Letterman Shows Unaired Bill Hicks Stand-Up Act (WATCH)

Bill Hicks, a comedian who described himself as "Chomsky with dick jokes," finally got his shot at the Late Show 15 years after his death. The routine was supposed to air on October 1, 1993, but David Letterman had it cut.

Letterman nixed the piece because of content concerns ("let's hunt and kill Billy Ray Cyrus," Hicks says) which cause the cancer-ridden comic to write a 39-page angry letter to the New Yorker about the decision.

Letterman was extremely apologetic on Friday night, airing the act in its entirety. "Let me again apologize for the heartache and sadness my decision caused your family," Letterman told Mary Hicks, the comedian's mother, whom he invited on the show to introduce the clip.

Watch it here:

Comments

[BailUsOut]

See one of the very best Hicks routines on youtube
"Bill Hicks - American Politics"

[BailUsOut]

This was watered-down Hicks. Get some serious Hicks on youtube
"Bill Hicks - American Politics"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8wgIPZj0HA
Over 15 years ago, but never truer.

[ColoradoDan]

Very decent thing Dave did there ... Bills Mom must feel very proud and relieved

Hicks was not for everyone but I really loved the guy's comments and the risks he took on stage. Like Carlin, and few others, Bill always left you thinking.- some of his routines were just excellent.

Way to go Dave.

[Seven7s]

George Carlin was influenced a lot by Bill HIcks. Even has some similar jokes if you type in George Carlin and Bill Hicks into YOuTube you'll see his influence on Carlin.

[timmmahhhh]

Thank you Dave, it takes a big man to admit his mistakes and correct them. You've done both.

[wild ramps]

He didn't "finally get his shot"...he'd been on Letterman's show something like 11 times! However, this segment was censored by Dave himself on the eve after taping, before the show went to air. It was particularly painful for Hicks and his family, because he would die from pancreatic cancer 5 months later (presumably he'd already been diagnosed at the time of the taping). I'm guessing the 15th anniversary of his death and the current cultural/political climate created an apt setting for a chance have Mary Hicks on the show and finally air her son's segment.

[Bruupo]

I think they're technically correct in that this would have been his first appearance on Dave's CBS Late Show, and all of his other appearances were on Letterman on NBC.

It might not seem like as big a difference now, but I think the difference in exposure between 12pm and 11pm was much more significant for comedians at the time. Also, the issue of FCC standards between the two time slots kind of evaporated a bit over time. I'm not sure if Bill Hicks was ever on The Tonight Show.

[quixoto]

Minor quibble: 12 am is midnight. 12 pm is noon.

Anyway, carry on.

[slarabee]

Well bless you Dave. Bill is certainly missed and one of the best there ever was.

[ronspri]

Not one of the best. The best, period..so far ahead of his time.