Eric Idle Discusses Monty Python’s Scrapped Veto Rule and Unresolved Tensions

Eric Idle, a prominent member of the iconic British comedy group Monty Python, has revealed that a longstanding rule within the group has been abolished. Idle, who is currently promoting a new book detailing the making of the musical ‘Spamalot,’ shared insights in a recent interview concerning the internal dynamics and unresolved tensions within Monty Python.

In an interview, Idle was queried about his relationship with the group’s former financier, the late Beatle George Harrison. He recounted receiving poignant advice from Harrison during a challenging period in his life. “He cheered me up when my first marriage was breaking up by telling me I was going to die,” Idle said. “Which is good advice. Every day you’re lucky.”

The conversation turned to the creative decision-making process within Monty Python. Idle disclosed that the group traditionally allowed each member to veto any material they were uncomfortable with, a practice reminiscent of the Beatles’ creative methodology. However, Idle expressed his disappointment, stating, “All Pythons always had a veto until the last three shamefully removed it from the fourth this last spring.”

The removal of the veto power has coincided with other disagreements within the group. Idle voiced his criticism towards Holly Gilliam, who manages the Monty Python intellectual property, suggesting her familial ties to Terry Gilliam, another Monty Python member, pose a conflict of interest. “You can’t be neutral in a situation where your dad is on the board,” Idle argued.

Idle’s memoir provides further context on the significance of the veto rule. He recounted a moment from their collective past, while creating ‘The Meaning of Life,’ where the group considered an illegal act against a financial associate who owed them money. The veto power allowed John Cleese to prevent what could have ended in criminal proceedings, Idle related, “Monty Python voted five out of six to become pirates…but the Python veto rule held.”

In his recent reflections, Idle lamented the loss of the veto rule, emphasizing its role in maintaining the group’s mutual respect and creative freedom. “You can’t really force someone to be in something if they don’t really want to be in it,” he stated.