Letterman Attempts to Atone

On Friday evening, Letterman got it right. 15 years later. For my fellow rabid Hicks fans out there, this needs no explanation. For those less acquainted with Bill's life and work, a quick explanation:

October 1st 1993, Bill performed for the 12th time on Letterman. Bill had been long time favourite of Letterman but due to some of the content of this set, Letterman and his staff decided not to run it. Both the show's producers and CBS denied responsibility. Bill expressed his feelings of betrayal in a hand-written, 39-page letter to John Lahr of The New Yorker. Although Letterman later expressed regret at the way Hicks had been handled (unaware Bill was battling pancreatic cancer), Bill passed away a few months later and did not appear on the show again. The full account of this incident was featured in a New Yorker profile by Lahr and appeared later published as a chapter in John Lahr's book, Light Fantastic.

Letterman finally acknowledged his error, invited Bill's mother Mary onto the show to talk about Bill and aired the censored material. Watching the material was certainly moving. Though the material was tame by Bill's standards and could not have been forseen as his requiem (I don't believe Bill had that in mind), it is classic Hicks. Though Bill is less animated and arguably less sharp than in performances such as Revelations, it is still a must see for any Hicks fan. In case you missed it, check it out here.

No doubt Bill got a kick out of the show on Friday, especially seeing his mom.

You want to see what I believe is Bill's true requiem? Here it is...

FIN