(The World (1971), GRIMMS (1972-1973), Rutland Weekend Television (RWT) (1974-1976), (Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), The Rutles (1974 & 1978), The Innes Book of Records (IBoR) (1979-1981; more on 1980's page)

This was Neil's most prolific time. The breakup of the Bonzos, the rebound decision to start another band, the birth of his second son, the opportunity to work with the Scaffold comedy group, his first foray into creating musical skits and comedy acting on a television show, his first major film and music score, his acting in a second film and writing and recording 22 songs for it in a few short weeks--all these efforts contributed to Neil's becoming a seasoned professional at his trade. He was at his peak when he was approached to do his own show.

Neil formed a new band called The World. Neil was not confident about the quality of music the band turned out. It was a time of reflection for Neil in that he felt the breakup of the Bonzos left him feeling lost, so he wanted to be in another band. In a way, Lucky Planet, their only album, was really Neil's first solo effort. The World soon disbanded.

Neil must have found it hard to resist the opportunity to work with The Scaffold comedy group, with Roger McGough the poet and Mike McGear, (Paul McCartney's brother), and others.

After the end of Monty Python's Flying Circus, Eric Idle, who had always done his comedy writing alone, got his own show called Rutland Weekend Television (RWT). He asked Neil to join in since he knew what a good comedy and music writer he is. Neil had written a little for one episode of Flying Circus in its last season and had his song skit to  "When Does a Dream Begin?" running behind the credits at the end of one show. Neil and Eric collaborated on the beginnings of The Rutles on RWT and made a black and white film to look like an excerpt of "A Hard Days' Night" by The Beatles. This skit later made it on to Saturday Night Live in the US during the time when there was heavy pressure for The Beatles to get back together. When Eric Idle was asked to host SNL the first time, he said he wasn't bringing The Beatles, but he was bringing The Rutles. Everyone loved the skit. Lorne Michaels of SNL, Eric and Neil jumped on the chance to make a movie since the public were so keen on at least something like The Beatles. The film was shown in the evening on US television, but it was last in the ratings. Later, when it came out on VHS, it gained tremendous popularity, and Neil was praised for his unique ability to write a "Beatlesque" songs. Some of them could be linked to the orignal Beatle song. In contrast, some were blends of two or more.



He reworked previous skits from RWT and wrote new music and skits for The Innes Book of Records. There were 90 of his songs in the three-year series along with songs from the Bonzo and solo albums, which makes him one of the most prolific songwriters of the 20th century.

1970's

Rutland Weekend Television

Neil went through a metamorphosis from a rock musician to a comedian. But one was never far from the other. Neil followed in the footsteps of comedians such as the Marx Bros. as he did not only parody music and spoken comedy, but physical comedy such as good, old-fashioned pratfalls. As a matter of fact, many things fell on HIM during his television and movie stints.

"Janitor's Kids" from RWT; Neil with Gwen Taylor She also worked with Neil on The Rutles "All You Need is Cash."

Above:  Neil's first solo album, 1973.

The Rutles' first song ("I Must Be in Love". Neil changed the lyrics from "Do ya think I'm in love?" to "Am I in love?"

This must be when the microphone swinging started. You can tell he's a beginner because this one Neil didn't catch! From "Hard to Get" from RWT.

This is Neil's green and red cap that he wore when he played "Protest Song." From "All in the Name of Love."

Neil took piano lessons from age 7 to 14. Then he picked up the guitar and taught himself to play. He must be a musical genius because he could play like a classically trained pianist at a young age. His songwriting ability is a true gift that few people possess.He's playing the "Theme" to IBoR.

Neil played a character named Nick Cabaret on IBoR. He based it on the character that Joel Gray played ("Dirty Dancing's" Jennifer Gray's father) in the movie "Cabaret" with Liza Minelli. From "Down That Road."

Neil should be considered the mic swing champion of the world!! From "Plenty of Time."

What a ham!!! Oink, oink! And that's not from "Piggy in the Middle, either! From "Mother."

First it was feathers (above RWT), now it's feather boas! Neil started "experimenting" with different characters on his show. There he goes swinging something again. He's definitely not the "straight man" here! From "Burlesque."

What is it with the nosepicking? Viv used to do it when he and Neil were in the Bonzos. He must be trying to swing (sling?) something else here. It must be considered quite vulgar to the British. On second thought, it should be with everyone! From "Let's Go Crazy."

Neil did a little dancing on the show also. From "Amoeba Boogie."

Well, things looked like they were getting a little more masculine. . . From "Elvis and the Disagreeable Singers."

It's not dancing, but that's more like it. What's with all the swinging?!!!! From 'Ungawa."

(Almost a swing.) Ooh, yeah, shake your groove thing! From "Paranoia."

Now if Neil were to come serenade me outside my window, I definitely would not dump water on his head!

Not the monk from "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." But definitely a cooler one. OK, this page is long enough! Let's continue some more IBoR into the 80's!