RateItAll: The Opinion Network

Hicks was a terrible comedian, but a fantastic sociopolitical commentator. His views on a wide variety of pertinent political topics were refreshing, but as a genuine comedian, he did not cut it. He failed to blend his sharp observational skills with humour. His fans would be the first to admit that they enjoy his commentary more than anything else.Overrated.

Love his "What are you reading for?" piece.

The saying goes that only the good die young and this is certainlt the case with Bill Hicks. His caustic commentary makes you laugh and then makes you think. The British seemed to get him more than the Americans at the time and also seemed to get the joke when he was being outrageously filthy (Goat Boy for example)

i cant say too much that bat jelly didn't say better. bill hicks was awesome though

Easily one of the most brilliant social commentators of the last century, if not ever. His observations and critiques of the first Bush's unnecessary war (The Persian Gulf Distraction) and pop stars of the day (Vanilla Ice, M.C. Hammer, Billy Ray Cyrus) make me wish he was still around today to apply his wit to such atrocities as the current Bush's distractions and Brittany Spears and company. I can understand some people's distaste for Hicks, particularly the people who he chooses as his targets - hypocrites rarely like for the finger to be pointed at their own hypocrisy. Understandibly, he was relatively unknown in his lifetime, but it's hard to market a guy who tried to open the world's eyes to see that not everything is a dollar sign and that the world doesn't have to be what they're trying to sell you on TV, that we don't have to stab each other in the back to better our own position in this world and get more stuff, and that we don't need to be spoonfed with trends and fads and some superficial idea of what is supposed to be beautiful. If he had just sold his soul and started hocking Jell-O Pudding, he'd easily be at the Number One spot on this list. But if that's the price he'd have to pay, I'm sure he'd be more than happy to stay right where he's at. Maybe one day people will open their eyes, and he'll find his way to the top.

Bill Hicks was one of the funniest stand-ups I've ever seen.Too bad he died so young.He made me laugh till I cried and also made me think.His delivery and timing were superb.

I thought he was underrated. One of the few comics that criticized the original Gulf War (I thought that in war you had to have TWO armies, folks. . .) His dry delivery and cynicism wasn't for everyone thus cannot merit 5 stars. . .but I certainly miss him.

If he had not died prematurely, he would have developed into the greatest, most acerbic social critic going. Death cut him short, but through the CD's and DVD's, he'll live forever.

Way overrated

A personal hero, years ahead of his time. Truly missed

Overrated but good.

This may have been the funniest man ever to walk this Earth. I'm amazed at his level of intelligence. You can tell he was a genius, but didn't come across as an arrogant bastard. He had me in tears from laughing out loud at his material.

entertaining.

To die of pancreatic cancer in has early 30s is a cruel twist of fate. For all the ignorant under educated bigoted ultra conservative people in America, it's good to know that you also have a backlash against this sort of arrogant self satisfied persective, which is personified by people like Bill Hicks. As the most powerful nation in the world it would be nice if it could (as it SHOULD be) also be the freest, most liberal, most forward thinking, progressive nation as well. Maybe it would, if your country was run by people like this. Oh well, you can but hope!

Comedians like Bill Hicks are few and far between

A rare breed, where's David Cross on this list?????

Bill's rank on this list shows just how few people really got his comedy

Is there any particular reason Mr. Hicks is behind John Candy, and, Dear GOD, Norm Macdonald?!?!!? He should at least be number 18 or perhaps 23, I mean , c'mon!

I would compare this guy to Lenny Bruce. He wasn't always uproariously funny, but he had so many important things to say that you sort of forgot that you were supposed to be laughing. It's too bad that people like him die at a young age when a$$holes like Don Rickles and Milton Berle live for f--king ever.

He was the best.

Bill Hicks was not only hilarious but an insightful social commentator...we need him more now than we ever did!

One of the great minds of the 20th century. I cannot say enough about this man's wisdom and unique perspective. He is an inspiration to modern philosophy, comedy, and political theory. He moved me to consider a career in comedy.

An intelligent comedic genius, always on the cutting edge.

Easily one of the most brilliant social critics and comedians ever. He advanced and elevated comedy with a passion that so few possess.

Genius, pure and simple.