R.I.P. Michael Nesmith; co-founder of The Monkees has passed away at age 78

Michael Nesmith (left) performs at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles in
front of a projection screen showing classic footage of the Monkees.
 Photo: Kelly A. Swift

I was so sad to hear of the passing of the great Michael Nesmith this morning. I have had the great fortune to see him perform with the Monkees on Nov. 10, 2012 as part of the group's 45th Anniversary celebration (read my review of that concert HERE) and on Sept. 16, 2016 at an event marking their 50th Anniversary (read my review of that concert HERE) and at a solo performance at the Stagecoach Festival in 2014; read my review of Nesmith's set at that festival HERE.

From left, Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork performing at the
Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Earlier this year Micky Dolenz released a wonderful album titled Dolenz Sings Nesmith featuring him performing a full track listing of songs penned by Nesmith. Read my review of that outstanding album HERE.

From left, Christian Nesmith performing with his father Michael Nesmith at the
Stagecoach Festival in Indio, CA in April 2014. Photo: Robert Kinsler

An incredible singer-songwriter and one of the early champions of fusing rock and country together, Nesmith's passing means that Dolenz is the only surviving member of the Monkees. Dolenz posted the following Tweet this morning:

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: Ken Weatherwax, Chrissie Hynde, John Lennon, Paul McCartney

Lots of news to share, so I'll get to it...

Actor Ken Weatherwax, who played "Pugsley" on TV's original Addams Family, has died at age 59. Read the Hollywood Reporter story on his death here.

While I was covering America perform at The Coach House on Saturday night, music writer George A. Paul was covering Chrissie Hynde's concert at the Pantages in Los Angeles. Read his review on his Music Minded site here.

Yesterday (Dec. 8, 2014) marked the 34th anniversary of the murder of John Lennon. Watch a new video where Paul McCartney appeared on "The Jonathan Ross Show" and reflects on the death of his close friend.

I still have not heard the ambitious tribute The Art of McCartney, but I did read L.A. Times writer Randy Lewis' review of the collection with interest. You can read it here. You can watch The Cure (assisted by Sir Paul's son James McCartney) perform "Hello Goodbye" below: