Neil Innes, a British comedian, songwriter, performer and Monty Python collaborator died yesterday, December 29th at the age of 75. Innes, whose career goes back to the 1960s, was a prominent member of The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band with Vivian Stanshall and their Innes-penned single “I’m an Urban Spaceman” (co-produced pseudonymously by Paul McCartney) was a #5 hit in the UK in 1968.

Innes’ unique comedy helped him garner the attention of Eric Idle, and the Monty Python world, which eventually allowed Innes to co-write the songs for Monty Python & The Holy Grail, one of the most beloved comedy films of the 1970s. He also went on to create the classic Beatles satire The Rutles, and starred as Ron Nasty (who was based on John Lennon) in their accompanying Mockumentary film All You Need Is Cash.

A statement on Innes website reads:

“It is with deep sorrow and great sadness that we have to announce the death of Neil James Innes on 29th December 2019. We have lost a beautiful kind, gentle soul whose music and songs touched the heart of everyone and whose intellect and search for truth inspired us all. He died of natural causes quickly without warning and, I think, without pain. His wife Yvonne and their three sons Miles, Luke and Barney and three grandchildren Max Issy and Zac give thanks for his life, for his music and for the joy he gave us all.”

The performer also composed many of his own comedic compositions and song, which were usually done in a baroque pop style. Check out his song “When Does A Dream Begin?” below: