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

Micky Dolenz set to release solo album of Michael Nesmith covers

Micky Dolenz / Photo courtesy of the artist

I can't think of many better ideas than today's announcement that Micky Dolenz is going to record a full-length album of songs written by his fellow Monkee, Michael "Nez" Nesmith. Dolenz sang lead vocals on most of the Monkees best-known material, and Nesmith was always the most gifted writer in the quartet. 

As reported in Rolling Stone magazine, Dolenz has been a tremendous fan of Nesmith's original songs for "the past five decades," including classics "Mary Mary," "Listen to the Band" and "Papa Gene's Blues" that were all featured on the groundbreaking NBC-TV series and top-selling albums. This forthcoming project will allow Dolenz to use his still-incredible voice to celebrate Nesmith's top-tier song craft.

“I think I first mentioned this idea to Nez years ago when we first got together for a tour with Peter [Tork] after Davy [Jones] passed,” Dolenz says in the Rolling Stone article available here. “I don’t know where the idea came from, maybe from my friend Harry Nilsson and his [1970 Randy Newman tribute LP] Nilsson Sings Newman. I thought to myself, ‘Wow, Dolenz Sings Nesmith.'”

Michael Nesmith performing with the Monkees at
 the Pantages Theatre in September 2016.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

The album is set to be produced by Nesmith's talented son Christian Nesmith with well-known Monkees manager/historian Andrew Sandoval coordinating A&R duties. 

This writer last saw Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith on stage together (along with the late Peter Tork) as part of a Monkees show at the Pantages Theatre in September 2016. You can read my review of that memorable concert here.

Earlier this year, Dolenz and Nesmith were featured on The Mike & Micky Show; that essential title marks the first-ever official live album from the '60s hitmakers. You can see the cover art for that Rhino Records release on the right. Read my review of that live album here.

Robert Kinsler

COVID-19 claims the life of Fountains of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger

When I learned of the death of Adam Schlesinger yesterday afternoon at the hands of COVID-19, I was too upset to immediately write anything (he reportedly passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2020). Although I only caught his band Fountains of Wayne once in concert (you can read my glowing review of the band's January 2009 performance at The Coach House here), I have since explored most of the band's rich discography and have appreciated Schlesinger's top-tier skills as a songwriter and producer. Although he had already enjoyed a long and successful career (he was an Emmy and Grammy winner, and earned an Academy Award nomination for his “That Thing You Do!,” the title track to the 1996 Tom Hanks-directed film), he was only 52. He is survived by his two children, making his early death additionally heartbreaking.

Fountains of Wayne, from left, guitarist-singer Jody Porter, drummer Brian Young,
singer-guitarist Chris Collingwood and bassist-singer Adam Schlesinger.
Photo: Courtesy of Fountains of Wayne

As fine as the song "That Thing That You Do" and the 2003 FOW hit "Stacy's Mom" are, I really encourage music lovers to explore his other work with the New Jersey-spawned power-pop band and some of his work as an album producer (especially his role on the Monkees' 2016 wonderful comeback Good Times! and 2018's equally-stellar Christmas Party; he produced and wrote songs on both discs) and as a songwriter across television (Sesame Street, Big Time Rush, Crank Yankees and more).

The album artwork for 'Sky Full of Holes'

My favorite FOW album is the 2011 masterwork Sky Full of Holes. Almost every music fan has certain albums that connect with them in deep and intangible ways. As a life-long musician and music fan, I have many albums that connect with me that way to be sure. But I count Sky Full of Holes with its perfect blend of melody and melancholy, shimmering song craft and emotional punch as a perfect album. But that is not the band's only great album; the band's self-titled 1996 LP, 1999's concept album Utopia Parkway, 2003's Welcome Interstate Managers and 2007's Traffic and Weather are all outstanding and sound as great today as on their respective release dates.

John Brodeur of Bird Streets wrote on Twitter on April 1: "I am in shock. Devastated. Adam was a good and generous friend. We had planned to write together before this all started. It meant so much to me that he was interested. I hoped and prayed he would beat this, and I want badly for it to not be true."

From left, the Monkees' Peter Tonk and Micky Dolenz with
Adam Schlesinger. Photo: Rhino Records

John Hughes, Rhino Records' Senior Vice President of Fan Engagement wrote: "Adam Schlesinger's kindness and blazing talent were unmistakable. I will miss my friend, and the world will miss his musical spark."

“There would be no Playtone without Adam Schlesinger, without his That Thing You Do!” Tom Hanks wrote following the death of the artist. Hanks also was stricked by the coronavirus last month. “He was a One-der. Lost him to Covid-19. Terribly sad today.”

Robert Kinsler

Peter Tork Remembered

Micky Dolenz, left, and Peter Tork at the Pantages Theatre in
September 2016.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

The Monkees, from left, Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz,
Davy Jones and Peter Tork.

I was so saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Tork earlier today. I have seen him perform several times over the years with the Monkees, most recently at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, CA in September of 2016. You can read my review of that concert event here.

Perhaps my favorite Monkees concert was catching Tork and company (including the late Davy Jones) at the legendary Greek Theatre in Los Angeles in July 2011. Read my review of that concert event here. 

Tork was only 77 at the time of his death. I know he had battled cancer about 10 years ago, but he continued to perform and was always a key part of the Monkees' performances with his virtuoso skills on several instruments including keyboards and banjo. 

You can read a wonderful tribute to the musician/actor here.

Peter Tork, left, with Micky Dolenz on July 16, 2011.

Robert Kinsler

From left, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Davy Jones perform at the Greek Theatre on July 16, 2011.

The Monkees' 'Christmas Party' coming October 12

Exciting news and even more reason to get into the holiday spirit courtesy of the Monkees' plans to release their first-ever full-length holiday album!

The upcoming album titled Christmas Party (courtesy of Rhino Records) will include new original songs along with a number of holiday classics featuring the voices of Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork and even the late Davy Jones (taken from vintage recordings, Jones' voice will be heard on two of the album's cuts).

"Silver Bells," "The Christmas Song," "Wonderful Christmastime" are favorite standards featured. New songs included on the disc have been penned by the celebrated likes of Peter Buck (R.E.M.), Scott McCaughey (the Minus 5, the Baseball Project), Rivers Cuomo (Weezer), Andy Partridge (XTC) and album producer Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne).

Christmas Party track listing 
1. Unwrap You At Christmas
2. What Would Santa Do
3. Mele Kalikimaka
4. House of Broken Gingerbread
5. The Christmas Song
6. Christmas Party
7. Jesus Christ
8. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day
9. Silver Bells
10. Wonderful Christmastime
11. Snowfall
12. Angels We Have Heard On High
13. Merry Christmas, Baby

Music Books Gift Guide

Those whose interest in music extends beyond merely listening have plenty of choice books to choose from this holiday season. From in-depth explorations of '60s favorites the Monkees and country-western hero Buck Owens to groundbreaking Americana outfit The Band, here is a list of some noteworthy 2016 titles available now.

Title: The Monkees, Head and the 60s (Jawbone Press)
Author: Peter Mills
Paperback: 336 pages
Tell me more: When four young actors were cast to portray an aspiring rock band on "The Monkees" TV series in 1965, it isn't likely anyone would have believed the enduring power of not only the group's hit NBC show, but the lasting appeal of the quartet's musical recordings and influence of their 1968 film "Head." Peter Mills' The Monkees, Head, and the 60s is a serious and thoughtful look at how Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Davy Jones went from being an imaginary band to becoming a bona fide music outfit and ultimately establishing the blueprint for how the music industry uses marketing and the media to establish the career of a mainstream artist. This is an essential book for not only Monkees fans, but those who want to understand the myriad of forces that often determine why an artist is successful. Information: jawbonepress.com.

Title: Back to Black: Amy Winehouse's Only Masterpiece (Backbeat Books)
Author: Donald Brackett
Softcover: 272 pages
Tell me more: Amy Winehouse's life itself was tragic; she died of alcohol poisoning in July 2011 at the age of 27. And while much of the focus on Winehouse over the past five years has focused on her battles with drug and alcohol addiction, author Donald Brackett's Back to Black: Amy Winehouse's Only Masterpiece puts the focus on her second and most brilliant album, Back to Black. The 2006 release spawned a number of hits and has had a lasting impact with the subsequent success of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings and Adele. The songs, producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi and musicians who contributed to that album are the focus of the important and fast-moving study. Information: backbeatbooks.com.



Title: Buck 'Em! The Autobiography of Buck Owens (Backbeat Books)
Authors: Buck Owens with Randy Poe
Paperback: 360 pages
Tell me more: During the late 1990s, singer-guitarist-songwriter Buck Owens recorded nearly 100 hours of his memories onto cassette tapes in what would ultimately provide the text for Buck 'Em! The Autobiography of Buck Owens. Now available in paperback, the autobiography covers his years as a hit maker (he was the biggest country music star of the 1960s), host of the country TV show "Hee Haw," influence on greats such as Dwight Yoakam (who wrote the books preface) and his legendary business acumen. Information: backbeatbooks.com.

Title: Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll! The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business (Backbeat Books)
Author: Kenny Aronoff
Hardcover: 320 pages
Tell me more: Kenny Aronoff is among the greatest and most influential drummers of his generation, having recorded and performed with Rock and Roll Hall of Famers John Mellencamp, John Fogerty, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney, and many more. Now Aronoff's first-person account of his one-of-a-kind tale is documented in Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll! The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business. In colorful and conversational language, Aronoff details events throughout his rich life; the lesson here is ultimately about having a dream and working everyday to make it come true. The book's forward was penned by drummer-author Neil Peart of the band Rush. Information: backbeatbooks.com.

Title: The Band FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Fathers of Americana (Backbeat Books)
Author: Peter Aaron 
Paperback: 400 pages
Tell me more: The musical landscape explored by The Band in the late 1960s and early '70s somehow fused folk, blues, gospel, country, soul and rock 'n' roll in ways never heard before. Often cited as creators of the roots rock genre and arguably the first Americana rock ensemble, The Band's profound influence and terrific legacy is highlighted throughout The Band FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Fathers of Americana. Author Peter Aaron digs deep into the individual and collective contributions of Levon Helm, Robbie Robertson, Richard Manuel, Rick Danko and Garth Hudson, the names behind classic songs including "The Weight," "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and "Up On Cripple Creek." Information: backbeatbooks.com.

Title: The Clash FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Clash City Rockers (Backbeat Books)
Author: Gary J. Jucha
Paperback: 400 pages
Tell me more: One of punk rock's earliest and most important champions is celebrated throughout The Clash FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Clash City Rockers. The book provides all kinds of interesting and informative information on the English band that was founded by guitarist Mick Jones and fronted by the late Joe Strummer. The band's complex history is explored clearly, with the group's changing lineup, tours and legendary concert dates, bootlegs and official releases revisited during the 400-page run. Information: backbeatbooks.com.

Title: A Perfect Union of Contrary Things (Backbeat Books)
Author: Sarah Jensen with Maynard James Keenan
Hardcover: 274 pages
Tell me more: Life is as much about the decisions we make as those we don't. The authorized biography of Tool lead singer-songwriter Maynard James Keenan (A Perfect Union of Contrary Things) is a story of hard work and good luck, passion and friendships, music and wine beautifully told by author Sarah Jensen. Even those with little knowledge of Tool or A Perfect Circle will want to read this volume cover to cover. The edition includes a number of photos from his childhood and his music career. Information: backbeatbooks.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Monkees mark 50th anniversary with musical celebration at the Pantages

Watching the Monkees perform their final show as a trio at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood on Friday, September 16, 2016 was a night marked by a myriad of emotions. This was truly a night to celebrate on the 50th anniversary of the debut airing of "The Monkees" series on NBC-TV on September 16, 1966. But it was also reportedly the final public performance to feature Michael Nesmith performing with Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork as the Monkees. Additionally, the death of Davy Jones on February 29, 2012 continues to make the group's performances bittersweet, with technology that brings select vocal performances featuring the late singer helping both the Monkees and their faithful audience embrace the life of the adored Jones. 

A large projection screen featuring colorful clips from the group's popular '60s television series heightened the connection between the audience and Monkees ( who were backed by a top-tier five-member band including Michael's guitar-playing son Christian Nesmith and several backup singers including Micky's sister Coco Dolenz).

Michael Nesmith performing with the Monkees.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

The two-hour performance at the packed Pantages featured more than 30 winning songs representing a 50-year career spanning from the group's 1966 self-titled debut through their fantastic 2016 studio return Good Times! If this was the 73-year-old Nesmith's final appearance as a Monkee, then those attending already know this was a show that justified the cheers, smiles, sing-alongs and tears that were all abundant during the concert. 

Micky Dolenz, left, and Peter Tork early in the show.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Before they played a single song, the three group members came to center stage and hugged each other, setting the tone for this special night. And then there were all those great songs. Opening with "Last Train to Clarksville" that featured all three Monkees on guitar, the shining Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart-penned single sounded as fresh as it did with its release five decades ago. It's impossible to think of a single selection that didn't deliver this night; a rollicking version of "She" with Dolenz showcasing his still-amazing lead vocals, the breezy acoustic folk rock of "A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You" and terrific new power-pop song "She Makes Me Laugh" featuring textures of Nesmith's 12-string Gretsch guitar and Tork's banjo were among early standouts. 

In addition to his sterling instrumental work on guitar and banjo, Tork frequently showcased his keyboard playing; his baroque-styled touch on "The Girl I Knew Somewhere" as Dolenz and Nesmith harmonized with their voices on the country-tinged nugget was magical. Among my other favorites of the first half of the show were the Dolenz-Nesmith duet "Me & Magdalena" off Good Times!, as well as the enduring chamber pop masterwork "Shades of Gray" showcasing the Monkees' lush and artful harmonies.

Images of the Monkees as they appeared on their
1960s TV series, as well as animated images
enhanced the show. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Nesmith's long-time love affair with country yielded many offerings for the Monkees and those were revisited in spirited fashion this night; the anthemic "Listen to the Band" and wistful "What Am I Doin' Hangin' 'Round" that ended the first half of the show were especially memorable. 

The second half of the fast-moving concert yielded just as many highlights. A garage rocker-styled "Mary, Mary" with Dolenz shining on vocals and behind the drum kit kicked things off; the driving alt-country rocker "Circle Sky" with Nesmith leading the charge followed before the Monkees turned things around on the alluring art rocker "Porpoise Song." 

Nesmith's appearance was bound to bring a few special moments, the biggest being a solo acoustic performance of "Tapioca Tundra" that included a revealing story about the song's genesis. Then came a performance of "Daydream Believer" affording a chance to celebrate the life of Jones. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, Jones' sweet tenor and video image started off the song, which quickly brought the band and audience into the fold with a version that included an acapella sing-along with the full crowd.

The encore continued the joyful spirit of the concert, with the band rocking out on the infectious "Pleasant Valley Sunday" and an aptly-titled closing take on Neil Diamond's "I'm a Believer."

Peter Mills forthcoming book "The Monkees, Head, and the 60s" (set for release on October 25, 2016) addresses the obvious question of how a quartet of young men cast to play a struggling rock band on television made the leap from fantasy to reality as they recorded an enduring body of terrific songs while ultimately impacting the worlds of TV, film, music and pop culture long after their formation. Based on the power of the Monkees' homecoming concert on Friday, this is one writer who hopes the world will still be celebrating the group's music and legacy 50 years from now.

Monkees Setlist at the Pantages Theatre on September 16, 2016
1. Last Train to Clarksville
2. Papa Gene's Blues
3. Your Auntie Grizelda
4. Saturday's Child
5. She
6. A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You
7. She Makes Me Laugh
8. The Girl I Knew Somewhere
9. Sometime in the Morning
10. Me & Magdalena
11. Shades of Gray
12. Randy Scouse Git
13. For Pete's Sake
14. You Bring the Summer
15. Listen to the Band
16. What Am I Doin' Hangin' Round?

INTERMISSION
17. Mary, Mary
18. Circle Sky
19. Porpoise Song (Theme From "Head")
20. Long Title: Do I Have to Do This All Over Again?
21. Words
22. Sunny Girlfriend
23. (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone
24. You Just May Be the One
25. You Told Me
26. Birth of an Accidental Hipster
27. Goin' Down
28. D.W. Washburn
29. Tapioca Tundra
30. Daydream Believer

ENCORE
Pleasant Valley Sunday
I'm a Believer

Review by Robert Kinsler

The Monkees set to celebrate 50th anniversary with new studio album, tour

Hey, Hey, it's the (return of) the Monkees!

For years, yours truly has been somewhat upset by the way the majority of the music press has overlooked the music and contributions of the Monkees. With the group's 50th anniversary having arrived, details on a new Monkees studio album (the aptly-named GOOD TIMES!) and tour set for this year, perhaps the band members (the late Davy Jones, as well as Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork) will get a second and more objective look in 2016. I, for one, firmly believe the Monkees deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Here are some highlights pulled from the official media release:

• GOOD TIMES! will mark the Monkees' first new album in nearly 20 years, and will include tracks written by Rivers Cuomo (Weezer), Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie, the Postal Service) and Andy Partridge (XTC).

The Monkees, from left, Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz,
Davy Jones and Peter Tork.

• The album will also feature previously-unreleased 1960s recordings of songs written by Neil Diamond ("Love To Love"), Harry Nilsson and others that have been "revisited and completed" in new Monkees studio sessions.

• GOOD TIMES! will also feature the Nesmith-penned "I Know What I Know" and at least one track written by Tork. The album will be available on CD and digitally on June 10, while the album will arrive on vinyl on July 1, 2016. Produced by Emmy-winning songwriter Adam Schlesinger (of Fountains Of Wayne fame), the album is also set to feature a new song co-written by Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller. This sounds like it is going to be a truly amazing album.

I've been fortunate to review the Monkees, as well as solo appearances by Dolenz and Nesmith over the years and have been reminded each time that the strength of songs and strong winning personality of each of the members did make them something special beyond the roles they forged on their NBC-TV series (that ran from 1966 to 1968). You can read my review in the Orange County Register of the group's performance at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, CA in November 2012. Click here to read my review of the group when they performed with Davy Jones in one of his final shows with the Monkees at the Greek Theatre in July 2011. 

For more information on all things Monkees, go to the troupe's official Web site: http://monkees.com/

Robert Kinsler

The Monkees - The Complete Series On Blu-ray at last

Whether you are a fan of The Monkees or love all things Blu-ray, how cool is this news?

Celebrate The Monkees' 50th anniversary with the upcoming release of the complete series on Blu-ray

• All 58 episodes, newly remastered in stunning HD from the original negatives for the very first time, plus the 1969 TV Special "33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee" 
• Bonus material featuring commentaries from all four Monkees, original Kellogg's Monkees commercials, and more
• The 1968 Monkees film "HEAD" in HD with never-before-seen outtakes
• Unique packaging including a 7" of two previously unreleased TV mixes
• Strictly limited to 10,000 individually numbered sets 
• Only available at Monkees.com

50 years ago today on September 8, 1965, when producers Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider placed a classified ad in The Hollywood Reporter seeking "4 insane boys," they had no idea that they were about to unleash Monkee-mania! But that's exactly what happened the following year when the first episode of "The Monkees" debuted on NBC on September 12, 1966. 

On the 50th anniversary of that fateful casting call, Rhino is excited to announce the upcoming release of the entire series (58 episodes) in stunning high-definition Blu-ray for the very first time, painstakingly restored from the newly located original film negatives. The 10-disc Blu-ray collection with also include the 1968 cult-classic "HEAD," along with many never-before-seen outtakes from the film. It's the beginning of many surprises planned to celebrate The Monkees' 50th anniversary in 2016. 

While we don't have final package art yet, we will be revealing it soon, along with behind-the-scenes making-of videos and samples of the stunning new transfer vs. the current versions, plus plenty of surprises, like this original TV spot, unseen for nearly 50 years! 

Shipping January 2016, THE MONKEES - THE COMPLETE SERIES ON BLU-RAY is now available for pre-order exclusively at Monkees.com. This fan edition is individually numbered and is strictly limited to 10,000 sets - this WILL sell out quickly, so place your pre-order now!

The Monkees return to the Greek Theatre

My review of the Monkees' Nov. 10 concert was originally posted on The Orange County Register site on Sunday morning, Nov. 11. A special thank you to Kelly A. Swift for the use of her fantastic photographs taken at the Nov. 10 concert.

Michael Nesmith (left) performs in front of a projection screen showing classic footage of the Monkees.

What a difference 16 months can make. In July 2011, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Davy Jones performed a fast-paced summer concert as part of the Monkees’ 45th anniversary tour in front of a capacity crowd at the Greek Theatre. In my review I even noted: “I can’t remember a concert that was as much fun as the Monkees’ nostalgic trip down memory lane.”

With the death of Jones on Feb. 29 it seemed that tour might serve as the final chapter in a series of infrequent reunions that have been staged since the group disbanded in 1971.

But fast-forward to a chilly November night in 2012 and once again the Monkees were performing before a packed house of fans at the same venue. This time Dolenz and Tork were joined by Michael Nesmith, the fourth member of the band. It’s a rarity: Before embarking on this tour last week, Nesmith hadn’t toured with the group since 1997, and that was only on a U.K. trek. His last proper U.S. outing with them was in 1969.

There were plenty of smiles and good vibes this time around as well, capturing the youthful cheerfulness of their groundbreaking ’60s TV show and timeless hits. Yet it was ultimately a more somber and determined Monkees who performed for just under two hours Saturday night.

Almost all of the songs were delivered while cascading footage from the group’s TV show and 1968 filmHead was projected on big screens. But rather than distract from what was happening on stage, the retro images helped connect the audience with the era that gave rise to the trendsetting group and its songs.

When Jones was with the band he brought a lighthearted quality to their live show. Nesmith, always recognized as the most serious member of the troupe, brought sharp wit instead, adding another dimension to the set. (“Hi. Hey. Cold,” he said in greeting the audience after they opened with “Last Train to Clarksville.”)

Nesmith, who turns 70 next month, also brought his well-regarded baritone vocals and country-tinged tunes to the evening in a successful expansion of selections beyond the group’s better-known power-pop hits.

“Sweet Young Thing” and later in the night “You Told Me” featured Nesmith singing while strumming 12-string guitar; on both of those songs Tork impressed with his banjo skills. Indeed, one of the strongest moments came at the end of the main set when Nesmith sang “What Am I Doing Hangin’ ‘Round?” with Dolenz’s sterling harmonies and Tork’s fluid banjo providing an especially lush rendering of that Byrdsian tune.

From left, Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork.

Tork, who turned 70 in February, added well-timed humor with his vocals and exaggerated expressions on “Your Auntie Grizelda.” On “Can You Dig It?” he sang and played fiery lead guitar licks to boot. Dolenz, still the band’s best singer at 67, handled a myriad of material, including “I’m a Believer,” “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” and “Randy Scouse Git.” Perhaps his greatest turn came in a powerful take on the psychedelic “Porpoise Song” (the theme from Head), for which he also played drums artfully as the song drew to a dazzling close.

The memory of Jones was never far from the minds of the group or its audience, it seemed. Early on there was a video montage of Jones as one of his most-loved ballads, “I Wanna Be Free,” was played.

A more impressive tribute came when the Monkees’ outstanding seven-member band (including Dolenz’s sister Coco assisting with backing vocals and Nesmith’s son Christian adding electric guitar) provided musical backdrop for the late Jones, whose voice and visage came alive on the big screen during “Daddy’s Song.”

However, handling his signature hit, John Stewart’s “Daydream Believer,” was an emotional task. Dolenz explained a suggestion from Nesmith, that since all three surviving members of the Monkees had previously sung the song, “We can never sing (it) again, but you (the audience) can.” Dolenz than brought a woman up from the audience to share his mic while leading the crowd in a gigantic singalong of the irresistible favorite.

In the end, the night was a fitting tribute not only to Jones and his band mates but to the unique and enduring phenomenon that is the Monkees.

Set list: The Monkees at the Greek Theatre, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012
Main set: Last Train to Clarksville / Papa Gene’s Blues / Your Auntie Grizelda / She / Sweet Young Thing / I’m a Believer / (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone / I Wanna Be Free (video featuring Davy Jones) / You Told Me / Sunny Girlfriend / You Just May Be the One / Mary, Mary / The Girl I Knew Somewhere / For Pete’s Sake / Early Morning Blues and Greens / Randy Scouse Git / Daily Nightly / Tapioca Tundra / Goin’ Down / Porpoise Song (Theme from Head) / Daddy’s Song / Can You Dig It? / Circle Sky / Do I Have to Do This All Over Again? / Daydream Believer / What Am I Doing Hangin’ ‘Round?
Encore: Listen to the Band / Pleasant Valley Sunday

Music Worth Buying music movies episode: Mozart meets the Monkees!

On the latest episode of Music Worth Buying, we review some of our favorite music-minded biopics. TJR celebrates the Milos Forman-directed classic Amadeus, while I highlight the made-for-television gem Daydream Believers - The Monkees Story.

Monkees to embark on first tour since Davy Jones' death

Almost six months after the tragic death of Davy Jones, the surviving members of the Monkees have announced plans to go on tour in the fall of 2012.


From left, Peter Tork, Michael Nesmith, Davy Jones and Micky Dolenz.

 Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork announced earlier today (Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2012), that the group will set out on a 12-date tour of the U.S. in November. This will mark the first tour with Nesmith since 1997. Jones died of a heart attack on Feb. 29, 2012. He was only 66.

The tour is set to kick off on Thursday, Nov. 8 in Escondido, California. It will end with a date in New York on Dec. 2. I definitely hope to catch the concert at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Nov. 10.

Here is the official release I received from Rhino Entertainment:

Performing together for the first time in 15 years! Classic hits, deep cut & fan favorites!



Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, and Peter Tork return to the concert stage this November for a historic, twelve-date tour of the United States. These performances will mark their first concerts together since 1997. Tickets for all shows will go on sale on August 18.


The trio’s shows are set to feature a selection of their classic hits (such as “Last Train To Clarksville,” “I’m A Believer” and “Pleasant Valley Sunday”), deep cuts from their first five platinum albums (including some performed for the first time since the 1960’s) and fan favorites from the soundtrack to their cult film classic Head and their Emmy®-award winning television series. The show will encompass a full multimedia evening of music, rare films. and one-of-a-kind photographs.


Since the dates fall forty-five years on from their epic struggle to become legitimate music makers, the concerts will be highlighted by a set performed by just Nesmith, Dolenz and Tork. In 1967, the year the Monkees outsold the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, they issued two #1 albums (Headquarters and Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones, Ltd) which primarily featured the Monkees as a self-contained, musical unit. Each evening’s trio set will showcase numbers from these albums and present the Monkees’ electric garage band sound that they developed on their mid-1960’s tours. To open and close the show, the Monkees will be augmented by a stellar crew of players to play the hand-picked setlist each evening.

These dates comprise the first U.S. Monkees tour to feature Michael Nesmith since 1969. These dates also follow the unexpected passing of their musical comrade Davy Jones in February. Plans call for Jones to be saluted in the show’s multimedia content.


Although Davy’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Monkees and their fans, these concerts will be an opportunity to share their memories amidst the music and the movies that brought them together. Moreover, the band look forward to performing for their many new fans who have discovered their music through repeats of their TV show on Antenna television, classic rock radio, or via social media.

Here are the tour dates:


November:

8 California Center for the Arts Escondido, CA

9 The Arlington Theatre Santa Barbara, CA

10 Greek Theatre Los Angeles, CA

11 Flint Center for the Performing Arts Cupertino, CA

15 State Theatre Minneapolis, MN

16 The Chicago Theatre Chicago, IL

17 Lakewood Civic Auditorium Cleveland, OH

18 The Center For The Arts Buffalo, NY

29 Keswick Theatre Philadelphia, PA

30 State Theatre Regional Arts Center New Brunswick, NJ

December:

1 The Paramount Huntington, NY

2 Beacon Theatre New York, NY