Oh god, this is perfect. I just saw a link to that commercial on r/latestagecapitalism and immediately I thought of this video so I looked it up. This was the top comment. Ahhh… I'm in the right place. It's Bill!
I think, more specifically, he was talking about musicians who do commercials. It’s understood that sports guys and actors are just about making money to begin with.
I discovered that having the ending of this bit, "Everything you say is suspect, and every word out of your mouth is now like a turd falling into my drink." as your outgoing message on your answering machine (as if anybody has one of those anymore) was an effective way to prevent telemarketers, and other undesirables, from leaving a message!
I think what Bill is trying to say that if you use art for something that just makes you or somebody else money (which has nothing to do with art) - you are basically selling out.
It's a shame this rule no longer applies. Guess the dying poor and dignified thing just didn't seem appealing after anyone under 35 watched the older generations do it for so long.
Actually, during this bit, Hicks also says "If you're a young actor, I'll look the other way". He totally gets that people have to make ends meet. He's criticizing those who are able to survive quite well but just can't get enough. His example being Jay Leno. And I just thought of this after seeing Skunk Anansie (who I imagine are doing alright, considering that they've been one of the more popular Rock bands for many years now) in a fucking Range Rover commercial...
No offense, but as someone who really likes bill hicks stiff, this is a really pretentious comment to make. Not everyone who does something commercial is a fucking sellout, and I'm tired of hearing it everytime a musician or an actor appears to promote something.
I always took it that Bill means doing commercials for other products. I don't think he means promoting your own stuff. If Jay Leno does a commercial for NBC or The Tonight Show, that doesn't make him a whore; he's trying to promote his show. Same if a musician does a music video or movie stars to press junkets for their movies. That's why he follows up and talks about how Leno was already making millions every year off the Tonight Show, and that it is different if your a young actor starting out and need jobs for money and recognition. He also exempts Willie Nelson because Willie had massive financial issues due to back taxes. That's the same reason George Carlin did his one commercial in his entire career. And yeah, Bill's being pretty absolutist about it, but that's Bill. I don't think Gene Hackman doing one voiceover commercial in his entire career makes his whole career suspect or his taking a political stance on anything suspect. But when someone like Beyonce takes a stand for Black Lives Matter, I can't help but think of her doing so largely for the good PR. There isn't one magazine or billboard or TV spot she isn't willing to put herself in for a fricken' quarter, so her stances on issues are suspect to me.
Its been a while since I've seen the full act, so I actually forgot about that later half of the bit. That being said, I still hate it when people make those kind of broad statements, even if they mean well.
yes they are. Every time you shill for something/someone for money your integrity is gone. All of these fucks being paid off to shill for Hillary are perfectly described by Bill
A little shortsighted, honestly. Artistic? How about I'm the one convincing these guys to pay me x for 2 hours of work and I can do much more good for the world with that money than the corporation would've done with it. Just keep your integrity while promoting a worthwhile product. Not everything corporate is evil, and just because you accept money doesn't mean you have no artistic integrity. Not that there is such a thing as an artistic roll call. And suspect to whom? People who don't understand the nature of advertising? These days the definition of "commercial" has changed beyond the point that you even recognize being sold to anymore. Just relax and ... don't buy the product if you don't want it.
+Randall Starr Yes, but how much good for the world do they actually do with it? And what is a "worthwhile product"? I agree, not everything that is corporate is evil....corporations that are responsible, provide jobs, needed products, and taxes, etc. But when corporate advertising *intrudes* in to art, then that is very different. Art is supposed to be sacrosanct and artists are supposed to sell us (allegedly) honesty, truth, feelings etc, through their art. If i entrust my fandom to you and, you tell me to go buy pepsi with that trust, really, is that integrity? Sure i can say no, but can i ever look at the artist the same way again, if he merely sees me as a conduit for another revenue stream? It is saying "hey if you are a fan of my art, buy nikes!" I believe an artist should absolutely have my dollars, for his or her artistic creations and their impact on me, and i am willing to give them that $ for how that makes me feel. But then using that influence and respect i have for them, to tell me to buy their new signature perfume? Or Vitamin water? But if you do accept money as an artist, for commercials, it does in fact mean you have no artistic integrity imo. It means your artistic talent is for sale to those who want to use it for other purposes....not for merely art. It does not mean you are a bad person, it does not mean you have no personal integrity, but it does, however mean that you and your art, are in fact for sale to the highest bidder of unrelated products....and you are using your artistic credibility to help a corporation, target your fans.
This was the first thing that came to mind when I saw that Bud Light commercial with Amy Schumer and Seth Rogen. Bud fucking Light.
Oh god, this is perfect. I just saw a link to that commercial on r/latestagecapitalism and immediately I thought of this video so I looked it up. This was the top comment. Ahhh… I'm in the right place. It's Bill!
I'm still reeling over Iggy Pop selling car insurance.
I think, more specifically, he was talking about musicians who do commercials. It’s understood that sports guys and actors are just about making money to begin with.
I discovered that having the ending of this bit, "Everything you say is suspect, and every word out of your mouth is now like a turd falling into my drink." as your outgoing message on your answering machine (as if anybody has one of those anymore) was an effective way to prevent telemarketers, and other undesirables, from leaving a message!
Bill Hicks: You do a commercial, you’re off the artistic roll-call, forever.
Me: I found it pretty relaxing
I just love it how I must watch a commercial before I can watch this.
I think what Bill is trying to say that if you use art for something that just makes you or somebody else money (which has nothing to do with art) - you are basically selling out.
You think ?
Some irony that this is making some chancer money through the ad they play in front of old Bill, may he rest in peace.
if only had ended that with "buy more pepsi"
This is the thought I had when I saw Jim Gaffigan's car commercial.
Jim Gaffigan also played fuckin' Colonel Sanders in a KFC commercial. I'm not watching any more Jim Gaffigan.
Just come back to refresh my memory to quote on a Linus Tech Tips video :)
I'm here because Snoop Dog and Shaq are doing commercials.
Snoop Dogg lying about not smoking brought me here
Happy Birthday Bill Hicks!!
Man, I'm really thirsty for some of that Orange Drink!
Word! RiP Bill!
Using your fame to advertise a product is one thing. Using your fame to openly endorse a major political figure is completely inexcusable.
Bob Dylan selling Victoria Secret was mind blowing
I think of this every time I see Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers doing TV ads.
only the great
Or if they do it not because of the money. (= almost what you said)
Except it's honest Oxy and not just trying to make money.
It's a shame this rule no longer applies. Guess the dying poor and dignified thing just didn't seem appealing after anyone under 35 watched the older generations do it for so long.
Nah, still applies.
Actually, during this bit, Hicks also says "If you're a young actor, I'll look the other way". He totally gets that people have to make ends meet. He's criticizing those who are able to survive quite well but just can't get enough. His example being Jay Leno.
And I just thought of this after seeing Skunk Anansie (who I imagine are doing alright, considering that they've been one of the more popular Rock bands for many years now) in a fucking Range Rover commercial...
Not anymore..@@Astromyxin
Except for Chris Walken and Danny Trejo and Bruce Campbell. Who can be in absolutely anything and still be awesome.
nope
No exceptions
No offense, but as someone who really likes bill hicks stiff, this is a really pretentious comment to make. Not everyone who does something commercial is a fucking sellout, and I'm tired of hearing it everytime a musician or an actor appears to promote something.
Bill hicks stuff*
I always took it that Bill means doing commercials for other products. I don't think he means promoting your own stuff. If Jay Leno does a commercial for NBC or The Tonight Show, that doesn't make him a whore; he's trying to promote his show. Same if a musician does a music video or movie stars to press junkets for their movies. That's why he follows up and talks about how Leno was already making millions every year off the Tonight Show, and that it is different if your a young actor starting out and need jobs for money and recognition. He also exempts Willie Nelson because Willie had massive financial issues due to back taxes. That's the same reason George Carlin did his one commercial in his entire career.
And yeah, Bill's being pretty absolutist about it, but that's Bill. I don't think Gene Hackman doing one voiceover commercial in his entire career makes his whole career suspect or his taking a political stance on anything suspect. But when someone like Beyonce takes a stand for Black Lives Matter, I can't help but think of her doing so largely for the good PR. There isn't one magazine or billboard or TV spot she isn't willing to put herself in for a fricken' quarter, so her stances on issues are suspect to me.
Its been a while since I've seen the full act, so I actually forgot about that later half of the bit. That being said, I still hate it when people make those kind of broad statements, even if they mean well.
They cut off where he follows up with "If you're a young actor trying to make it, I'll look the other way".
yes they are. Every time you shill for something/someone for money your integrity is gone. All of these fucks being paid off to shill for Hillary are perfectly described by Bill
A little shortsighted, honestly. Artistic? How about I'm the one convincing these guys to pay me x for 2 hours of work and I can do much more good for the world with that money than the corporation would've done with it. Just keep your integrity while promoting a worthwhile product. Not everything corporate is evil, and just because you accept money doesn't mean you have no artistic integrity. Not that there is such a thing as an artistic roll call. And suspect to whom? People who don't understand the nature of advertising? These days the definition of "commercial" has changed beyond the point that you even recognize being sold to anymore. Just relax and ... don't buy the product if you don't want it.
Go buy a Pepsi and keep Art out of it
+Randall Starr
Yes, but how much good for the world do they actually do with it?
And what is a "worthwhile product"?
I agree, not everything that is corporate is evil....corporations that are responsible, provide jobs, needed products, and taxes, etc.
But when corporate advertising *intrudes* in to art, then that is very different.
Art is supposed to be sacrosanct and artists are supposed to sell us (allegedly) honesty, truth, feelings etc, through their art.
If i entrust my fandom to you and, you tell me to go buy pepsi with that trust, really, is that integrity? Sure i can say no, but can i ever look at the artist the same way again, if he merely sees me as a conduit for another revenue stream?
It is saying "hey if you are a fan of my art, buy nikes!"
I believe an artist should absolutely have my dollars, for his or her artistic creations and their impact on me, and i am willing to give them that $ for how that makes me feel.
But then using that influence and respect i have for them, to tell me to buy their new signature perfume? Or Vitamin water?
But if you do accept money as an artist, for commercials, it does in fact mean you have no artistic integrity imo.
It means your artistic talent is for sale to those who want to use it for other purposes....not for merely art.
It does not mean you are a bad person, it does not mean you have no personal integrity, but it does, however mean that you and your art, are in fact for sale to the highest bidder of unrelated products....and you are using your artistic credibility to help a corporation, target your fans.
USCFlash well said, glad I read your comment