A talent to amuse:
Anticelebrity Neil Innes at The Seventh Python Hollywood premiere 
By Sharon Anderson

On June 26, I trundled myself to the storied Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard for the premiere of The Seventh Python – a film biopic about the ubiquitous, and yet somehow little-known genius of our times, Neil Innes.

We all know Neil in some respect. Maybe you have a Bonzo Dog Band album at home somewhere. Maybe you have a copy of the film The Rutles, where he is known as “Ron Nasty,” or better than that, maybe you have the soundtrack to The Rutles!

Maybe you know Neil, the fine artist, who recently had a show in England titled, “Objects Dada.” Or perhaps you have some Monty Python DVDs, where he appears as a song and dance man, playing multiple roles from a monk to Sir Robin’s minstrel.
Neil Innes fans – lie down and be counted!

  Neil was the happy host of the show at the premiere that night, charming and as accessible as ever. I’ve been around Neil a few times, and it’s funny how everyone in the room innately (or Innes-ly) understands that it’s completely uncool to be starstruck around this anticelebrity.

You have to scream like a schoolgirl on the inside, you see. Neil has consistently made fun of the media and the cult of celebrity in his over 40-year career as an artist, songwriter, musician, and actor. The bigger fan you are, the more that you want to appear to get it – get it?

“Oh yes, it’s all so silly Neil, you’re right. Can I have your autograph?”

He spoke for a while, and the films began with “Rutle outtakes” – unseen gems left on the cutting room floor that were simply thrilling. I hope they will appear as DVD extras. The feature film followed – no spoilers here, just go get the DVD the second it comes out, if you know what’s good for you. This film is full of brilliant interviews and rare footage that is a must for any connoisseur. You will laugh and hear great music.

  After the film, there was a question-and-answer session, and a lobby intermission where I momentarily got to visit with Neil and the great Ian Whitcomb. My camera pooped out on me at that moment, and I blame the devil himself.

  Before the second film, Neil showed us one of his never-before-seen art films from his college days. Prior to the screening, the audience asked him to narrate, but Neil said, “Bugger democracy, it’s a silent film!” The Master of Ceremonies asked, “Well, does the film have a title?” Neil playfully shouted, “No!” The film was made in 1964 with Vivian Stanshall. Silent, black and white, arty … and this was followed by the film premiere of the 40th Anniversary Bonzo Dog Band Concert. 

Just for one day, Hollywood did “The Trouser Press,” as all well-bedecked Bonzos would on a special night like this. Beautiful thing, that.

Sharon Anderson is a Los Angeles-based writer and painter, and a frequent contributor to Northside San Francisco. She also often appears in Art in America. You can contact her at www.mindtheimage.com