BILL HICKS
LIVE
RYKO

Few stand up comics have been as under appreciated as Bill Hicks. Dennis Leary practically stole and popularized entire Hicks routines on his breakthrough album No Cure For Cancer, leaving the comic to simmer under the radar until his untimely passing of cancer in 1994. After re-packaging and releasing numerous live albums over the past decade, Ryko finally offers up some comprehensive footage of the man in action.

Live is comprised of three separate concert films: One Night Stand from Chicago, Relentless and Revelations. Of the three, Stand presents the most previously unheard material. And while much of the work on Relentless is considered classic by this point (many consider the performance to be Hicks’ breakout), seeing the presentation first hand adds a whole new dimension (and appreciation) for Hicks’ sense of timing. Revelations is most notable for its location and response; filmed in London, Hicks is greeted by a rock star-worthy wall of applause from his rabid European fanbase.

Also including the documentary Just a Ride as an added bonus, Bill Hicks: Live is a comprehensive and long overdue look at the life of a comedic genius snuffed out too soon. Highly recommended.

JT

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