullover. I know I can tell you, as you are an expert in reproduction, so won't be as shocked by this as, say, Russ). Anyway, yeah, how about that Bill Hicks, eh? Sure was a laugh, all right. Yeah... etc.
 
  • #17
Polly said:
I promise you I am so intelligent that I think you are eye-battingly intelligent.

Yeah *sniff* I guess you're right. We're just too good for them. You're the only one here clever enough to agree with everything I say. :smile: And that's such a smashing pullover you're wearing. :smile:
 
  • #18
:bugeye: :blushing: :blushing: :blushing: ...well, (cough) let's stay away from human anatomy cause that's the surest way to get me tongue tied...pleeeeeese!
 
  • #19
Sorry :blushing: I was only checking what kind of wool your jumper is made from :shy:
 
  • #20
It's a beige Giodano "Quality Apparel" size S, made of something artificial and very common but I don't know the name.
 
  • #21
Polly said:
It's a beige Giodano "Quality Apparel" size S, made of something artificial and very common but I don't know the name.

No need to be so explicit. My gosh, I think I might need a lie down.
 
  • #22
:smile: I thought that would bust a vessel or two :smile: . Go and have lunch now before you pass out.
 
  • #23
I knew you'd understand. Maybe we can try again later *sniff* :smile:
 
  • #24
Bye sweetie, have a nice day *blows kisses* :smile:
 

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