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American: The Bill Hicks Story
- Length: 1 hr and 41 mins
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American: The Bill Hicks Story
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Summary
American is the story of one of the most influential comedians of the modern era. Even though Bill Hicks died over 16 years ago, his reputation has continued to grow. He is still regularly found in top 20 polls of ‘best’ comedians, and is regarded by many as the 'comedians' comedian' - such is his high regard.
This recording is a lasting record of his life, based on hundreds of interviews across America, as told by the people who knew him best. The principal characters in his life had never all spoken at one time before. They include his mother, Mary Hicks; his brother, Steve; his sister, Lynn; and his closest friends: Dwight Slade, Kevin Booth, David Johndrow, and many of the ‘Houston’ gang of friends and comics.
Bill’s comedy sought the bigger truths of life, and he openly challenged the government in the USA, ensuring that he was never able to gain a mainstream television audience in his own country. His take on everything from smoking, drinking, drugs, the military, and music, were unique and absolutely hilarious.
Music for Bill and his close friends was an obsession, and some of that recorded work can be heard as a soundtrack on this audiobook. Some of his best comedy performances can be heard here also: including recordings from way back in tiny clubs in Houston in 1979, to the big international festival Just For Laughs, and his Revelations tour in London.
This recording preserves Bill’s story, bringing together his journey, his friendships, and some of his finest comedy moments - all recounted by the people who knew him best.
Critic reviews
What listeners say about American: The Bill Hicks Story
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- Louise
- 04-05-11
Very entertaining, recommend
This is a really entertaining listen and a great introduction for the non-initiated. Highly recommend this.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 09-01-18
Made me want to go back in time...
More like a good radio documentary than a book, loved it even if it made me sad.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Trevor
- 07-09-16
Let him speak !!
Love Bill Hicks, but like the cover picture he is gagged in this audiobook. Its a story of his life recounted by close friends, relatives and colleagues, interjected with snippets of him performing stand-up. Problem is, that the format just does't work for me. You are listening to a witness account, then suddenly you are whisked off to hear one of his anecdotes, which has nothing to do with the story from the witness. Then, you get into the joke being told by Bill, hear the laugh from the audience and are taken back to another witness account about something else. You end up not knowing where you are. Do one or the other, i.e., tell the uninterrupted story, then let him speak, or better still just put the whole show on. Bill Hicks isn't one liners, but tells a story, and little snippets like this just does not work.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Alan Weddell
- 27-03-20
Its about Bill Hicks. What else do you need to kno
Im a massive Bill Hicks fan so this was a very easy sell. If you don't who he is - you should, and if you do, this s probably the most real/human stuff about him you will ever hear. Its just such a tragedy that he died at 32, which is co-incidentally the same age Jesus was at the crrucifixtion (I think). Its just a ride ;)
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Unknownbladrchucj
- 28-09-18
Entertainment
I loved every second finding more out about bills life from friends and loved ones in a very interesting documentary style, along side some amazing music and bills stand up.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- paul stevens
- 09-10-17
Pure genius but gone too soon
The story of Bill Hicks is funny, though with some sad moments. My favorite comedian
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- fraser
- 26-07-15
why to the greatest die young?.
bill hicks was right.
we're running out of time now.
it's time to evolve or die.
the slave masters are soon to be recognised.
equality is key
knowledge is key
truth is key
unity through uniqueness
everything is nothing
nothing is infinity
nothing ends
nothing begins
it always has been and will be
nothing is everything
reality is perspective
perspective is unique
imagination is limited only by morality
choice is key
freedom is necessity
irony and coincidence are only through chaos
small rocks have as long a ripples as large rocks
kindness through care
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- noah
- 16-01-15
Fantastic
What a brill tale about a truly enlightened and entertaining man. Anyone who likes comedy, activism and/or tales of amazing people will greatly enjoy this audiobook
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