Monty Python is “dead”, declares Eric Idle

Eric Idle has declared that Monty Python is “dead” while addressing the ongoing feud with his former castmates.

The actor, comedian and writer formed the iconic comedy troupe in 1969 alongside Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Michael Palin.

They are known for their TV sketch series Monty Python’s Flying Circus , classic films such as …Life Of Brian and …The Holy Grail , and numerous musical projects. They last performed together in 2014 for the stage show Monty Python Live (Mostly) at London’s O2.

The dates marked the Pythons’ first live outing in 34 years, the second without Chapman (who died in 1989), and the last with Jones ( who passed away in 2020 ).

Yesterday (Thursday September 10), Idle took to X/Twitter to promote his new book, Idle In Provence: A Brief History of Thyme , while sharing an update on the status of Monty Python .

“Today is my publication day in the UK. I hope you like and enjoy the book I spent five years on. That’s what I’m doing,” he said. He then signed off with: “ Python is dead.”

Earlier, Idle had responded to a fan who called for him to have “one last hurrah” with Cleese, Palin and Gilliam. He bluntly replied: “No thanks.”

Today is my publication day in the UK. I hope you like and enjoy the book I spent five years on. That’s what I’m doing. Python is dead.