Interview with Neil Innes - The Rutles 

Quite an intelligent chap and anyone who wears a rubber duck on his hat deserves extra special recognition. RIP.

"Clearly, it was getting silly, and something sillier had to be done." RIP Neil Innes. An under appreciated musical genius. The Rutles music was utter brilliance behind the silliness.

Every time I think about "I Am The Walrus" it's "Piggy In The Middle" that takes over. Neil wrote an enormous number of amazing songs and should have been given a knighthood but I'm sure he would have turned it down. An ordinary guy with an extraordinary talent. I hope that as he is laid to rest, someone plays "Slush". He deserves to be buried with tears of laughter rather than tears of sadness. RIP Neil Innes - a legend in his own lunchtime.

The legend of The Rutles has lasted for many lunchtimes. They brought us so much joy and laughter. So long, Ron Nasty.

Long before Spinal Tap, the Rutles was a trailblazing brilliant piece of satire. And musically, it almost rivals the original songs they are parodying. Mr Innis was one talented bloke. RIP, mate & thanks for the many smiles.

I love everything this man did...I worked in a petrol station in Woodbridge Suffolk and he'd come in to fill up....I knew who he was but never said so...he was always very polite, nice and smiling. Now raising a glass, thanks Neil x.

What a great man. I had the privilege of meeting him after one of his shows at Bury Met. After the show I said I really enjoyed "absent friends " a song about the phone call following sudden deaths. Not a funny song at all but he really appreciated my comment and said to me life is not all comedy and quite serious at times. He was not only a genius songwriter but a caring and thoughtful person. What a shame these big record companies are continually trying to claim royalties off creative people. When he passed I thought of those comments and his songs and it made me count my blessings and know fully that he himself was blessed with talent and humility. R.I.P Neil Innes A great Man indeed.

"This is a protest song - I've suffered for my music and now its your turn". It still makes me smile. In fact I think of it most times I pick up one of my guitars. RIP.

My favourite band is The Beatles and I just one to say that Neil Innes, in my view, is a genius to make those songs he made for the Rutles soundtrack, for me they are brilliant, many of them are as good as The Beatles songs.

He was so great, I’m very sad that he is gone. The man was an artist. He was very close to George Harrison among others. RIP Neil

Rest In Peace bud, thanks for the smiles and the music

RIP Mr. Innes. You were amazing and your work will not soon be forgotten. What a genius.

Shocked and stunned. RIP, Neil.

I’ve met Neil twice after concerts -such a talented musician and bloody nice bloke!

“I’ve suffered for my music, now it’s your turn “ I quote Neil often. RIP buddy.

The world is a sadder place without Neil 😞 RIP a true genius

The world has lost a rare talent and a comedic genius.

Sad passing today. Thank you for all the pleasure you have given. Seeing the Rutles this year was the highlight of 2019 if not ever. R.I.P.

I had the good fortune to attend a (unbroadcast) recording at the Edinburgh Fringe about 20 years ago. He was gracious enough to chat and sign things for those who wished to touch the hem of his garments. I told him I loved the guitar solo on "Mr Apollo". He smiled! Nice man, great loss!

RIP Neil. A total legend. And more importantly, a beautiful human being. x

Neil innes died from a heart attack yesterday. He was 75 years old. RIP Neil. He wrote Beatles parody music that was just as good as theirs.

What a brilliant talent. Rest in Peace. The Rutles was genius.

I met him a few months before he died. He visited San Diego to meet with a management company to organizing a tour. There was a post on Facebook about it, and I went to the office. I was the only fan there. Neil was very welcoming. He autographed my Rutles album, gave me a couple of Rutles CDs, and let me take some photos with him (I brought a DSLR and flash).

This guys sense of humour is brilliant.

So sorry to learn of the passing of our treasured Mr. Eurovision Song Contest Man - one heckuva harpsichordist and all around celebrated composer and wordsmith. He has cheered us for over half a century. His tunes - welcomed ear worms (although “‘I love Cezanne’, says Anne” was a bit hard to shake). As a sheltered American youth, I had to ask what an “advert in the Tube” meant. I am sad. I haven’t even gotten over the untimely passing of Vivian Stanshall. Ah, well,,,Thank you, to the U.K. for producing such incomparable talent.

Rest in peace Neil. I played a bunch of Rutles songs on the night that I heard he had passed. Thank you for your music and humour.

RIP to this underated genius.

Huge Neil Innes/bonzos fan here. A bit back in time Bonnie & Laurie from California hosted a Neil Innes tribute site. Members took names and chatted via Innesboard. I was Percy on Innesboard. Had fun meeting friends through that and Yvonne was doing tour updates and Helen was helping to put Neil's songs into chords and lyrics. I spent two years in the UK but live in New England. I still go to Neil's play with Neil chords site and I sing some of the songs at open mics just for the fun of sharing music. Gotta thank Neil and the Bonzo's and all for all of the great and fun music. What an awesome ride this has been and I'm taking it into the new roaring 20's. I'll be singing and play Neil's and The Bonzo's songs here in New England at pubs and community suppers all for the love and sharing of music and that nice heaping helping of humour. The world and life can be tough. It's helps to be able to stop and laugh. The awesome ride continues. A friend of Neil's sent me a huge package of cd and dvds of Neil's music and television shows and related demos and even karaoke versions of songs. It's an awesome pile of discs. I'm in the USA, I think that means it's up to me to help spread the love and joy of Neil's music here. I also play for free, just for fun sharing with audiences not making any money at all. No, yes, I'm all about the love and joy of the music and will be forever grateful to Neil. I parted ways losing touch after Bonnie's passing when Innesboard came to an end. Thanks to Bonnie and Laurie for hosting that awesome site. Bonnie & Laurie had also hosted a fan site for the fictional band Spinal Tap in the USA. We had some great times at Innesboard. Look up Neil's chords and song lyrics as, of course, Neil would want us to continue to sing and play along. tribute to Neil condolences to all friends and family.

Thank you Neil for your contribution to fun music, I have seen you several times as The Rutles and to be honest I think you sound better than a copy as most of you work is original Thanks again now I must go and listen to the albums again

Absolutely gutted, lucky to have met him a few times and he was a genuinely nice, funny, down to earth, and incredibly talented man.

One of the world's great humorists - thanks for all the laughs, Neil :)

Everybody's got something to hide except me and my Duck

The songs were the best part of “All you need is cash” Amazing they were written so quickly. But maybe that’s why they’re so good. RIP Neil.

RIP Neil aka Ron Nasty. He looked so young still and seemed so sharp. Remembered all the old names and details. ☹️

I remember seeing Neil with the group 'Ringer' at one of the Beatles' conventions. They did a Rutles set and were absolutely brilliant... my one regret was, I didn't speak to him after the set was finished.

Neil Innes = Genius

R.I.P Neil. I grew up listening to your work in the Bonzo dog band and The Rutles in 2013 when I was 13. I loved it all. Rest easy.

I’m bummed too. I was fortunate to Meet him too in the late 80s at Beatlefest Chgo, and I saw him in the bar by himself. I went over to him and complimented him and thanked him for all his contributions and how well he wrote the Rutles songs and sang and produced them. Practically all of them. I asked him to sign a couple CDs I had with me, THE RUTLES “All You Need Is Cash” and a Bonzo Dog Band CD. He was a real sweet guy. He did sign both. I’m sorry to hear of his passing too. All of our hero’s growing up are dying off !!!

You Sir, a LEGEND! Thank you so much for you work and efforts! As I Beatle fan I love all Rutles songs with all my heart! Love from Brazil!

Long live NEIL Innes. Such a great musician, writer, actor, and humble man. He deserves a statue in his name -- to remember.

Here's to everything you have given us: Cheers! You will be missed.

The Rutles were an absolute work of genius and I'm pretty certain most Beatles' fans will appreciate the irony . RIP Ron Nasty. Thoughts are with Chastity at this sad time.

Rest In Peace Neil. I feel like another brilliantly talented artist has left us. Thank you for The Innes Book of Records, The Rutles and so much more.

"In this day and age, love is all the rage. Life goes on, it only goes to show. It's not my cup of tea, it's all the same to me. For we are here today and gone tomorrow". Cheers Neil. R.I.P.

Neil Innes was a true star! Went to see his solo show (and I usually hate solo artists) about 40 years ago. Nearly died laughing, and sprained my ankle.

sadly missed, never forgotten, he said my job was just to write the songs, my god, is that all? it's the hardest part, anyway he was and is a legend

RIP Neil. I loved all your music. You were a genuis.

I have tremendous admiration for Neil. Truly a talented songwriter. Being one myself (the songwriter part : /), I can appreciate the skill of putting these wonderful tunes together. And the production quality. Wow!

RIP Mr Urban Spaceman - we'll always love your music x

Have loved Neil Innes for decades. I love the music behind his face.

You're the urban spaceman baby and one day I'll see you there. RIP Neil .

The RUTLES Kept the sound of the Beatles alive, in new music.

Neil Innes was the best, loved his music.. RIP, never be the same without him.. Heaven will be more sillier place now that Stanshall and Innes are back together. x

RIP. Always enjoyed him. RWT and then the Rutles were brilliant and I also loved The Innes Book Of Records series.

I watched "The Rutles" for the first time last night. Easily one of the best things I have seen in the last 10 years. Seeing the old SNL crew in bits, Mick,and Paul Simon act so genuine in the concocted interviews was priceless! Just an amazing piece of work!

The Bonzo Dog Band and The Rutles were truly real Alternative stuff, R.I.P. Neil Innes... You Done Good

We all stand on shoulders of Rutles

Didn’t know he has passed away. A musical genius with a special sense of humor. I like the rutles just as much as their cover lookalikes from Liverpool.

Thank you. You made me happy, time and time again. From the Bonzo's onward, sad news yesterday.

A masterclass on music, the biz and it's contracts from Mr Innes. To his family and everyone who loved him, thanks Neil.

RIP. Neil. Thanks for the memories...

Neil Innes RIP..........it's a masterpiece! The Rultles went over very big with me and my friends. I still don't know how you wrote the songs.

The Rutles, were the only thing that caught some of the "Spirit" of what the Beatles were.

Sad loss, great character.. brilliant songwriter

I have always thought in the back of my mind Cheese and Onions...

"Pointed shoes...tight trousers" ( roll of the eyes )..." Girls with kittens up their jumpers...You may be dead Neil but you're still making me laugh ... Thankyou so much for enhancing my life.

The music from Rutland Weekend Television was absolute fking genius. I had the “Rutland Weekend Songbook” as a kid - loved it and nearly wore the album out - Front Loader, Concrete Jungle Boy, Stoop Solo, Boring, Johnny Cash Live at Mrs Fletcher’s, 24 Hours in Tunbridge Wells....I knew every word to every song, hardly anyone in Australia had heard of it. I really genuinely feel very sad about Neil’s passing, that record was a big part of my early teenage years.

R.I.P, Sir. Thank you.

Neil Innes wrote great music for the Rutles albums. A tribute, but at the same time great new songs. The first album is an absolute classic.

Farewell to one of the "Urban Spacemen" We don't need to be losing people that make us laugh, the way things are on the planet.

A very British artist; RIP Neil - you enriched us all. Thank you.

Parody is the ultimate accolade. I love it. I must be in love!

Brilliant interview. I had no idea about The Rutles is thus wonderfull man until he passed.

Neil's tunes are so Beatle-y that I included them in my iTunes Beatles' playlist. Based on number of plays, Get Up and Go is my favorite Beatles' song!

RIP Neil. Thanks for all the brilliant music. Love the Bonzo dog do dah band.

Miss you Neil. So glad I got to meet you and speak for a few minutes. You will always be loved. Peace.

What a lovely person. He made so many people laugh, and think. Brilliant man. Rip..

The music and laughter you gave to the world outshines all of the bs brought by so many others, and almost eclipses the sorrow of your passing. We learned a lot from you. Thank you

HOLY TOLEDO! HOW COOL IS THIS? I SAW THIS MOVIE BACK IN THE DAY AND THOUGHT IT WAS "DA BOMB!" THE OTHER DAY I WATCHED IT ON MY PHONE AND IT WAS THE BEST MOVIE OF THE CENTURY!!!!! HOW DID I MISS SO MUCH?!!! GEORGE HARRISON WAS EVEN IT! RON WOOD... IT WAS SUPER FANTASTIC!!! .MY SISTER HAS THE ALBUM-GATEFOLD, SHE HAS A FLYER... SMASHING PUMPKINS OPENING FOR ANOTHER BAND SOMEWHERE. I SAW IT, WHATEVER. BUT, THIS MOVIE WAS THE RAGE. NOW, IT'S LIKE NO ONE REMEMBERS IT. WE MUST REVIVE IT. EVERYONE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE MISSING AND THEY SHOULDN'T DIE UNTIL THEY VIEW IT! IT'S THE BEST EVER!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤!!!!!

I like the headgear joke referencing the most famous rock'n'roller of all time - Duck Beret :)

Massive influence on the 60’s , all round underrated genius. RIP MASTER INNES.

R.I.P. to an inspirational and amazing man - we love you Neil Innes!

How could you NOT love this man. I was so happy to meet him in Chicago briefly. I have been "Rutling" Ringo for 20 years.

"If I was a sinner I would confess..... but Im just a beginner I couldnt care less" ('concrete jungle boy-Neil Innes) RIP ❤✌👍

Genius of a man ! Hugely talented and under - rated. His love of music and fun shone through ! Thank you so much Mr Innes. Wonderful 👍

RIP Neil Innes.

What a genius Neil Innes was. You'll struggle to find a more underrated talent. Sadly, he may now, finally, get some recognition. Too late, as usual. Sincerely, A Johnny Cash Rutle.

RIP Neil. The world is a little bit sadder without you. 😓

thank you for bringing The Rutles into our lives

Great movie, great music. Damn it though, they definitely should have gone with "The Bootles"!

I still lovingly remember the mocumentory and the song A Hard Day's Rut.

I would of loved a neil innes dukes of stratosphear collaboration

The duck confers that you weren't quacks in your own right. That was so fun! Everyone loved it 🇺🇸

About half way through, you are so taken by what he is saying that you forget the rubber duck.

Rip Neil one truly amazing musician

RIP Neil Innes (1944-2019).

First saw him on Do Not Adjust Your Set in 1967. Musical comedy genius.

Rest peacefully Neil. Thanks for all the wonderful music.

He always had interesting things to say as well as sing. It's a shame more musicians aren't as articulate.

What a lovely man. so "on song" so genuine, love his legacy, miss him greatly.