Monty Python collaborator Neil Innes, dies aged 75

Comedian and musician Neil Innes, who collaborated with Monty Python and played with The Rutles, has died aged 75, his agent has said.

Apart from writing music for Monty Python’s albums including Monty Python’s Previous Record and The Monty Python Matching Tie and Handkerchief, after becoming involved with the comedy group in the 1970s, Innes is said to have provided the famous whistling on “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”.​

The Independent reports that he appeared in the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail as a head-bashing monk, the serf crushed by the giant wooden rabbit, and the leader of Sir Robin’s minstrels. He also had small roles in Terry Gilliam’s Jabberwocky and Monty Python’s Life of Brian.

He performed and penned songs and sketches for the Pythons’ final TV series in 1974 after John Cleese temporarily left. Tributes have been paid by fellow stars, such as Sherlock actor and writer Mark Gatiss and Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe actress Diane Morgan.

Via The Independent / Evening Standard