Spike Milligan interview, Ireland 1987

Over 20 years following the publication of his first novel ‘Puckoon’ (1963), comedian Spike Milligan has put pen to paper again with the publication of ‘The Looney: An Irish Fantasy’ (1987).
It’s another wonderful, imaginative, zany piece of work from the wonderful, imaginative and zany brain of Mr Spike Milligan.
The book tells the story of Mick Looney, a construction worker from Kilburn in London. Mick was told by his father that he is a descendant of the High Kings of Ireland. Mick travels to Ireland to claim his throne.
Spike refutes any claims that he is making a mockery of the Irish and advises people not to read the book if you haven’t got a sense of humour. Spike says the book is largely about his father, a proud Irish man who had a fertile imagination when it came to storytelling.
What would you rather have? An exciting lie or a boring truth.
His father’s ability as a storyteller helped to give Spike an open imagination.
Spike’s Irish ancestors, the Ó Maolagáins came from Buncrana, County Donegal. Around the time of the Irish Famine, they joined the British army in order to survive. His father too joined the army and was posted to India where Spike was born.
This episode of The Late Late Show was broadcast on 23 October 1987. The presenter is Gay Byrne.

[@hughjass8430]

More compelling viewing in 5 minutes of one interview than you'll see in an entire season of the modern LLS.

[@tman5634]

Met Spike Milligan walking around the city, a true gentleman & very genuine.

[@finolaomurchu8217]

I met him as well as a child at St. Patrick's Day parade "save the whale float". Really lovely man. I read all his wartime books then when I got a bit older. So funny.

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

A very serious, extremely funny man. The very great Spike Milligan

[@DL10663]

Loved this! Thank you

[@lydialily846]

Aww absolutely FANTASTIC ,, Spike was Magic & Gay was untouchable..

[@edmundpower1250]

Great combo

[@colinsmith1288]

Two legends of genuine great talent.

[@lydialily846]

@@colinsmith1288 Couldn’t agree more Colin .. 👍

[@seancaseo84]

Spike was a legend , gay was an insufferable arsehole

[@davidowen6977]

Great share,thank you 👍 I'm imagining a meeting between Flann and Spike 💭

[@edcampion3998]

Love spike he was great

[@gabhanachdenogla8342]

Proper legend of a man!

[@thisdrinkinglife]

Brilliant, pity u didn't upload the full interview

[@edmundpower1250]

He likes teasing

[@richardsharpe2966]

They is only one word for Spike genius

[@tonyinit8488]

Late to the party as per usual but you tube shows us characters from the past that would be amazing now

[@GrandmasterFerg]

Brilliant witt

[@angieogden2308]

Loved him

[@MartyMolloy]

"What is your defence to this accusation that you're sending us up and making a mockery of your own countrymen?"
"Don't read the book if you haven't got a sense of humour."
True then as now.

[@ballockybill2277]

We are the makers of dreams and the singers of songs - Spike Milligan . Gay Byrne - Why are you putting down the Irish . lol

[@edmundpower1250]

Well it's very easy to take the P out of your own as long as you're getting an end product ie money

[@colinsmith1288]

Dave Allen did the same. But bloody funny Al, the same.

[@ballockybill2277]

@@colinsmith1288 I love Dave Allen . I remember he had his own TV show back in the day . Love Spike Milligan too .

[@colinsmith1288]

@@ballockybill2277 I miss them all. Even Terry wogan with his soft cheeky Irish wit was a joy to watch. Dare l say it even val doonican especially at Christmas time.

[@ballockybill2277]

@@colinsmith1288 Good old Val , remember Russ Abbot using him and his rocking chair for a skit , lol

[@timelordvictorious]

wonder what happened to the book ?. i never seen a copy of it.

[@ciaranoh]

no one has ever matched Gay Byrne

[@georgel74]

Byrne was wrong, it was Adolf Hitler my part in his downfall..

[@edmundpower1250]

No

[@georgel74]

@@edmundpower1250 yes, I read both..and more..