Validation. Not the kind that gets free parking, but should gain entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Sunday night, at the Beacon Theatre in New York City, the Monkees rocked a packed house. It was a happy, yet bittersweet night with the loss of Davy, but thanks to Mike Nesmith appearing as a Monkee for the first time in more years than I know, they have proven once and for all that what began in 1965 as a casting call for a new TV show became something real and great and enduring. If the Monkees had been just a TV show, all they could do would be autograph signings, but by the time Dennis and I got to the theater there was a line that stretched for more than a city block — for an act that, keep in mind, hit over 45 years ago! Here’s their entrance as seen from my seat. (Sorry for the poor video quality. The camera has only a 3x optical zoom and it didn’t auto-focus correctly.)
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A highlight of the show for me were the songs from the Monkees’ movie, Head. Here’s Mike doing Circle Sky, taken by somebody else in the audience.
The tributes to Davy were sincere and touching. This one in particular.
For guys like myself and Dennis who have, from the age of eleven, when the Monkees debuted, never wavered in our appreciation of the Monkees, last night was an amazing, unforgettable experience. What made it possible was the presence of Michael Nesmith who, after the album More of the Monkees appeared without their knowledge, said to the men who had control over their lives, “this shall not stand.” With the promise that the Monkees would continue making their TV show as contractually obligated, Don Kirshner was fired and the Monkees were given creative control over their music. That unique, angry, and powerful act of defiance resulted in their third album, Headquarters, and turned the Monkees from teen idols into a legitimate band. It’s past time for Mickey, Mike, Peter, and Davy to take their rightful place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They have validity, and now they should have vindication to go with it.
Paul – I had mixed feelings myself at first about the tour, because it’s sad that it took Davy’s death to get Mike to agree to a reunion, but Nez is who he is. I think the Monkees remain unique in the history of pop music. The Jonas Brothers are already gone and forgotten, replaced by One Direction. I doubt they’ll be around in 45 years, filling 3000-seat venues.
Davy Jones became a friend of mine after he appeared as a guest at my store back in the 1990s. He was a hard-working man who understood his place in pop-culture. I saw him perform about 20 times as a solo act in Disney World during the 8 years I lived in Florida and I saw him with Mickey and Peter as The Monkees about a dozen times. When Davy died, I couldn’t bring myself to see Mike Nesmith tour with Mickey and Peter…it is just too sad for me now. Davy and I had discussed him performing at a benefit concert I envisioned to raise money for my son’s memorial scholarship fund…now it’ll never happen.
They do deserve to get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Over ten years ago, I saw Mickey, Peter and Davy live in Easton. They were great. Of course, I have met and talked to Davy many times in person in the past while covering his concerts for “Davy’s Devotees.” He was always wonderful. I wish I could have met the other three. I remember looking forward to the show every Monday night, and how much I enjoyed listening to their records in Art Club at Silvermine School. Truly one of my cherished childhood memories, and having Davy as a “friend and neighbor” later in life was the icing on the cake!