The reason Bill's bit was pulled was because Letterman didn't want to piss of his Pro-Life advertisers that had commercial on that nights broadcast, it had nothing to do with the Hunt & Kill Billy Ray Cirrus bit.
Times were different in 1993. I'm not defending Letterman, but I was a young adult then, and I know that his jokes about killing pop stars and religion would have raised flags. The material seems quaint today, but we're talking almost 20 years ago. Bill Hicks was and is one of the great comic minds of the last 30 years, and Letterman did right by him by letting us see this, and accepting his role in what was a sad chapter. He didn't have to show it, much less have Bill's mother on, but he did.
Obviously if Letterman had known Hicks was terminally ill he would not have cut his piece. It's network television, not Com Central...you can't just crack jokes about murdering pop stars on network television and have it aired. You guys who are giving Letterman shit are F#*CKING IDIOTS. This was what you call an unfortunate "misunderstanding" because Hicks did not disclose his terminal illness to Letterman and took a "I don't give a f*ck" approach to his bit. Hats off to Letterman...a gentleman
If they only let him hunt and kill Billy Ray at that time Miley would never have been born and we wouldn't have to spend all that money on Hannah Montana garbage your kids insisted upon having, nor the time spent watching the SAME EPISODE on demand over and over.
What a hypocritical scum you are. You spent your money on Hannah Montana, and now you're acting like someone forced you to do it. You're exactly what these kind of comedians were talking about: a dumb idiot who needs someone else to tell him what to spend his money on, what to eat, to smoke or not to smoke, etc, because you're too dumb to run your own life.
I don't see why y'all are complaining about David trying to right what he believes was a mistake he did. He didn't have to invite Bill's mom and apologize, he could have acted like nothing happened and carried on with his life. But he chose to man up and apologize, he caused a lot of pain and so he apologized frequently. He was being humble and admitting to his mistake. Way I see it: y'all are acting like bitches.
It was funny but i could see why Dave didn't air it. Especially when you consider the times. I don't think he should have to go on about how sorry he was. The man was talking about killing innocent people, so he pulled it. It's his show.
naaaah. see i love bill hick, however he was unbelievabley negative. He was wrong about mark wahlberg. he is a decent actor. he if fairly on the money though
We all make mistakes in life big & small. I think seeing the wrong in what we have done and then being big enough to admit it is an admiral thing to do. If more people reflected on the wrong they have done & tried to make amends perhaps the world would be a better place. Big up to Letterman for doing that. It says a lot about his integrity.
Letterman is lying. It wasnt his decision that Hicks got cut. You can tell by the number of times and the way in which he emphasises that it was his decision. He is covering for someone.
Now go watch Leno's early standup or even now, what's the difference? Bill is honest to the core. Leno? safe and pandering. You can't be a successful comic and pander. You don't have to be harsh either, just honest. Leno? NOT!
Letterman was a victim too. The big corporations were breathing down his back. I believe he never made the choice to cut it, cause he never had that choice. There were pro-life commercials in the ad-breaks, and no doubt the higher figures had heard his anti-establishment material. Letterman's just forced to take the rap now.
I'm not a Letterman fan necessarily, but I feel like people who can't see the genuine effort of Dave to right a past mistake, must have really missed the point of Bill's act. You aren't a true Hick's fan... You're a fanboy, a mindless slug. He would hold you in the highest contempt, simply for missing the big picture.
just for the guys who think bills comedy is all about cheap laughs think again, its a penatrative deep insightful black comedy that changes your view on life....thats why he was a fucking legend man...........I'd Like to quote bill here "I left in love, in laughter, and in truth and wherever truth, love and laughter abide, I am there in spirit."- bill hicks.
letterman was a complete fucking arsehole regarding the airing of this set by bill at the time, letterman sold bill down the old swany river like most of middle america at the time bill was a fucking amazing insightful beautiful intelligent man, with strong views but good intentions he is a mirror for america look into him and see all your truth. god bless you bill.
wow that was so hard to watch. i never thought id say this, but as much as i love bill hicks and everything he stood for, letterman was right to cut it. it was so unfunny.
I love how Letterman said he expected it would sound somewhat dated but it wasn't. I don't know that Billy Ray Cyrus and Markie Mark jokes are cutting edge these days.
Still, a solid set from Hicks. Too bad it got cut because and Letterman did really have a good working relationship. Dave used his old show to promote Bill as much as he could. Sad to have gone out on that note.
@ccrosbie33 With Billy Ray Cyrus' daughter MILEY CYRUS being one of the biggest "celebrities" in the USA today because he pimped her out to a greedy network how exactly is mocking the guy not cutting edge? Selling himself was not enough, no, he had to go on and sell his own daughter to the mindless TV circus aswell.
And Mark Wahlberg is a celebrated Hollywood actor nowadays despite the fact that he's horrible. He just picks the right movies.
Kind of classless to slam Letterman after he apologized and aired the clip. He definitely screwd up but I can forgive anyone if they try to sincerely make amends. Beside, I have a feeling he had pressure from sponsors and the network and was actually being a man by not trying to spread the blame. That said the clip was amazing. Hicks (is) a prophet.
@LiberalBuster You say, "who was never funny.", but that's totally based upon an opinion...your opinion. There are tons of people who think he is funny, me included.
i wonder what bill would think of the future...billy ray cyrus had a daughter and she becomes more popular with less talent than he had, bushs son becomes president and ALSO goes to war with iraq, except with bush 2 we got a much longer war and a much longer presidency, and that fact that corporations run the world more than ever
I guess one way to get people back into religion is to promote the fact that when you die you get to see Richard Pryor, George Carlin and Bill Hicks doing stand- up again.
I know it's late but prop to Letterman. He didn't have to show the piece and there would have been very little consequence had he just left it unaired completely yet he did so anyway.
It's as simple concept - "They" those who run the World - The Corperations who control the Media, did not want Bill Hicks or his message to Humanity (Its Just A Ride etc) to escape out into the open at that time. With the advent of the internet, the truth is less hard to conceal, the secret meetings at Bilderberg for example (where it is said that the ellite plan how to run the World by means of fear and greed). Always remember Bill's meassage - Its Just A Ride...
@viktorhat No, ALL Hicks fans know about DL's shovin him off th show in 93 because DL is a pussy-ass panderer to religious advertisers who had ads on durin th broadcast. He bumped Bill off for money + spent th next 15 years refusin to take th blame. Dunno what prompted th about-face, but it doesn't seem sincere + it's too little too late, I say. We all suspected just how hurt Bill was by th whole thing + his mom confirms it with strength + grace. Go Mary. No wonder you raised such a good son.
Fantastic Bill, you were great. Letterman is a slug. I don't buy his bull at all. Hicks was shining a light on our psychopathic world and Letterman helped the psychopaths who run everything keep the light out. Fuck you Letterman.
Obviously if Letterman had known Hicks was terminally ill he would not have cut his piece. It's network television, not Com Central...you can't just crack jokes about murdering pop stars on network television and have it aired. You guys who are giving Letterman shit are F#*CKING IDIOTS. This was what you call an unfortunate "misunderstanding" because Hicks did not disclose his terminal illness to Letterman and took a "I don't give a f*ck" approach to his bit. Hicks would agree.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
I do not remember this Bill Hicks fellow either, so he can't be all that famous or funny. However, I can not see anything in this performance that should get him banned or censored. He was just another A-hole sounding off, and there is a certain amount of folks who think that is funny. What a fart as this act really is, "a turd with the shit squeezed out of it."
He's trying to claim this is the 1st time he's seen it in over 15 years? So he spontaneously aired a clip he'd not seen despite the fact that his censorship of Hicks has been a source of criticism for a generation? Wow. How stupid does he think his audience is? In Letterman's defence, he didn't know Hicks was ill and so caught even more fire than he would have if hicks had lived to wipe the floor with all comers in the public eye, but Letterman's still a pathetic corporate shill.
I must have crawled out from under a rock recently because I don't remember Bill Hicks, but this was great. May he rest in peace. I am throughly impressed with Dave Letterman here. He has demonstrated that he is truly a man with class.
I know it was simply a knee-jerk reaction, but it's a shame that Dave ends the convo with "God bless you" in light of Hicks' beliefs and that stellar routine.
I am a Christian, and this is some of the greatest material ever performed... I hate to see a few "religious nutjobs"... As I oh, so very affectionately refer to my misguided, half-crazy brethren, attempt to spread malice and ignorance... Worst of all, using the Scripture (or their own personal version of it.) to do so. God gave Bill the mind, the voice, and the gift to make his children laugh. Let's all smile and enjoy it! To quote Mr. Hicks, "Kay? Kay!"
You do have to give it up for Letterman for doing that so long after the fact, it wasn't a phony "hurry up and walk this problem back" as you would see today. Him admitting he couldn't correct it, and many times chastising himself it proved a good measure of sincerity to me.
He could have likely done this without his Mom on the show, though she holds the only tape, and I think it showed a lot of class to allow her to tell him how it made them feel, and take it gracefully, as a man should do.
Beo' ALL comments on this video shud of been stopped after yours You said it all Tnk You!! My older brother whom I looked up2, was my inspiriration & learned about music, comedy etc.. from died at 47 last year & he introduced me to Bill, Micheal Moore, Penn & Teller etc....Wen I was a small kid He was a big "smoker" ie weed & at his funeral I used Bill's joke Re: when he dies & goes to heaven.... I SWEAR that wat my bro did,but BILL was there & gave him a light :) Tnx Again Beo'!!
@LiberalBuster Spoken like a true Christian, you dont seem to understand that just because you believe something, doesnt make it true or others believe it also.
Sarah Palin and Rush Limbaugh?! Oh wait, I see, your a comedian as well! Jeez i thought you actually meant that for a moment there!
Why dont you go and post some comments on videos with them in it? I know it takes a while for the braincell to work its way round but ithe sooner you get there, the sooner you can start talking shit!
@LiberalBuster Not Biased at all then seeing as how you call yourself a preacher. Though I suppose telling people what they should think is what you do best isnt it. Can see how you'd take an instant dislike to someone like Bill who tried to make people think for themselves.
If your such a Christian and you think he's not funny... then forgive him.
It takes a real man to admit when your wrong and Letterman proved himself to be one great guy, Bringing Hicks' mom on, apologizing and playing the set!!! Amazing. hats off to him.
Luckily there is a new legion of fans thanks to the Bill Hicks Story - produced by his brother and on Netflix as well as any video market and on DVD. Watch it - it is awesome!
Bill Hicks speaks the truth of who "we" really are and through his genius makes us see how ridiculous we are - we laugh at ourselves seeing who and how we really are. Bill Hicks being the one who did not wear the rose colored glasses had to be difficult to relate to the masses in any intelligent way. He truly is a revolutionary, a visionary, and a gifted comedian....I know that he is the only comedian that makes me laugh from his humor, but cry at the same time for the sadness of his truth of
its funny because both sides dont know the reality of real christian mysticism
Its identical in nature to Einstein's Spinoza GOD, and Jesus was the Sun which gives its life so we can Live, born from the virgin galaxy mother mary milky way
They used to set out eggs during the Easter Soltices because the cocktails of gravitational electromagnetic energies alter the embryo fluid, allowing it to NOT spoil similar to how meats don't spoil inside the pyramid
That was a good thing for Letterman to do. Making up for mistakes and admitting them is the best thing you can do in a situation like that. Miss ya Bill!!
I love Bill Hicks. He was a legend. His material still makes me laugh harder than anything else out there. I can see why this was banned, however.
The 90s was the beginning of a lot of gay rights activism and I imagine that many who would see this w/o seeing Bill's previous material would label him as a chauvinist and/or anti-gay. Censorship of any form is BS IMO, but when a show needs sponsors it's different.
Bill would have been great on politically incorrect.
@ACDCTracks It's the reasons behind the removal of the clip from the original show that is the big deal. Bill fired off a routine that had been approved by the people at CBS assigned to look out for things THEY deem unsuitable for even late night television. After taping, the executive producers and CBS' standards and practices people censored the clip. Bill felt it was ludicrous that CBS was basically telling it's audience what it should watch instead of the other way around.
@ACDCTracks I dislike Letterman and others because they allow marketing people to control what they allow on their show. It is a small minority of idiots that get offended by things on TV and write to advertisers to complain. If those advertisers and/or shows would stand up to these people and choose freedom and common sense over a few extra dollars this minority of idiots wouldn't control what messages are allowed.
Let's not argue and fight each each other, over and over and over again. Let's just make jokes about the stupid things we've done, have a laugh about it, and move on.
Almost wish Bill's mom wouldn't have accepted this. You know full well why you and your company decided not to air that in '93 and that's because you all were scared that some whiny assholes out there would piss off your advertisers and maybe cost you and your company a few dollars. He waited until 15 years later, after Bill gained more notoriety and Letterman's snub became better known to apologize. Then he can't even be fully honest about that. Why do we support these whores we put on TV?
Dave Letterman covered for CBS, who worried that advertisers would be scared away because of the "pro-life" portion of Bill Hicks' set. In the interview with Mary Hicks, Letterman disingenuously refers to the cancellation as his own decision.
@bsmechanic I thought the same thing. Life is too short to hold grudges and I don't watch the damn show anyway because I don't care about the celebrity of the hour or who they're sleeping with. Letterman is a good entertainer but that's about it.
The power that these whores like Letterman and others possess on TV is given to them by the people so stop supporting these assholes...and wise up America.
It would have been great to have Bill around during Blair's and Bush administrations,as much as he would've have hated it,he would have mince meat out of it....there really is a generation of people who don't know him,who'd love him,just like George Carlin and Sam Kinison,thankfully the fans are out there,to remind everyone just how timeless and relevent they are.
It would have been great to have Bill around during Blair's and Bush administrations,as much as he would've have hated it,he would have mince meat out of it....there really is a generation of people who don't know him,who'd love him,just like George Carlin and Sam Kinison,thankfully the fans are out there,to remind everyone just how timeless and relevent they are. Thank you America!!!
Bill did most of this bit on primetime Australian television when he visited, including the follow-up to Christians wearing crosses line: "I's like going up to Jackie Onassis with a rifle pendant - 'Just thinking of John, Jackie." Its a shame Bill had to go overseas to get the recognition he deserved. RIP Bill
We know the reason the bit wasn't aired has nothing to do with Letterman, but the sponsors of the show objecting through the producers. Letterman lacked the balls to let it through, not realizing the backlash it would cause. His career didn't suffer from not airing the bit, and he had no motive other than his own conscience to apologize, in a sincere and adult manner, and I think Mrs Hicks didn't let him off lightly either! What a lady. Full respect to Letterman.
We know the reason the bit wasn't aired has nothing to do with Letterman, but the sponsors of the show objecting through the producers. Letterman lacked the balls to let it through, not realizing the backlash it would cause. His career didn't suffer from not airing the bit, and he had no motive other than his own conscience to apologize, in a sincere and adult manner, and I think Mrs Hicks didn't let him off lightly either! What a lady. Full respect to Letterman.
bill hicks mom would bring more attention to the show than you think, you know how much shit letterman has caught for not airing the bit? he did it to finally save face, let me say again, he diiiddnntt eeeveen wattch the footage.
he's a liar. he says "I have not seen the footage since that night." well then he just blindly wanted her to come on for ratings and trusted the fact that people think its wrong he edited out Bill's bit? theres no way he would have let it play on air again if he didnt rewatch it to see how bad it really was lol
@happyhazelnut In an interview he even said that he always trying to point out the double standards that exist...and he specifically referenced this bit.
something struck me as odd throughout bill's entire performance. his timing, delivery, and tone was different; and that's when i realized he couldn't swear on television. profanity was such an integral part to bill's show that it isn't quite the same without it. also, i was disappointed to hear bill omit the punch line to the goldfish lincoln log segment. maybe he thought his performance might have a chance of approval if he didn't rail the Christians...ahh the world we live in...
I never had even heard about this show with Bill's mom...i haven't watch letterman since 1993. thanks for the upload, letterman is still a talentless hack.
He was tottaly open to homeosexuality. As I understand it he was trying to point out how people consider male homosexuals something wrong, while lesbians are more accepted in society because of porn movies witch heterosexual males enjoy to watch. Bill always said ''He has no problem with anykind of people, no matter of race, belief, country, sex''
@lukedude56 Ok....now that im thinking of his comment in a different perspective.....maybe he was saying that two women living together is considered to be ok, but not two men.
@Philfa Well, that's how i interpreted it. But maybe he was talking about how people find it to be ok for gay women to live together, but not gay men.
I waited a long time to see that.... Thanks Dave.... And it speaks volumes that even though it was judged un-fit to air they still kept a tape of it for 15 years.
Bill Hicks' second-greatest achievement was that he figured out how to live a totally kick-ass life and leave nothing to apologize for: Don't be a goddamn whore for anything or anyone.
His greatest achievement was that he managed to actually live his life that way while encouraging others to do the same.
Nice try at acting like Bill except Bill was funny.
RunDCM 6 days ago
He reminds me of Obi Wan ..and I'll forever be his Padawan ..
NexisFilms 1 week ago
The reason Bill's bit was pulled was because Letterman didn't want to piss of his Pro-Life advertisers that had commercial on that nights broadcast, it had nothing to do with the Hunt & Kill Billy Ray Cirrus bit.
birdboybif 1 week ago
Times were different in 1993. I'm not defending Letterman, but I was a young adult then, and I know that his jokes about killing pop stars and religion would have raised flags. The material seems quaint today, but we're talking almost 20 years ago. Bill Hicks was and is one of the great comic minds of the last 30 years, and Letterman did right by him by letting us see this, and accepting his role in what was a sad chapter. He didn't have to show it, much less have Bill's mother on, but he did.
BarstoolProf 1 week ago 3
PLEASE TRANSLATE SPANISH¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡
alexsevadecopas 1 week ago
RIP Bill Hicks...a comedic and philosophic genius
Seawave777 2 weeks ago
Obviously if Letterman had known Hicks was terminally ill he would not have cut his piece. It's network television, not Com Central...you can't just crack jokes about murdering pop stars on network television and have it aired. You guys who are giving Letterman shit are F#*CKING IDIOTS. This was what you call an unfortunate "misunderstanding" because Hicks did not disclose his terminal illness to Letterman and took a "I don't give a f*ck" approach to his bit. Hats off to Letterman...a gentleman
Seawave777 2 weeks ago
one of the best.
lapsus5 2 weeks ago
If they only let him hunt and kill Billy Ray at that time Miley would never have been born and we wouldn't have to spend all that money on Hannah Montana garbage your kids insisted upon having, nor the time spent watching the SAME EPISODE on demand over and over.
RunDCM 2 weeks ago
@RunDCM
What a hypocritical scum you are. You spent your money on Hannah Montana, and now you're acting like someone forced you to do it. You're exactly what these kind of comedians were talking about: a dumb idiot who needs someone else to tell him what to spend his money on, what to eat, to smoke or not to smoke, etc, because you're too dumb to run your own life.
Saint7781 6 days ago
I don't see why y'all are complaining about David trying to right what he believes was a mistake he did. He didn't have to invite Bill's mom and apologize, he could have acted like nothing happened and carried on with his life. But he chose to man up and apologize, he caused a lot of pain and so he apologized frequently. He was being humble and admitting to his mistake. Way I see it: y'all are acting like bitches.
dagrimmreepa 3 weeks ago 18
@dagrimmreepa Dave can be a real genteman at times and this is one of those times. He even looks like he's choking up at the end.
rickyseabra 1 week ago in playlist Letterman
It was funny but i could see why Dave didn't air it. Especially when you consider the times. I don't think he should have to go on about how sorry he was. The man was talking about killing innocent people, so he pulled it. It's his show.
DaleRobby 3 weeks ago
fuck me! gettin deep at the end. Though i thunk Letterman is all about appearanaces and this is all for show. pure suck up at the end
rednutbrian 3 weeks ago
naaaah. see i love bill hick, however he was unbelievabley negative. He was wrong about mark wahlberg. he is a decent actor. he if fairly on the money though
rednutbrian 3 weeks ago
We all make mistakes in life big & small. I think seeing the wrong in what we have done and then being big enough to admit it is an admiral thing to do. If more people reflected on the wrong they have done & tried to make amends perhaps the world would be a better place. Big up to Letterman for doing that. It says a lot about his integrity.
Bill was a visionary. He is dearly missed.
OneParticleCharged 1 month ago
Letterman is lying. It wasnt his decision that Hicks got cut. You can tell by the number of times and the way in which he emphasises that it was his decision. He is covering for someone.
stoneysauce 1 month ago
Damn! I grew up Catholic and wondered the exact same things about Easter and the cross. LOL
probrojeffro 1 month ago
Now go watch Leno's early standup or even now, what's the difference? Bill is honest to the core. Leno? safe and pandering. You can't be a successful comic and pander. You don't have to be harsh either, just honest. Leno? NOT!
probrojeffro 1 month ago
Good for letterman making amends bill hicks was a genius.
indycubsfan23 1 month ago
Letterman was a victim too. The big corporations were breathing down his back. I believe he never made the choice to cut it, cause he never had that choice. There were pro-life commercials in the ad-breaks, and no doubt the higher figures had heard his anti-establishment material. Letterman's just forced to take the rap now.
IPVentertainment 1 month ago
I'm not a Letterman fan necessarily, but I feel like people who can't see the genuine effort of Dave to right a past mistake, must have really missed the point of Bill's act. You aren't a true Hick's fan... You're a fanboy, a mindless slug. He would hold you in the highest contempt, simply for missing the big picture.
Manforce85 1 month ago
@Manforce85 Well said mate
1BassJohn 1 month ago
just for the guys who think bills comedy is all about cheap laughs think again, its a penatrative deep insightful black comedy that changes your view on life....thats why he was a fucking legend man...........I'd Like to quote bill here "I left in love, in laughter, and in truth and wherever truth, love and laughter abide, I am there in spirit."- bill hicks.
nickdraketumblrcom 1 month ago
letterman was a complete fucking arsehole regarding the airing of this set by bill at the time, letterman sold bill down the old swany river like most of middle america at the time bill was a fucking amazing insightful beautiful intelligent man, with strong views but good intentions he is a mirror for america look into him and see all your truth. god bless you bill.
nickdraketumblrcom 1 month ago
Lets hunt and kill michael bolton? theres a reality tv show id watch
ikilledcomedy 1 month ago
wow that was so hard to watch. i never thought id say this, but as much as i love bill hicks and everything he stood for, letterman was right to cut it. it was so unfunny.
kKasma 1 month ago
Happy Birthday Bill Hicks! thank you for all the light & Love you released into Earth~
soloevl 1 month ago
Good God!!!! This is one of the greatest standups I've ever seen!!!!
mistamadscientist 1 month ago
Kind of a shameless attempt to grab ratings.
I love how Letterman said he expected it would sound somewhat dated but it wasn't. I don't know that Billy Ray Cyrus and Markie Mark jokes are cutting edge these days.
Still, a solid set from Hicks. Too bad it got cut because and Letterman did really have a good working relationship. Dave used his old show to promote Bill as much as he could. Sad to have gone out on that note.
ccrosbie33 1 month ago
@ccrosbie33 With Billy Ray Cyrus' daughter MILEY CYRUS being one of the biggest "celebrities" in the USA today because he pimped her out to a greedy network how exactly is mocking the guy not cutting edge? Selling himself was not enough, no, he had to go on and sell his own daughter to the mindless TV circus aswell.
And Mark Wahlberg is a celebrated Hollywood actor nowadays despite the fact that he's horrible. He just picks the right movies.
SuckItLily 4 weeks ago
*he was mocking homophobia
PsychoBoyJack11 1 month ago
He wasn't being homophobic, if anything I was mocking homophobia.
PsychoBoyJack11 1 month ago
Spanish Subs PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jeremyspokeinclass 1 month ago
I could've done without the homophobia.
macunaima 1 month ago
@macunaima Yeah that is a bit uncharacteristic of him, but it was ultimately a pretty juvenile joke anyway.
stevesan 1 month ago
Kind of classless to slam Letterman after he apologized and aired the clip. He definitely screwd up but I can forgive anyone if they try to sincerely make amends. Beside, I have a feeling he had pressure from sponsors and the network and was actually being a man by not trying to spread the blame. That said the clip was amazing. Hicks (is) a prophet.
chemiah 1 month ago
The video was longer right?
HaLfDeAdArtist1 1 month ago
no, miley cyrus wouldn't be in that first joke... she'd be too busy getting her love shaken in half by jimmy hendrix lol
thomasnhunter 1 month ago
Dave sucks on Satan's cock.
FuckYourGodYourLord 2 months ago
behind that desk theres a hand up lettermans ass sponsored by satan
ALFEYGA 2 months ago
oooh, the hipocrisy!
oysteinbk 2 months ago
@LiberalBuster You say, "who was never funny.", but that's totally based upon an opinion...your opinion. There are tons of people who think he is funny, me included.
LucidDream 2 months ago 2
Though I don't like Letterman all that much, I do appreciate that he actually did this...he could have ignored it, but he didn't.
LucidDream 2 months ago 2
hahaha. I bet now that first joke would also include Miley Cyrus. :)
LucidDream 2 months ago
"god bless you" why dont you just drop dead letterman
Mika151 2 months ago
hicks the free minded man peace bill truth teller mann
toombeer1 2 months ago
whats the illuminatie eye doing in the corner
toombeer1 2 months ago
@AndyNarcotic I thought the same!
wordsme 2 months ago
Ya know....
Killride 2 months ago
PAUL CULLEN RIP Bro xx xx
IrishWidowMaker 3 months ago
3:56 Anyone else think that Bill wasnt expecting that kind of response?
AndyNarcotic 3 months ago 2
i wonder what bill would think of the future...billy ray cyrus had a daughter and she becomes more popular with less talent than he had, bushs son becomes president and ALSO goes to war with iraq, except with bush 2 we got a much longer war and a much longer presidency, and that fact that corporations run the world more than ever
BernieLomaxisalive 3 months ago
I guess one way to get people back into religion is to promote the fact that when you die you get to see Richard Pryor, George Carlin and Bill Hicks doing stand- up again.
30571589 3 months ago
I know it's late but prop to Letterman. He didn't have to show the piece and there would have been very little consequence had he just left it unaired completely yet he did so anyway.
PlatinumJestar 3 months ago
LOL the last joke was great.
Spacecowboyy 3 months ago
It's as simple concept - "They" those who run the World - The Corperations who control the Media, did not want Bill Hicks or his message to Humanity (Its Just A Ride etc) to escape out into the open at that time. With the advent of the internet, the truth is less hard to conceal, the secret meetings at Bilderberg for example (where it is said that the ellite plan how to run the World by means of fear and greed). Always remember Bill's meassage - Its Just A Ride...
ludwigvonsteampole1 3 months ago
Too late you fuck!
BenTheBushman 3 months ago
@viktorhat No, ALL Hicks fans know about DL's shovin him off th show in 93 because DL is a pussy-ass panderer to religious advertisers who had ads on durin th broadcast. He bumped Bill off for money + spent th next 15 years refusin to take th blame. Dunno what prompted th about-face, but it doesn't seem sincere + it's too little too late, I say. We all suspected just how hurt Bill was by th whole thing + his mom confirms it with strength + grace. Go Mary. No wonder you raised such a good son.
ssarahalisonn 3 months ago 2
David Letterman is a corporate puppet... bottom line
theshantanator 4 months ago 2
Bill could've seen Rebecca Black's Friday...and 10,000BC. RIP BILL
catch2370 4 months ago
Comment removed
PathocracyNow 4 months ago
Fantastic Bill, you were great. Letterman is a slug. I don't buy his bull at all. Hicks was shining a light on our psychopathic world and Letterman helped the psychopaths who run everything keep the light out. Fuck you Letterman.
PathocracyNow 4 months ago 12
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@PathocracyNow
Obviously if Letterman had known Hicks was terminally ill he would not have cut his piece. It's network television, not Com Central...you can't just crack jokes about murdering pop stars on network television and have it aired. You guys who are giving Letterman shit are F#*CKING IDIOTS. This was what you call an unfortunate "misunderstanding" because Hicks did not disclose his terminal illness to Letterman and took a "I don't give a f*ck" approach to his bit. Hicks would agree.
Seawave777 2 weeks ago
i like that david letterman was quite honest
shadycharacter220 4 months ago
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hes really Good.
takerumiyamoto 4 months ago
Awesome. And Letterman is both gracious and humble about having been a censorious jerk.
luciusmichael 4 months ago
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I do not remember this Bill Hicks fellow either, so he can't be all that famous or funny. However, I can not see anything in this performance that should get him banned or censored. He was just another A-hole sounding off, and there is a certain amount of folks who think that is funny. What a fart as this act really is, "a turd with the shit squeezed out of it."
NoggleBaum 4 months ago
@NoggleBaum your an idiot
muntface 4 months ago
@NoggleBaum God I hope you're trolling. Being annoying is far better than being ignorant.
ThisIsUngood 4 months ago
@ThisIsUngood
Being ignorant can be cured, being annoying is like family.
NoggleBaum 4 months ago
@NoggleBaum Do you remember all famous or funny people? Hmm, I think not. A valiant effort at reaching a logical conclusion, though.
bollwoven 4 months ago
@NoggleBaum I think you are confusing Bill Hicks with Dennis Leary...
keerkhor 4 months ago
@keerkhor Could be, I never heard of Dennis Lear either.
NoggleBaum 4 months ago
He's trying to claim this is the 1st time he's seen it in over 15 years? So he spontaneously aired a clip he'd not seen despite the fact that his censorship of Hicks has been a source of criticism for a generation? Wow. How stupid does he think his audience is? In Letterman's defence, he didn't know Hicks was ill and so caught even more fire than he would have if hicks had lived to wipe the floor with all comers in the public eye, but Letterman's still a pathetic corporate shill.
PeterLachaise 5 months ago 3
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BrewToob 5 months ago
david letterman choked up near the end -- he's a man of integrity.
kemchobhenchod 5 months ago
I wish Bill were still around today. FUCK
asianjill 5 months ago 57
@LiberalBuster crawl back under your rock!
autentyk 5 months ago
Hendrix is on harp tonight.
Gev1 5 months ago
I must have crawled out from under a rock recently because I don't remember Bill Hicks, but this was great. May he rest in peace. I am throughly impressed with Dave Letterman here. He has demonstrated that he is truly a man with class.
garlansm 5 months ago
class act.
JoeKeezyTV 5 months ago
I think the idea for the Billy Ray show is still relevant, IMO
lwalkerkcrrcom 5 months ago
thank you dave.
MrMoodboots 5 months ago
I know it was simply a knee-jerk reaction, but it's a shame that Dave ends the convo with "God bless you" in light of Hicks' beliefs and that stellar routine.
BigSkye13 5 months ago 3
@BigSkye13 Hicks' parents were religious, so I doubt it offended her.
mrclown88 5 months ago
Letterman is a bellend.
daiellis 5 months ago 2
I am a Christian, and this is some of the greatest material ever performed... I hate to see a few "religious nutjobs"... As I oh, so very affectionately refer to my misguided, half-crazy brethren, attempt to spread malice and ignorance... Worst of all, using the Scripture (or their own personal version of it.) to do so. God gave Bill the mind, the voice, and the gift to make his children laugh. Let's all smile and enjoy it! To quote Mr. Hicks, "Kay? Kay!"
mrstoick 6 months ago
You do have to give it up for Letterman for doing that so long after the fact, it wasn't a phony "hurry up and walk this problem back" as you would see today. Him admitting he couldn't correct it, and many times chastising himself it proved a good measure of sincerity to me.
He could have likely done this without his Mom on the show, though she holds the only tape, and I think it showed a lot of class to allow her to tell him how it made them feel, and take it gracefully, as a man should do.
painxtreme 6 months ago
Bill Hicks held on to his principles and spit in the face of censorship and was still heard, even after he died.
hbdywtk 6 months ago
Letterman was a real gentleman, as always.
SMGrawks 6 months ago
Beo' ALL comments on this video shud of been stopped after yours You said it all Tnk You!! My older brother whom I looked up2, was my inspiriration & learned about music, comedy etc.. from died at 47 last year & he introduced me to Bill, Micheal Moore, Penn & Teller etc....Wen I was a small kid He was a big "smoker" ie weed & at his funeral I used Bill's joke Re: when he dies & goes to heaven.... I SWEAR that wat my bro did,but BILL was there & gave him a light :) Tnx Again Beo'!!
IrishWidowMaker 6 months ago
@IrishWidowMaker what does "shud OF" mean?! what are you, a waffle waitress?!
autentyk 5 months ago 3
He was a way ahead of his time...
bbreish 6 months ago
Funny and ahead of its' time, but I understand Letterman's decision.
ripdaddyinthehouse 6 months ago
@ripdaddyinthehouse Do you? I think it's great that he did this, and agree with him...don't see what the problem was at all
TheScrewball1982 6 months ago
@LiberalBuster Spoken like a true Christian, you dont seem to understand that just because you believe something, doesnt make it true or others believe it also.
Sarah Palin and Rush Limbaugh?! Oh wait, I see, your a comedian as well! Jeez i thought you actually meant that for a moment there!
Why dont you go and post some comments on videos with them in it? I know it takes a while for the braincell to work its way round but ithe sooner you get there, the sooner you can start talking shit!
moonsugar1 6 months ago
@LiberalBuster Not Biased at all then seeing as how you call yourself a preacher. Though I suppose telling people what they should think is what you do best isnt it. Can see how you'd take an instant dislike to someone like Bill who tried to make people think for themselves.
If your such a Christian and you think he's not funny... then forgive him.
moonsugar1 6 months ago
It takes a real man to admit when your wrong and Letterman proved himself to be one great guy, Bringing Hicks' mom on, apologizing and playing the set!!! Amazing. hats off to him.
acecartoons 6 months ago
Luckily there is a new legion of fans thanks to the Bill Hicks Story - produced by his brother and on Netflix as well as any video market and on DVD. Watch it - it is awesome!
dakota521 6 months ago
@liberalBuster... Remove the rose colored glasses - maybe then you will be able to GET Bill Hicks...denial is a river in Egypt, right?
dakota521 6 months ago
Bill Hicks speaks the truth of who "we" really are and through his genius makes us see how ridiculous we are - we laugh at ourselves seeing who and how we really are. Bill Hicks being the one who did not wear the rose colored glasses had to be difficult to relate to the masses in any intelligent way. He truly is a revolutionary, a visionary, and a gifted comedian....I know that he is the only comedian that makes me laugh from his humor, but cry at the same time for the sadness of his truth of
dakota521 6 months ago
Bill planted seeds........
n8rm 6 months ago
its funny because both sides dont know the reality of real christian mysticism
Its identical in nature to Einstein's Spinoza GOD, and Jesus was the Sun which gives its life so we can Live, born from the virgin galaxy mother mary milky way
They used to set out eggs during the Easter Soltices because the cocktails of gravitational electromagnetic energies alter the embryo fluid, allowing it to NOT spoil similar to how meats don't spoil inside the pyramid
"Ignorance,the Root and Stem of EvIL"-plato
sn1pe352 6 months ago
Bill Hicks rocks! Not only is he funny but he's a thinker. His world view was logical and hysterical. RIP Bill
jamiestuart06 6 months ago
@LiberalBuster Go watch Dane Cook- he must be your favorite comedian. Since you have no idea what comedy is, after all.
theaudieriggs 6 months ago
That was a good thing for Letterman to do. Making up for mistakes and admitting them is the best thing you can do in a situation like that. Miss ya Bill!!
ToolFan68 6 months ago
I love Bill Hicks. He was a legend. His material still makes me laugh harder than anything else out there. I can see why this was banned, however.
The 90s was the beginning of a lot of gay rights activism and I imagine that many who would see this w/o seeing Bill's previous material would label him as a chauvinist and/or anti-gay. Censorship of any form is BS IMO, but when a show needs sponsors it's different.
Bill would have been great on politically incorrect.
Maninthbx 6 months ago
Timeless.
MrBerenstain 6 months ago
it was like seeing eric claptons evil brother
dirosaga 6 months ago
Interesting fact! Cobain was pals with Billy Ray Cyrus! Look it up!
themooddisorders 7 months ago
@ACDCTracks It's the reasons behind the removal of the clip from the original show that is the big deal. Bill fired off a routine that had been approved by the people at CBS assigned to look out for things THEY deem unsuitable for even late night television. After taping, the executive producers and CBS' standards and practices people censored the clip. Bill felt it was ludicrous that CBS was basically telling it's audience what it should watch instead of the other way around.
sylvesterlowery 7 months ago
@ACDCTracks I dislike Letterman and others because they allow marketing people to control what they allow on their show. It is a small minority of idiots that get offended by things on TV and write to advertisers to complain. If those advertisers and/or shows would stand up to these people and choose freedom and common sense over a few extra dollars this minority of idiots wouldn't control what messages are allowed.
ZeroRed78 7 months ago
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@hotlittledago Incredible film. Just saw it last night.
TheStinkfister 7 months ago
46 people are not part of the infinite consciousness that unites us all into one being.
TheStinkfister 7 months ago 3
Bill hicks is the greatest comedian EVER. YES, better than george carlin and richard pryor.
grapej00se 7 months ago
Let's not argue and fight each each other, over and over and over again. Let's just make jokes about the stupid things we've done, have a laugh about it, and move on.
leredsock 7 months ago
Almost wish Bill's mom wouldn't have accepted this. You know full well why you and your company decided not to air that in '93 and that's because you all were scared that some whiny assholes out there would piss off your advertisers and maybe cost you and your company a few dollars. He waited until 15 years later, after Bill gained more notoriety and Letterman's snub became better known to apologize. Then he can't even be fully honest about that. Why do we support these whores we put on TV?
ZeroRed78 7 months ago
LOL the pretender used as an outro
TheFourNobleTruths2 7 months ago
It's funny but in contrast to Bill Hicks, David Letterman seemed sort of fake to me.
swehack 7 months ago
why is this version of the stand up different to the other one ??
jbmharley 7 months ago
Dave Letterman covered for CBS, who worried that advertisers would be scared away because of the "pro-life" portion of Bill Hicks' set. In the interview with Mary Hicks, Letterman disingenuously refers to the cancellation as his own decision.
bsmechanic 8 months ago
@bsmechanic I thought the same thing. Life is too short to hold grudges and I don't watch the damn show anyway because I don't care about the celebrity of the hour or who they're sleeping with. Letterman is a good entertainer but that's about it.
jacksawild 5 months ago
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bsmechanic 8 months ago
The power that these whores like Letterman and others possess on TV is given to them by the people so stop supporting these assholes...and wise up America.
abbadabbadolittle 8 months ago
this was a pretty classy move by dave, good on him.
t00117598 8 months ago 2
bills the kind of guy you want in the room eh?
shanyin1234 8 months ago
Damn.....I miss bill...
pophutch72 8 months ago
It would have been great to have Bill around during Blair's and Bush administrations,as much as he would've have hated it,he would have mince meat out of it....there really is a generation of people who don't know him,who'd love him,just like George Carlin and Sam Kinison,thankfully the fans are out there,to remind everyone just how timeless and relevent they are.
tjchesney 8 months ago
It would have been great to have Bill around during Blair's and Bush administrations,as much as he would've have hated it,he would have mince meat out of it....there really is a generation of people who don't know him,who'd love him,just like George Carlin and Sam Kinison,thankfully the fans are out there,to remind everyone just how timeless and relevent they are. Thank you America!!!
tjchesney 8 months ago
People make mistakes, most of them just dont admit it
blazedballa420 8 months ago
DAVE is such a lier Fuck you dave if u didnt like his shyt back then why u all of a sudden like it now
jfamz93 8 months ago
Hindsight is 20/20
ericheenie 8 months ago
u r sadly missed Bill Hicks and i have 2 get this 1 in 4 u. Mr Hicks, Mr Hicks, they sippena me, thay sippena me.
W4RP1G2010 9 months ago
let's kill Billy Ray Cyrus.
I love how this is so relevant.
BigCM06 9 months ago 2
Bill did most of this bit on primetime Australian television when he visited, including the follow-up to Christians wearing crosses line: "I's like going up to Jackie Onassis with a rifle pendant - 'Just thinking of John, Jackie." Its a shame Bill had to go overseas to get the recognition he deserved. RIP Bill
TheRealPrydie 9 months ago
Bill rocks!
gg6394 9 months ago
God, I miss him. Come back, Bill -- we need ya man!
McKleeny 9 months ago 2
a shame he couldn't make the show, now we have to watch Miley...
dmcleon 9 months ago 19
Hendrix is on harp tonight.
LeLimeLine 9 months ago 4
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We know the reason the bit wasn't aired has nothing to do with Letterman, but the sponsors of the show objecting through the producers. Letterman lacked the balls to let it through, not realizing the backlash it would cause. His career didn't suffer from not airing the bit, and he had no motive other than his own conscience to apologize, in a sincere and adult manner, and I think Mrs Hicks didn't let him off lightly either! What a lady. Full respect to Letterman.
Goatboy333 9 months ago
We know the reason the bit wasn't aired has nothing to do with Letterman, but the sponsors of the show objecting through the producers. Letterman lacked the balls to let it through, not realizing the backlash it would cause. His career didn't suffer from not airing the bit, and he had no motive other than his own conscience to apologize, in a sincere and adult manner, and I think Mrs Hicks didn't let him off lightly either! What a lady. Full respect to Letterman.
Goatboy333 9 months ago 3
bill hicks mom would bring more attention to the show than you think, you know how much shit letterman has caught for not airing the bit? he did it to finally save face, let me say again, he diiiddnntt eeeveen wattch the footage.
naadd 9 months ago
Kudos to Dave for doing this. He didn't have to and it must have been uncomfortable.
mandingo9999998 9 months ago
he's a liar. he says "I have not seen the footage since that night." well then he just blindly wanted her to come on for ratings and trusted the fact that people think its wrong he edited out Bill's bit? theres no way he would have let it play on air again if he didnt rewatch it to see how bad it really was lol
naadd 9 months ago
@naadd Are you an idiot? Do you really think Bill Hicks' mom = ratings for a network Tv late night talk show?
cityunseen 9 months ago
his mom seems so happy, good job letterman good job humanity. we still have the ability to have empathy even in the mainstream media.
manugnauinggshtrajk 9 months ago
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LOLOLOLOLOL BILLY RAY CYRUS HAHAHAHHHAHA
manugnauinggshtrajk 9 months ago
This is some seriously touching stuff. And It's a big deal.
ramisabongui 9 months ago 4
@happyhazelnut In an interview he even said that he always trying to point out the double standards that exist...and he specifically referenced this bit.
jayflo92008 9 months ago
@John5000873 what is the punchline?
datsexximamigurl 9 months ago
Dave becoming humble? Interesting.
halation777 9 months ago
Interesting now to see how it the cbs EYE is there with Hicks, it's a funny and ankward symbolism if you know what I mean.
inferneko 9 months ago
something struck me as odd throughout bill's entire performance. his timing, delivery, and tone was different; and that's when i realized he couldn't swear on television. profanity was such an integral part to bill's show that it isn't quite the same without it. also, i was disappointed to hear bill omit the punch line to the goldfish lincoln log segment. maybe he thought his performance might have a chance of approval if he didn't rail the Christians...ahh the world we live in...
John5000873 9 months ago
I never had even heard about this show with Bill's mom...i haven't watch letterman since 1993. thanks for the upload, letterman is still a talentless hack.
drjacklint 9 months ago
His poor mom..... must be so hard to see your son die.
happyhazelnut 10 months ago
I love him....but i dont agree with his homosexual jokes.......i guess people are a lot more open minded to that nowadays... :)
happyhazelnut 10 months ago
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commbreak 9 months ago
@happyhazelnut
He was tottaly open to homeosexuality. As I understand it he was trying to point out how people consider male homosexuals something wrong, while lesbians are more accepted in society because of porn movies witch heterosexual males enjoy to watch. Bill always said ''He has no problem with anykind of people, no matter of race, belief, country, sex''
commbreak 9 months ago 17
@happyhazelnut Right over your head, huh?
Philfa 9 months ago
@Philfa No, it sounded like he was not very comfortable with the idea of two men living together.....
happyhazelnut 9 months ago
@happyhazelnut COMPLETELY over your head
lukedude56 9 months ago
@lukedude56 Stop being SO arrongant and f*cking explain to me then what the hell he meant by that gay joke! God you're an ass.
happyhazelnut 9 months ago
@lukedude56 Ok....now that im thinking of his comment in a different perspective.....maybe he was saying that two women living together is considered to be ok, but not two men.
happyhazelnut 9 months ago
@happyhazelnut Like we said: over your head.
Philfa 9 months ago
@happyhazelnut Your heart was in the right place, though.
Philfa 9 months ago
@Philfa Well, that's how i interpreted it. But maybe he was talking about how people find it to be ok for gay women to live together, but not gay men.
happyhazelnut 9 months ago
@happyhazelnut Good job!
lukedude56 9 months ago
If he hated Billy Ray that much, imagine what he would have to say about his idiotic daughter.
Wiz83 10 months ago 41
Dave was still relatively new at CBS and probably feared making network enemies.
I'm not sure The Tonight Show or Conan would have handled it any differently at the time.
What appears to make it even worse, is that Hicks died shortly thereafter.
MediaWatchDawg 10 months ago
Took him long enough!
Grabbabba 10 months ago
thanks for posting. i, like many, have waited to see that performance for years. rip bill, one of a kind.
stillwaiting4godot 10 months ago
I waited a long time to see that.... Thanks Dave.... And it speaks volumes that even though it was judged un-fit to air they still kept a tape of it for 15 years.
GaryWilliams74 10 months ago 3
Bill Hicks' second-greatest achievement was that he figured out how to live a totally kick-ass life and leave nothing to apologize for: Don't be a goddamn whore for anything or anyone.
His greatest achievement was that he managed to actually live his life that way while encouraging others to do the same.
Rest well, Bill. We miss you.
Beorning1972 10 months ago 72
@Beorning1972 --- Amen brother.. and I hope Bill has a grand old time with his dad somewhere out there!
korot19 8 months ago
R.I.P Bill HIcks. Much luv.
SuperWhale101 11 months ago
Bill hicks w