Bill Hicks performing for his first video, Sane Man, in Austin, Texas in 1989. en.wikipedia.org William Melvin Hicks was an American stand-up comedian in the 1980s and early 1990s. He challenged mainstream beliefs, aiming to “enlighten people to think for themselves.” Hicks used a ribald approach to express his material, describing himself as “Chomsky with dick jokes.” His jokes included general discussions about society, religion, politics, philosophy and personal issues. Hicks’ material was often deliberately controversial and steeped in black comedy. In both his stand-up performances, and during interviews, he often criticized media and popular culture as oppressive tools of the ruling class, meant to “keep people stupid and apathetic.” An inspired and inspiring truth teller, dangerous and brave and scary all at once. Richard Pryor Hickss stand-up act is about taking a stand and occasionally dodging a chair. Rolling Stone Savage, brilliant, funny, tremendously intelligent. John Cleese He never disappointed. David Letterman Bill Hicksblowtorch, excavator, truth-sayer, and brain specialist, like a reverend waving a gun around. He will correct your vision. Others will drive on the road he built. Tom Waits www.billhicks.com