The classic line up included Neil Innes on keyboards and guitars, Dennis Cowan on bass, Larry Smith on drums, Rodney Slater on brass, woodwind and drums and Roger Spear on brass, woodwind, keyboards and kinetic sculpture.
By far the best known and recognised member of the band was Viv Stanshall, who also appeared on BBC radio, including Start The Week with Richard Baker, and Top Gear with John Peel (and a famous Mike Oldfield record).
Stanshall was a very recognisable character. I used to live in Muswell Hill and my parents came to visit one time. We went out for lunch. On the way home, who should be staggering on ahead of us but Mr Stanshall. We greeted him. “My dear old thing, how lovely to see you again” he said, even though he had never seen us before. My parents were well impressed – they knew and they recognised Mr S immediately.
The Bonzos made five studio albums and had a few singles. Attempts in recent years to revive the name have been mixed. So here is a great clip of them in their heyday:
There are some remaining original members. Sadly, Innes died recently.
At the Shepherd’s Bush Empire in December is the Bonzo’s final concert. There are still tickets available.