This, for me, is the definitive Bill Hicks performance. I will not waste your time (or mine) eulogising the late, great Mr Hicks. It has been done before by more gifted and authoritative writers than myself. Suffice to say that I have been a fan of Bill Hick's ever since the time of his 'One Night Stand' show. I was lucky enough to see him live once in the UK and have devoured any and all material of his I have come across. For me this performance is Bill at the peak of his powers, firing on all cylinders, hitting every target right in the bullseye.
Great though his audio CDs are, in order to experience the full Hicks effect, and in order to appreciate his complete mastery of the stand-up form, you have to *see* the performance. You have to witness him pace the stage during the lulls in his act, as he marshals his forces for another onslaught. Wait with the audience, breath held, for whatever happens next. Witness the passion, the power, the theatrics, the master at work.
Seeing a Bill Hicks performance is a lot like seeing a rock concert, and not just in the obvious ways. Yes there is noise, and sweat, and swearing, and sex, but more than that you will see him play many of the same tunes. The old material is at least as satisfying as the new because each time he plays it it's different. There's a new twist, new timing, new language, new emphasis. Sometimes it's better than last time you heard him play it and sometimes it's not as good, but it is always compelling to watch.
This recording is Bill at his best. A man who's time had come, a master of his craft performing that craft in front of an appreciative audience at the greatest comedy festival in the world, and loving it.
Wherever you are Bill this is how you will be remembered! Oh, and tell Yul Bryner I said 'Hi'!