Jason Wood, what happened?

So why is the British tabloid press ignoring the death-- and life-- of gay musical impressionist Jason Wood, who died in his sleep over the weekend at 38?

While Wood was known nationally as host of a number of reality television shows, and had a place in British television history as the first celebrity voted off the successful Strictly Come Dancing series, his mysterious death after a performance in Bournemouth and hours before a scheduled show in London, has gone unmentioned in all but a brief BBC report, and coverage on the gay media and some show business websites.

The situation is disturbingly similar to that of musical impressionist Danny Gans, who died in his sleep at age 52 on May 1st. In that case, the Las Vegas media appeared to be warned off coverage by powerful interests who did not want the lid pulled back on a clean-living family man image.

Jason Wood, an "out" performer who began his rise to fame with a character called "Cher Travesty," had no such secrets. Yet there appears to be little interest in his death and life of a very "camp" performer from the nation that gave "camp" to the world.

As in the Danny Gans case, the lazy media has gone with the statement from Wood's manager that there was "no suspicious circumstances" about the death. One news site translated that to mean that a 38 year-old man died of "natural causes"-- as if there is anything natural or unsuspicious about the sudden death of a strapping 38-year-old man.

The lion's share of coverage comes from the British comedy news site Chortle, which, in the Las Vegas tradition, continues to roll out the tributes from Jason Wood's colleagues:

"Writing on Chortle, Phoenix Nights and Coronation Street actress Janice Connoly – aka comedy character Mrs Barbara Nice – said: ‘This is such sad news. He was a great entertainer.’

Stand-up John Fothergill said: ‘I will never forget the hilarious time we had in Cape Town. You were a sparklingly different highlight in the business and a joy to have known.’

And fellow comic Eddy Brimson said: ‘Jason was a great bloke, kind, considerate, great company and always up for a laugh but let us never forget he made his mark and brought a great deal of happiness to so many.’"

Watch this space for the autopsy results....

Seventh Pythonmania hits the UK!

Excitement over the June 26th premiere of The Seventh Python has already reached back to the United Kingdom, where it all began in the first place. And in the country that gave us Oasis, there's reason for soccer-style chants and anticipation, for while many in the United States may be unaware of the brilliant work and widespread influence of the satirist, songwriter and performer, Neil Innes is a hero in his homeland, and word of the imminent release of a movie about his life and career is causing great ripples across Old Blighty.

The latest bulletin comes from Chortle, the UK comedy guide:

Rutle & Hum
Innes subject of new documentary movie

Musical satirist Neil Innes is to be the subject of a new documentary film, The Seventh Python.

The movie - which features John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin talking about Innes's contribution to Monty Python – receives its word premiere in Hollywood later this month.

Other contributers include Simpsons creator Matt Groening, singer-songwriter Aimee Mann and comedians Phill Jupitus and Emo Philips.

The film charts Innes's career from art school through The Bonzo Dog Dooh Dah Band, work with the Beatles, Monty Python and The Rutles, mixed with concert footage and animations.

Here’s a trailer for the film, which will open the American Cinematheque's ninth annual Mods & Rockers Film Festival at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood on June 26: