When Neil Innes died unexpectedly in December 2019 the world lost more than just a singer and songwriter. Innes was an important nexus point between several of the most popular cultural phenomena of the twentieth century, chief amongst them being The Beatles and Monty Python. A de facto member of the latter – the ‘Seventh Python’– and an admirer, friend and participant in the world of the former, Innes has often been thought of as a cult figure, tied up in the worlds and stories of others. But he was always much more than that and his work as an individual, away from his megastar friends and the legacy of the marvellous Bonzo Dog Band, is a treasure trove of melody, comedy and pathos. With Idle moving to LA, Innes made his own BBC TV series called The Innes Book Of Records in 1979 before utilising his family-friendly image to move into children’s TV and books in the ‘80s and ‘90s, as well as literary travel series Away With Words. The Bonzos and The Rutles would re-emerge sporadically over the coming decades, with The Rutles most notably releasing a parody of The Beatles’ ‘Anthology’ entitled ‘The Rutles Archaeology’ in 1996, but Innes’ tendency for comic subterfuge would remained undimmed into the new century. In 2010 he formed The Idiot Bastard Band, a purposefully unrehearsed comedy song collective which would include Phil Jupitus, Adrian Edmondson, Roland Rivron and Paul Whitehouse across the next two years. The song has been used by Coca-Cola in its 2012 campaign celebrating its 125th anniversary [6] and also in Italian Vodafone commercials. [7] It was also used by Asahi Breweries for their Asahi Off beer commercials in Japan. [8] [9] Critical reception [ edit ] Genzlinger, Neil (30 December 2019). "Neil Innes, a Master of Musical Humor, Dies at 75". The New York Times . Retrieved 30 December 2019.

United Artists had been very kind to me ... In my own way, I wanted to repay them – by making a bunch of silly singles at a time when the music industry still seemed to have a sense of humour. Wrong again. [6] Paul Abbott runs Hark! The 87 th Precinct Podcast , which takes a look at each of the books in series in turn, but usually turns quite silly. He also makes noises with his band in Liverpool, Good Grief, and spends the rest of the time thinking about Transformers, The Beatles, Doctor Who and Monty Python.Their mix of wit, mayhem, outlandish costumery, musicianship, cut-out comic speech bubbles and mid-set tap-dancing extravaganzas made the band a hit on the London pub circuit and in the Northern working men’s clubs. As a result, Innes and the band made their first TV appearance in 196 on Blue Peter, performing a Dadaist ‘20s style take on ‘Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey’ featuring exploding saxophones, spoon solos and random gunshots.

The Idiot Bast**d Band| Wyvern Theatre, Swindon". Swindontheatres.co.uk . Retrieved 30 December 2019. Whatever (MC single liner notes). Oasis. UK: Creation. 1994. CRECS 195. {{ cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) ( link) Whatever (CD single liner notes). Oasis. UK: Creation. 1994. CRESCD 195. {{ cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) ( link)While a student at Goldsmiths College, London, in the mid-1960s Innes met Yvonne Catherine Hilton; they married on 3 March 1966. The couple had three sons, Miles (b. 1967), Luke (b. 1971), and Barney (b. 1978). [22] [1] NEIL INNES’ sad and sudden death in December 2019 robbed the world of one of Britain’s most original and unique musical and comic talents. While the song is primarily a light-hearted anthem celebrating individuality, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing one’s authentic self and finding joy in the present moment. 9. How does “How Sweet to Be an Idiot” align with Neil Innes’s overall musical style? Stewart Mason, reviewing the album for Allmusic, described it as "split between tongue-in-cheek parody and straight pop songs" and containing "solidly melodic Beatlesque pop", but was critical of the "unfortunate sterility to Innes' self-production". [1] Commercial Coca-Cola: "Razones Para Creer" 2011 (Fullscreen HD) Whatever / Oasis". 18 January 2011. Archived from the original on 12 December 2021 . Retrieved 12 January 2012– via YouTube.

Whatever by Oasis Used in Italian Vodafone Commercials". Stopcryingyourheartoutnews.blogspot.com. 2 October 2011 . Retrieved 12 January 2012. Whatever (7-inch vinyl single liner notes). Oasis. France: Helter Skelter. 1994. 661079 7. {{ cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) ( link) Yes, “How Sweet to Be an Idiot” has been covered by several artists, attesting to its enduring appeal and cultural significance. 7. What was the audience’s reaction when the song was first released? Whatever (7-inch vinyl single liner notes). Oasis. UK: Creation. 1994. CRE 195. {{ cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) ( link)Recorded in 1973 at the famed Chipping Norton studios and featuring guitar wizard Ollie Halsall on lead guitars, this record is a timely reminder of Innes’s quality as a songwriter. The comedic elements of Innes’ career have had a tendency to overshadow the fact that he penned great songs and our guest seems to have been determined to keep the comedy at bay while putting together his first solo effort if you go by the quotes in liner notes (“I’m really working towards a situation where I don’t have to be funny. I just want to get through, that’s all that matters to me”).