Another batch of previously unheard Bill Hicks material is to be released to mark what would have been his 50th birthday later this month.

Before he died from pancreatic cancer in 1994, Hicks released just two albums – Relentless and Dangerous. But since then, six posthumous albums and two ‘best of’ collections have been released.

Now a five-track EP of some of his earliest routines is to be distributed on the internet.

The 12/16/61 release – marking his date of birth– was recorded in Texas when Hicks was just 21 years old.

His brother Steve said: ‘Harder to grasp that Bill would be turning 50 and that he has been gone almost 18 years, is the idea that he has reached so many people around the world.

‘Old fans remain fiercely loyal and new fans discover Bill and his work every day. So, appropriately, this is a big thanks to all of you. Enjoy this little tidbit from a 21-year-old Bill. Happy birthday, brother.’

The material will be available on iTunes from December 13, priced $5.99 in the States. Steve added: ‘This is not yet showing up on international iTunes sites but it will. This is a worldwide release.’

The five tracks on the EP are Ladies and Gentlemen, Cats or Dogs, Punks (Where's the Bone?, Mick and Keef and Deep Thoughts.

Published: 5 Dec 2011