Bill Hicks Lives!

‘I left in love, in laughter, and in truth and wherever truth, love and laughter abide, I am there in spirit.’

Dark, uncompromising and an unapologetic truthsayer, Bill Hicks has undoubtedly left an immovable impression on comedy, politics and many people’s ways of looking at our world.

Celebrating 20 years since the untimely death of the American comedian, this week London prepares to remember the life and work of the man widely considered as ‘one of the greatest comedians of the modern era’.

Cynical and ever full of wonderful vitriol, when Bill Hicks fell victim to pancreatic cancer on 26 February 1994, he left behind a legacy that no comedian since has even been close to meeting. Honouring his memory on the anniversary of his death, the Bill Hicks Official Tribute Nights are holding a special night of celebration at Camden’s Dingwalls along with a one-off screening of American: The Bill Hicks Story at Vibe Bar on Brick Lane the day before.

Of course, such praise and attention, and indeed even any kind of celebration of his life, would have most likely been met with the steely Hicks disdain and sneers we know and love. It seems perfectly apt that these tribute nights will be taking place in London’s more intimate and dingy venues, so hopefully at least Hicks would at least approve of the location…

Hosted by Jeff Innocent, Bill Hicks Lives! presents a special programme of well known and rare and unseen footage of Bill Hicks’ performances alongside some top comedy acts, a nod to Hicks’ well earned title of ‘the comedian’s comedian’ as Robin Ince, Brendon Burns and Shaun Keaveny pay homage to the man who inspired their own comedy. The Hicks family including mother Mary, brother Steve and sister Lynn, will be in attendance for an onstage interview with Bill’s brother, Steve Hicks, also hosting a Q&A. Throughout the night there will also be prizes and giveaways and music from upcoming singer/songwriter, Daniel Glove.

The events will raise money for The Bill Hicks Wildlife Foundation and UK cancer charity, No Surrender.

Bill Hicks Lives! 20th Anniversary Official Tribute Night takes place on Wednesday 26 February, 7-11pm at:

Dingwalls
11 Middle Yard
Camden
NW1 8AB

Tickets are £15 and available via EventBrite

Also: watch a special screening of American: The Bill Hicks Story with music and comedy at Vibe Bar on Brick Lane on Tuesday 25 February.