Today, Feb. 26, was the 15th anniversary of the death of Bill Hicks.
For many people around the world, the Georgia-born comedian was synonymous with Austin: especially in the UK, where he was probably best received in his life and posthumously received an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons (rather like a memorial resolution in the Texas House). Austin should take that as a compliment. This was where he recorded the now near-mythical show at the Laff Stop, released as Sane Man. Hardcore fans will probably have hunted down his appearances on Austin Community Access.
So why mention this in the politics blog? The reality is that, in the 1990s, Texas had a pretty terrible international reputation. Between the Branch Davidians, Bush 41, and endless re-runs of Dallas, the Lone Star State was ill-regarded across the pond. Hicks, for all the cynicism, was a breath of optimism.
Hicks proved to a lot of people, especially those cursable limey lefties, that there was an active culture of criticism in Texas. His work, which left many conservative critics bristling and still leaves a lot of liberals cold, made the traditionally sardonic and highly politicized British comedy audience think, “Well, maybe Texas isn’t all bad.”
Plus, he really liked animals.
UPDATE: Some relocated Houstonians in the office would like it noted that Hicks spent much of his life living there. So, good for all Texas.
This article appears in February 20 • 2009.
