Brief summary of the activities of the key Bonzos outside main band

Vivian Stanshall produced an eclectic body of work until his death in 1995, including the acclaimed ‘Sir Henry At Rawlinson End’. He appeared in films and television shows, narrated advertisements, as well famously introducing the instruments on ‘Tubular Bells. He performed with GRIMMS, Bonzo Dog Freaks, biG GRunt and his own shows.

The Rutles

Three Bonzos And A Piano

Neil Innes formed The World before joining GRIMMS and the Bonzo Dog Freaks. He teamed up with Eric Idle for ‘Rutland Weekend Television’, forming The Rutles and worked with Monty Python. He produced a series of solo albums, worked in children’s television and played with the Idiot Bastard Band. Neil both completed a tour with The Rutles and released a new solo CD, just before his death in 2019.

Rodney Slater played with Vivian as well as the Bill Posters Will Be Band, White’s Scandals and the Geezer Band. He was invited to join Three Bonzos And A Piano, which performed regularly until 2014. In 2017 Rodney released his first solo album ‘Parrotopia!’ and performed shows as Rodney Slater’s Parrots.

Rodney Slater’s Parrots

Idiot Bastard Band

Roger Ruskin Spear formed the Giant Kinetic Wardrobe with his robots, and performed with biG Grunt. He formed Tatty Ollity with Sam Spoons and ex-Whoopee Band pianist Dave Glasson, and also performed with just Glasson as the Slightly Dangerous Brothers. He played in the Bill Posters Will Be Band and the Bonzo Bills. With Sam Spoons and Dave Glasson, Roger reformed Tatty Ollity in 2008, deciding to rename it Three Bonzos And A Piano after Rodney joined.

Sam Spoons was part of Bob Kerr’s Whoopee Band, along with Vernon, when the Bonzos split in 1970. Sam performed constantly, joining the Bill Posters Will Be Band, playing with Tatty Ollity, Three Bonzos And A Piano and the Bonzo Bills. He played his farewell show with the Bonzo Bills in 2018 just a few weeks before his sad death.

Bill Posters Will Be Band

Three Bonzos And A Piano

“Legs” Larry Smith performed with George Harrison, Elton John and Eric Clapton. He produced quirky records, did a little film work and made guest appearances with Three Bonzos And A Piano.

Vernon Dudley Bowhay Nowell joined Bob Kerr’s Whoopee Band and continued making guest appearances with them until the band’s final show. He also made guest appearances with Three Bonzos And A Piano and would perform occasionally with Les Anglais

Bonzo Bills

Bob Kerr And His Whoopee Band

Bob Kerr joined the New Vaudeville Band and in 1968 formed Bob Kerr’s Whoopee Band, which had their own television show and featured in a couple of comedy films. In 1983 he renamed it Bob Kerr and his Whoopee Band with a new line-up, which continued until Bob retired in 2017.

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Interested in the history of the Bonzos Dog Doo Dah Band?

Become a member today to get access to the most comprehensive history of the Bonzos: the Doo Dah Diaries.