Neil James Innes (born 9 December 1944, in Danbury, Essex) is an English writer and performer of comic songs, best known for his collaborative work with Monty Python, and for playing in the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band and later The Rutles. Born in Danbury, Essex, England, on December 9, 1944, Innes spent a good part of his childhood in post-war Germany during his Scottish father's military assignment as a Warrant Officer. He also took piano lessons as a child. Neil also has a brother, Iain, about 3 years older. Neil's parents were supportive of their sons' interests. His father drew and painted, and his mother loved horses.
He later attended Thorpe Grammar School and the Norwich School of Art in Norwich. While he attended Goldsmith's School of Art, he met Yvonne Catherine Hilton, majoring in drama, there, and they later married on March 3, 1966. They have 3 sons, Miles (b. 1967), Luke (b. 1971),and Barney (b. 1977). They have at least 2 grandchildren.
