…Eric Idle turns 71 on March 29, and is getting a brand new Python reunion for his birthday this year. It’s hard to believe they’re now all in their 70s, and even harder to believe that they waited until now to reunite for the stage show.

I’m happy to say that he is busier than ever, organizing, producing, and in general planning for this massive production. Oh, and he’s also getting ready to re-release Monty Python Sings on CD with five new tracks, as well as releasing a single from it. Oh, and overseeing the various road productions of Monty Python’s Spamalot. Yes, he’s a busy man.

Eric and the others have influenced my life more than I have time to write about, but here’s one small example, stemming from one off-handed remark that I’m sure he doesn’t even remember.

Many years ago, I was with a group of folks, including Eric, although I wasn’t talking with him at that moment. There was a brief lull in the conversation of the group I was with, and I heard Eric say, casually, “Oh yes, I owned a tie once.” Something about the way he said it, and knowing he never had to wear a tie or deal with all that it entails, spoke to me loud and clear. I decided to embrace the idea, and avoid ties whenever possible. I haven’t been able to avoid it as much as Eric, but it struck me as a noble goal.

Of course, even Eric wasn’t immune to ties, although I can count the number of times on one hand since then that I’ve seen him wear a tie. Hopefully, today is not one of those days.

Happy birthday Eric!