Some of your comments so far:
I don't think Hicks was funny then or now. And in many ways he was pretty stupid. He wallowed in the anti-establishment message that smoking wasn't that bad and then died of cancer. I got bored with listening to how hard he was for smoking. Big deal.
Rod Findlay, UK
Bill Hicks was funny, but is now massively overrated. His early death, while of course sad, has opened the door for him to be considered alongside pop stars such as Jim Morrison and Kurt Cobain who's fans make out that they were something godlike, whereas the rest of us just sit around thinking "yeah, they were all right - but nothing extraordinary".
Frank Ferreit, UK
Hicks isn't just special because he's dead. I saw him twice, and the sheer, sweating rage of the man was unlike anything I've seen from any mere stand-up. And his material hasn't dated. If anything it's become more relevant.
Tim, Thailand
I think Bill Hicks is the one major reason for the amount of apathy among people my age (the twenty somethings). After Hicks and Denis Leary, there's just no space left for trusting our politicians. Most of us now realise that life is 'Just a ride' and we are here for such a short amount of time that we need to make a difference and ignore the shiny things and flashy lights and push the people in power to make a difference.
Rod Zamora, UK
Bill is still an inspiration and his comments on the first Gulf war are equally valid today - e.g. "How do we know what weapons they had? Well we looked at the receipt.."
Scott, UK
I saw Bill Hicks on my 19th birthday, which was also my first day at Newcastle University. For nearly three hours this one man kept a packed hall enthralled with his wit and charisma - I recall having to lean against a pillar I was laughing so much. It was a seminal moment in my life. In a way I'm glad he died young, as I'd hate him to have mellowed out and been given his own chat show.
Michael Harker, UK
Is the reason Hick's popularity is undiminished is that unlike his anti-establishment peers he never had the chance to become part of the establishment?
Charlie, England
The reason that I remain a devoted Bill Hicks fan is that he never pulled his punches; he remained emotionally honest even when it would have been easier to step back a bit. He did anti-war material in front of rednecks who would heckle him were most comedians would tone it down a bit. Oh yeah, he was also the downright funniest man this planet will ever produce. Miss ya Bill!
Duncan Hoffmann, Sheffield, UK
Obviously dying young can create a timeless aura around an artist. Think James Dean or John Lennon. But they need a rare talent in the first place to ensure they don't slip into obscurity.
Paul Lynch, Japan
It really is a shame that Hicks isn't around to see how his targets have grown in influence. From Bush's war and vested corporate interests to the radical religious right, all of them riper than ever to be on the receiving end of Hicks'quickfire wit and venom. I guess now we'll just have to make do with Michael Moore.
Neil, Thailand
Bill Hicks' comments on society are as relevant today as they were when he first spoke them. I appreciate that fans might love him more because his comedy never had the chance to degenerate, but I still cannot think of another comedian who has come close to him in terms of laugh out loud humour, but also his very real skill at making his audience think and learn. I believe he certainly provoked and challenged, and that's why he is remembered today.
Tracy, UK
Hicks is just good, old fashioned, funny.
Philip, UK
He stood up on stage and spoke the truth. Some thought he was comic genius for this. I think he was just a genius; someone who realised that when you point out how ridiculous the world is people laugh rather than do something about it.
Nick, Kent, UK
I saw Hicks live in Glasgow and he truly was the funniest comedian I have ever seen - and he made you think. He is still the only celebrity whose death has genuinely shocked and saddened me; at the time I didn't even know he was ill. I still listen to his stuff and it still makes me laugh. His comments pointing out the hypocrisies of the powerful still resonate. However I find his "spiritual" stuff trite and simplistic - I find myself thinking "come on Bill, you're smart enough to say something more interesting than that". But he is still Great.
Robert, Zürich, Switzerland
I've introduced people to the talents of Bill Hicks and when they used up my entire collection they asked where they could see him. At this, I had to inform them he's dead. I truly doubt the theory that he's popular as a result of his death. No "Princess Diana Syndrome", just honesty and talent.
Michael Curry, Czech Republic
Source http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/3513475.stm
I don't think Hicks was funny then or now. And in many ways he was pretty stupid. He wallowed in the anti-establishment message that smoking wasn't that bad and then died of cancer. I got bored with listening to how hard he was for smoking. Big deal.
Rod Findlay, UK
Bill Hicks was funny, but is now massively overrated. His early death, while of course sad, has opened the door for him to be considered alongside pop stars such as Jim Morrison and Kurt Cobain who's fans make out that they were something godlike, whereas the rest of us just sit around thinking "yeah, they were all right - but nothing extraordinary".
Frank Ferreit, UK
Hicks isn't just special because he's dead. I saw him twice, and the sheer, sweating rage of the man was unlike anything I've seen from any mere stand-up. And his material hasn't dated. If anything it's become more relevant.
Tim, Thailand
I think Bill Hicks is the one major reason for the amount of apathy among people my age (the twenty somethings). After Hicks and Denis Leary, there's just no space left for trusting our politicians. Most of us now realise that life is 'Just a ride' and we are here for such a short amount of time that we need to make a difference and ignore the shiny things and flashy lights and push the people in power to make a difference.
Rod Zamora, UK
Bill is still an inspiration and his comments on the first Gulf war are equally valid today - e.g. "How do we know what weapons they had? Well we looked at the receipt.."
Scott, UK
I saw Bill Hicks on my 19th birthday, which was also my first day at Newcastle University. For nearly three hours this one man kept a packed hall enthralled with his wit and charisma - I recall having to lean against a pillar I was laughing so much. It was a seminal moment in my life. In a way I'm glad he died young, as I'd hate him to have mellowed out and been given his own chat show.
Michael Harker, UK
Is the reason Hick's popularity is undiminished is that unlike his anti-establishment peers he never had the chance to become part of the establishment?
Charlie, England
The reason that I remain a devoted Bill Hicks fan is that he never pulled his punches; he remained emotionally honest even when it would have been easier to step back a bit. He did anti-war material in front of rednecks who would heckle him were most comedians would tone it down a bit. Oh yeah, he was also the downright funniest man this planet will ever produce. Miss ya Bill!
Duncan Hoffmann, Sheffield, UK
Obviously dying young can create a timeless aura around an artist. Think James Dean or John Lennon. But they need a rare talent in the first place to ensure they don't slip into obscurity.
Paul Lynch, Japan
It really is a shame that Hicks isn't around to see how his targets have grown in influence. From Bush's war and vested corporate interests to the radical religious right, all of them riper than ever to be on the receiving end of Hicks'quickfire wit and venom. I guess now we'll just have to make do with Michael Moore.
Neil, Thailand
Bill Hicks' comments on society are as relevant today as they were when he first spoke them. I appreciate that fans might love him more because his comedy never had the chance to degenerate, but I still cannot think of another comedian who has come close to him in terms of laugh out loud humour, but also his very real skill at making his audience think and learn. I believe he certainly provoked and challenged, and that's why he is remembered today.
Tracy, UK
Hicks is just good, old fashioned, funny.
Philip, UK
He stood up on stage and spoke the truth. Some thought he was comic genius for this. I think he was just a genius; someone who realised that when you point out how ridiculous the world is people laugh rather than do something about it.
Nick, Kent, UK
I saw Hicks live in Glasgow and he truly was the funniest comedian I have ever seen - and he made you think. He is still the only celebrity whose death has genuinely shocked and saddened me; at the time I didn't even know he was ill. I still listen to his stuff and it still makes me laugh. His comments pointing out the hypocrisies of the powerful still resonate. However I find his "spiritual" stuff trite and simplistic - I find myself thinking "come on Bill, you're smart enough to say something more interesting than that". But he is still Great.
Robert, Zürich, Switzerland
I've introduced people to the talents of Bill Hicks and when they used up my entire collection they asked where they could see him. At this, I had to inform them he's dead. I truly doubt the theory that he's popular as a result of his death. No "Princess Diana Syndrome", just honesty and talent.
Michael Curry, Czech Republic
Source http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/3513475.stm
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