Neil Innes, Of The Rutles & Monty Python Fame, Has Passed Away
"We have lost a beautiful, kind, gentle soul whose music and songs touched the heart of everyone and whose intellect and search for truth inspired us all."
Neil Innes - the English writer, comedian and musician best known for his work with The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, The Rutles and Monty Python - has died aged 75.
As reported overnight by BBC, a spokesperson for the family said he had not been suffering from any illness and passed away unexpectedly on Sunday night.
"It is with deep sorrow and great sadness that we have to announce the death of Neil James Innes on 29 December 2019," they shared in a statement.
"We have lost a beautiful, kind, gentle soul whose music and songs touched the heart of everyone and whose intellect and search for truth inspired us all.
"He died of natural causes quickly without warning and, I think, without pain.
"His wife Yvonne and their three sons, Miles, Luke and Barney, and three grandchildren, Max, Issy and Zac, give thanks for his life, for his music and for the joy he gave us all."
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Born in 1944, Innes studied drama at Goldsmiths where he formed the comedic rock outfit, the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band. Tracks by the band include Death Cab For Cutie, inspiring Ben Gibbard's band of the same name, and I'm The Urban Spaceman, pseudonymously produced by Paul McCartney.
Innes went on to form a Beatles parody band called The Rutles with Monty Python's Eric Idle, playing a John Lennon inspired character called Ron Nasty. He also wrote and performed for Monty Python throughout the '70s. His credits include Knights Of The Round Table and Brave Sir Robin in Monty Python & The Holy Grail and the iconic whistling melody of Life Of Brian's Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life.
We got the sad news today that Neil Innes ex-member of The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah band has died. The Bonzos performed Death Cab For Cutie in Magical Mystery Tour. Neil also founded The Rutles, the brilliant parody band of the Beatles. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/GGasAWk1Kk
— The Beatles (@thebeatles) December 30, 2019
Innes' family have asked for privacy "at this difficult time".
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