Brian Innes

Neil Innes was an English songwriter, comedian, and musician who gained recognition as a member of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band. He later became a significant collaborator with the Monty Python troupe, contributing music and performing in their television series and films, earning him the nickname "seventh Python."

Innes also co-created The Rutles with Eric Idle, a parody of The Beatles, for which he wrote all the songs. His career spanned various projects, including children's television shows like 'The Raggy Dolls' and the musical film 'The Seventh Python.' Innes's early life involved piano and guitar lessons, and he studied fine art before embarking on his musical and comedic career.

Born in Danbury, Essex, Neil Innes spent his childhood in West Germany due to his father's military service. He began piano lessons at age seven and later taught himself guitar. His parents encouraged his artistic interests, with his father also being a painter. After returning to the UK, Innes pursued formal education in fine art at Thorpe Grammar School, Norwich School of Art, and Goldsmiths College, London, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art in 1966.

While studying at Goldsmiths, Innes joined the Bonzo Dog Dada Band, later renamed the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band. This group performed a dada-influenced, comedic repertoire of trad-jazz covers. Innes's arrival brought a more focused musical direction, and he became a primary composer, creating hits like "I'm the Urban Spaceman" and "Death Cab for Cutie." The band's work, including "Death Cab for Cutie," was featured in the Beatles' film 'Magical Mystery Tour.' During this period, Innes and the band also appeared on the children's television series 'Do Not Adjust Your Set,' which featured future Monty Python members.

Innes developed a close association with the Monty Python team, having previously worked with some members on 'Do Not Adjust Your Set.' He contributed music to their albums and played a significant role in their final TV series, writing songs and sketches. Innes also performed live with the Pythons and appeared in their films, including 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' and 'Life of Brian.' He co-created 'The Rutles' with Eric Idle, a Beatles parody, writing all the songs for their TV movie 'All You Need Is Cash.' His collaborations were later documented in the film 'The Seventh Python.'

Following the breakup of the Bonzo Dog Band, Innes formed The World, which released one album before disbanding. He then became a core member of GRIMMS, a touring revue ensemble, for five years, releasing live and studio albums. In 1973, he released his debut solo album, 'How Sweet To Be An Idiot.' Innes also wrote and voiced characters for the children's cartoon 'The Raggy Dolls.' His work on the sketch show 'Rutland Weekend Television' led to the creation of The Rutles with Eric Idle.

“I've suffered for my music. Now it's your turn.”