Eric Idle

Eric Idle has had an erratic career since Monty Python. He's written a number of books, performed LIVE, written a musical and appeared in a number of films, such as:

• Yellowbeard (with Graham Chapman & Peter Cook)
• Baron Munchausen (directed by Terry Gilliam)
• Nuns On The Run
• Casper
• Wind In The Willows (directed by Terry Jones)
• Burn Hollywood Burn (considered one of the worst movies of all time) &
• Shrek 3

He and the late Graham Chapman were considered the under-achievers of the ensemble but in the last few years, Idle has gained considerable success and acclaim. However, here is a very brief run-down on his activities:

Hello Sailor

I was actually given Idle's Hello Sailor novel in 1975 by a friend when it was first published, knowing that I was Monty Python-mad. and Though I've long since lost my copy, I remember it being an entertaining, short and very disposable read. Thirty years on I doubt you'll find much of interest so I wouldn't recommend it, other than for Monty Python archivists but at the time it was fun.

The Rutles

Eric Idle's first project after Monty Python was his own TV series, Rutland Weekend Television.

In 1978 Idle created All You Need Is Cash, a TV film parody of the lives of The Beatles, starring the bogus Rutland band, The Rutles. The resultant TV-film, All You Need Is Cash, is very funny in parts and still still has a strong cult following.

Idle and co-conspirator Neil Innes have, over the years, expanded upon the original Rutles release with another album and another DVD.

The Quite Remarkable Adventures Of

The Owl And The Pussycat

I can't say that I'd ever heard of The Quite Remarkable Adventures Of The Owl And The Pussycat until researching for this page...but it's a children's book from 1996.

Eric Idle: The Quite Remarkable Adventures Of The Owl And The Pussycat

"...In an age when children are all fed the same diet of movies and TV shows, Eric Idle's work speaks to the individual, the special creative person in each child. The story, the style, the humor lets me laugh while reading it to children, and lets them laugh while hearing it (not to mention the laugh they get watching me laugh)..." Amazon reviewer A. Customer

The Road To Mars

A sci-fi novel that I haven't read... 

"...it's really a good plot with lots of funny characters....and the idea...to make a thesis on Comedy, is really an excellent one...I really enjoyed the book..." Amazon UK reviewer Maidencharlie22

Eric Idle sings Monty Python

Utterly Bizarre. A CD in which Eric Idle sings Monty Python's songs. Why?

Actually, the release is probably "inspired" by his stand-up show which toured the USA in 2000, Eric Idle Exploits Monty Python, for which Idle performed some of the Python songs.

Eric Idle Sings Monty Python

Eric Idle sings I Like Chinese LIVE

"...If you like Python - and you like Eric Idle - then this CD is the whole can of spam for you! From the "Lumberjack Song" to his hand written "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" Eric Idle wins the crowd with his witty dittys and his slightly pscyho sense of humour!..." Amazon UK reviewer Idlelover

The Greedy Bastard's Tour Of America

In 1997 Idle toured America with his own one-man show, 80 dates in 49 cities, combing the Americas for some easy money and a new experience.

Greedy Bastard are his blog diary entries and a fascinating read, as well. It's a true picture into the mind of this, of, if not a great comedian, then certainly, a member of Britain's greatest comedy troupe.   

Idle writes about:

• some great Python anecdotes
• his friendship with ex-Beatle George Harrison
• his wife and daughter
• the scenery...lots about the scenery

...at the end you may not have been "entertained"...but you'll probably feel you "know" Idle like a friend.

"...Eric Idle can turn as quick witted phrase as well as any ex-Python member. In truth, he is/was perhaps one of the funniest entertainers of the 20th century...Few books have made me laugh out loud as often as this one. For that reason alone, it is worthy of five stars..." Amazon reviewer JMack

Eric Idle presents

The Rutland Isles

Personal taste is a funny thing! I love this album of dirty ditties and irreverent comments...but it could really get up your nose. Quintessentially English schoolboy fun, Eric Idle presents The Rutland Isles is most certainly not the CD of a Python growing old gracefully.

Spamalot

Eric Idle developed Monty Python And The Holy Grail into an award-winning Broadway musical in 2004, which has now also opened in London, Las Vegas, Australia & Spain. Spamalot's unexpected and continued success has probably earned the team more money than at any time in their respective careers.

see also:

• wikipedia Eric Idle
• excellent Eric Idle interview about Python & The Rutles, 1979
• Eric Idle's theme song to the computer game Discworld 2, That's Death, 1996
• Eric Idle's anti-censorship The FCC Song, 2004, written after being fined $5,000 for swearing on air.  For those who're interested, here's another FCC song
• glib video snippet from Eric Idle about Monty Python's Michael Palin