Eric Idle Returns
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Deep Dive
Why did Eric Idle feel 'horny' about being Conan O'Brien's friend?
Idle used the term 'horny' humorously to express his excitement and admiration for his friendship with Conan O'Brien.
What is the central theme of Eric Idle's new book, 'The Spamalot Diaries'?
The book focuses on the creative process and the challenges faced during the development of the musical 'Spamalot', offering insights into the collaborative and often contentious nature of bringing a project to life.
How did Eric Idle and Mike Nichols' relationship evolve during the making of 'Spamalot'?
Initially friends, their relationship became more professional and sometimes contentious as they navigated the creative differences inherent in directing and writing a musical together.
Why does Eric Idle believe that failure can be a noble and wonderful thing?
Idle reflects on the English cultural tendency to view failure as a learning experience and a step towards eventual success, drawing parallels to historical events like Dunkirk where retreat was seen as a strategic victory.
How did Robin Williams influence Eric Idle's approach to interacting with fans?
Williams taught Idle the importance of empathy and making fans feel valued, contrasting with Idle's earlier dismissive attitude, which he found to be lacking in genuine connection.
What does Eric Idle attribute the success of Monty Python to?
Idle suggests that Monty Python became the first 'mock and roll' group by integrating rock and roll elements into their comedy, paving the way for future comedy shows like 'Saturday Night Live' to incorporate similar styles.
How did George Harrison view the influence of the Beatles on Monty Python?
Harrison believed that the spirit of the Beatles, particularly their humor, was passed on to Monty Python, contributing to the group's unique and influential style.
What was the significance of the poster from 1963 that Conan O'Brien often saw at Eric Idle's home?
The poster was from Idle's first public performance at the Edinburgh Festival, marking the beginning of his career and the early stages of his meeting with future Monty Python members.
Why did Eric Idle include arguments and conflicts in 'The Spamalot Diaries'?
Idle wanted to portray the reality of the creative process, emphasizing that successful projects often involve conflict and the need for maintaining one's vision despite external pressures.
How did Eric Idle's relationship with his Python co-members evolve over time?
While they initially disagreed on comedic elements and chair choices, their relationships later faced strain due to business disagreements, particularly over money, leading to less frequent interactions over the years.
- Eric and his siblings played complicated games involving dolls.
- One sibling cut off all the hair of three dolls and carved their name backwards on the skull.
- Eric admits to doing terrible things, mostly to his brother Justin.
Shownotes Transcript