“Hey! Hey! We’re The Monkees and we don’t monkey around…”
And if those lyrics The Monkees were born in 1968. They were just four guys that ABC grouped together that become more than a legend, they became of phenomenon.
And then it all came apart…..
In reality, The Monkees really only lasted a few years. They were just four actors that became more than who they were. They wanted to act, some of them wanted to write and perform music, and some of them just wanted to have fun. They did just that!
The rails started to fall apart in the late 60’s. Peter Tork wanted to leave to persue other projects. The next to go was Mike Nesmith. He wanted to concentrate of producing music. I’m sure the fortune his mom made inventing Liquid Paper didn’t hurt. Then it was just Mickey and Davey. They too moved on to other things.
Then the 80’s hit.
MTV in thier infinite wisdom decided to air The Monkees on thier fledgling network. It sparked a new wave of Monkeemania that roared through the mid 80s. It would be capped off by Mike Nesmith joining them on stage in LA.
In 1997, The Monkees rode again for their 30th anniversary. All four guys were on for this one. They made a forgettable TV return, they did Boy Meets World, they had a Pizza Hut commercial with Ringo Starr and Peter showed up on the show Wings. They were rolling full steam then the wheels feel off the wagon. Mike had decided to tour Europe with the group and quickly decided he didn’t like touring and bailed. Then the two remaining Monkees fired Peter Tork because of his desire not to be around the party atmosphere as he was a recovering alcoholic. Then that was it. The Monkees were dead. Deader than dead could be.
In the March of 2008, The Baltimore Sun interviewed Davy Jones. This is the transcript of Rob Hiaasan’s sit down with Davy.
- Hiaasen: Any chance of a Monkees reunion?
- Jones: I wouldn’t think so.
- With keeping myself clean and in good shape, I can’t be responsible for Peter, Mike and Micky and their behavior. I’m not saying they have bad behavior, but it just takes one occasion where somebody has something to say and everybody gets blamed. I can’t be responsible for Peter’s mouth or Mike’s mouth or Micky’s mouth. They have to be able to feel the same way about me. So I’d rather do it myself.
- And there’s lot more room on the stage.
- Hiaasen: Do you like these guys?
- Jones: Not particularly, no.”
Sadly it looked like that was it. Then the most amazing things started to happen.
In that same month, Peter Tork took the stage with Davy in Conneticuit, doing a rendition of Mike Nesmith’s Papa Gene Blues.
At the same time, Peter Tork was telling the media that they were in fact gearing up for a reunion. ALL FOUR!
So the cards could be in play.
I really hope so. I remember Mickey Dolenz saying that they are a family because there’s only 3 other guys in the world who know what each went through. True they were actors but they became much larger than that. They really did become that musical group they portrayed on TV. If these rumors are indeed true i’m glad they were able to put whatever bitterness they had aside. Families fight but they love each other just the same and maybe there’s one more ride left in this bunch, Where?
Right into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Right now they are being kept out because of they were never a real band. I beg to differ! So do millions of fans and record sales. The Monkees BELONG there.
And that’s my trip down memory road!
Posted by Brad Barnett |
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