GOD BLESS YOU MIKE!! THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE WORLD A LITTLE BRIGHTER! SO SAD YOUR GONE BUT YOUR MUSIC CHANGED OUR LIVES. YOU ARE FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS AND MEMORIES!!!
@@Kevin-ru9ze I second that Kevin. I saw his solo show and his presentation and setup of each song changed my perspective. The articulation of his song setup before each number was awesome. I could listen to that guy talk all night.
@@unhingedsoulcollector8501 II remember when I puchased his first post-Monkees LP, "Magnetic South". My reaction was, "What IS this crap?" Upon further listenings, I began to warm up to it. Bought all of his subsequent albums. My favorite country album was "Ranch Stash" and "Infinite Rider" is a great pop/rock record. Still regret not seeing him in a solo gig at a San Francisco club in the 90's.Sounds like I really missed out.
@@Kevin-ru9ze LOL! Small world. I saw him at Great American Music Hall. He was supposed to play Palace of Fine Arts but he got moved. I talked to him for about 10 minutes after the show. He signed my guitar. He was a very warm and genuine man. Very down-to-earth and appreciative of his fan base.
@@unhingedsoulcollector8501 I am envious! When was he at the GAMH? I left SF in 2014. The performance I missed was at The Last Day Saloon up on Clement St. A buddy of mine once referred to Clement Street as "Chinatown without the filth"!
The Nez was a musician and song writer before he joined the Monkees. In fact his first hit song recorded by someone else was Beat of A Different Drum by Linda Ronstadt. Peter Tork was a folk musician before joining the Monkees and had been recommended for the gig by Stephen Stills who auditioned but not get selected. Davey Jones had been a singer and actor on stage and Mickey Dolenz had been primarily an actor who learned to play the drums. And obviously was a good rock and pop singer. So, they all had talent but obviously were not as skilled as studio musicians. Lots of groups in those days had studio pros do their initial recordings due to the cost of studio time and producers wanting efficiency in getting the best sound.
Art, sorry that I posted most of what you already had written. Just saw your post! You're right on re:studio musicians. All one has to do is read the credits. Just about every group augments their sound with session musicians. Monkees took the hit because they were a band created for tv. According to Allmusic, Tork, Dolenz, and Nez are actually credited with playing instruments on the first two albums which was news to me. Can anyone confirm this? In any case, it was Peter and Mike who insisted on taking control of the music and that was a gift to us all. In a stroke of genius, Mike brought Chip Douglas of the Turtles, on board as producer and they made their finest album to that point, "Headquarters". Later in '67, they released "Pisces, Aquarius..." which sounds like a "greatest hits" package because every track is THAT good!. One of the best pop albums of the era. Everyone should have this one in their music collection.
Because they did not play on the records. The songs were prerecorded and they were brought into the studos to do some over dubs. Some of them were disappointed .
@@goodmusicofthegoodkind For the first year all of songs were produced by Don Kirshner and recorded by studio musicians. The Monkees did vocal overdubs after the fact. They always played on tour, it was one of the requirements for being on the show, though they kind of waved it for Davey because the on camera chemistry was so good. After it got out, the studio insisted on Kirshner doing a B side with the Monkee playing, but Kirshner refused. After that the Monkees recorded their own stuff. The hits were all studio musicians, not unrealistic, but it tainted the Monkees rep.
In fact he didn't play a lot guitar on the records (because he often wasn't allowed, but also in 1967/68 Peter Tork actually did much of the guitar work), but you're right, he played guitar...even in the Monkees days
@@silas.s._music I saw him and Mickey do a concert a week after Peter Tork passed. He was playing guitar on stage. I saw him and Mickey a second time literally 6 shows before he himself died. He could no longer play guitar due to his health. Voice was frail and he was clearly struggling to be on stage. He was a true professional, and he did those final shows (which may ultimately have cost him his life) to say goodbye to the fans. Perhaps one of the finest musicians I have ever seen perform.
@@nicholaspristash5502That was very eloquently put!!! For a guy who seemed to fight his past for so long, it was poetic/ironic to see him embrace it to his deathbed. That was impressive. Just my opinion, but if Mickey had passed before Davy or Peter I’m not sure Nez would have extended himself as much🤷♂️
The magic is still there after all these years! Mike is so wonderful in his music and singing. It doesn't matter how old Mike and Micky are. Their devotion to their fans is so outstanding. I will be seeing them in their farewell tour in November. Davy and Peter will be there in spirt. They all gave me such joy as a fan. It is an honor to see my old friends again! Monkee fan 4-Ever!!!
We had a wonderful 50,s 60,s 70,,s 80,s, and somewhat 90,s thank god i am still alive for the beatles, cream zep, who, purple, blues, hendrix. We had it all.! However kids have tupac, biggie, ect. No mu,ch but still kickin!.
@@raymondchollet3199 I agree! I was so blessed to see Micky and Mike preform at Rosemont. The world has lost a sweet, gentle man who expressed his love through his music.
So long, Monkees! Mike and Mickey finally said farewell a week ago Sunday. They completed their farewell tour and closed the book on 55 years of entertainment. I grew up with them. I wish them well.
Saw Micky and Peter here in Auckland in 2016, and Nez and Micky here, also, in 2019. Ever grateful for being at the shows. I love the Monkees. I love you Mike!. Thank you xoxo
RIP Michael! 🙏 You're the one I never got to see in person! Thanks for completing the tour for those lucky enough to have tickets. You can rest now! Your work here is done. Be a Heavenly Entertainer!
He sounded so fantastic after all these years...God Bless you Michael..I am soo soo saddened by your passing...was the tour to much for your heart...but what a way to go out..in total Monkee style....my heart hurts that you are gone...😪😪🙏❤
What a shock to hear the news. If you believe in forever, then life is just a one night stand. If there's a rock and roll heaven, you know they have a hell of a band. Keep on jammin' Michael.
Honestly, I wasn't surprised. Saw them in late October and Mike was frail. He sat on stage when he wasn't singing. He didn't play guitar either, which he did on this tour before the pandemic. Don't know how he made it through all of these shows but the fans appreciated it and Nez had to feel that love. After all of these years, the first time I finally saw him in person, and sadly, the last.
@@Kevin-ru9ze Yea. I saw them in mid October and he did not play guitar at all. Although he stood for a good portion of the show and seemed to have decent energy and was in good spirits. Rest in Peace.
Im 58 and when I was a kid I watched the Monkees every Saturday morning. Loved their music 🎵. You never heard about them being on Drugs or getting Arrested. They were great role models.
You're a couple of years older than me but that's where I first saw the Monkees as well. For the youngest boomers and oldest GenXer's who were too young to see their original prime time NBC Show, we were fortunate to see them by both ABC and CBS on Saturday mornings. They were one of those rare shows that was actually aired on all three networks. I didn't know until many years later however that the songs on the Saturday reruns were different than the original shows. I learned this when I bought the DVDs.
RIP Mike....I was ten when the Monkees arrived in 1966 and you guys got me through our move to Minn. and back to NJ and my parents' split up. I'm 65 and I still weep over Davy. God bless the Monkees. ---Joyce Anthony Huff---
Established a long time ago that they were musicians before becoming Monkees. The first two albums were mostly recorded by the Wrecking Crew studio muscians (as was a majority of the music coming out of LA at the time), but the group played them in concert.
Papa Nez. Always loved his songs on the Monkees albums. Helluva good songwriter. First National Band. Solo albums - Tropical Campfires in particular. Laugh Kills Lonesome...every single time!
Tropical Campfires -- that whole album is great. My favorites are "Moon Over the Rio Grande," "Juliana," and "One.../...for the Island". I have just about every album Nez put out -- all wonderful. He is a very underrated musician and singer-songwriter. Love his lyrics.
Yes, it can be sad, Davy was a bit of a shock. Peter got cancer. Mickey seems good. IDK about Mike's issues. BUT--WTF --80 yr old Paul Mccartney is still making records-and out on tour! Sooo many older rockers still killing it--too many to mention.
Rest in peace, Mike. I watched you, Davy, and Peter on tv every week when I was a kid and have always loved you guys. Great music! I wish I could have seen you in concert.
Cover's of other original songs are fun and a good start , however there is someone special, satisfaction of knowing and playing your own style and work people can recognize. Mother nature blessed us with Mike he's a regular down home bright and family funny , Guy, my hero .
Mike was the real deal. He was my favorite of the four guys. Although each one brought their own spin to the band. That's why they connected to their audience. They were trail blazers. Love you, Michael, Micky, Davy and Peter.
Are you kidding. You say it like its some sort of revelation. Nesmith has been writing and performing for years. He’s an accomplished musician who has written some great folk and rock tunes over the last forty odd years
Monkees were the real deal from Headquarters on. And the fought hard to be that. The music ages well, and their singing and musicianship, and Nesmith’s writing led them magical places. Along with The Byrds and Buffalo Springfield, the Monkees were originators of country rock, though they certainly didn’t get credit then. I think all those reunion tours playing as a band and those last two excellent albums from 1996 and 2016 made many people come around. We Monkees fans always knew. Nez was certainly a very underrated singer songwriter. He and Dolenz sounded especially great singing together.
Mike was a pretty good songwriter. In fact, his contract stated that his songs would go on the 'B' side of the Monkees' singles. That, of course, made him more money than the others.
This one was the b-side, but should have been the a-side. The a-side was "A little bit me, a little bit you," which i think is a weaker and less commercial song than this one.
definitely weaker... but they wanted their slick commercialized songs on the A-side. Girl I knew Somewhere was definitely stronger. Spotify has a deep cut of Mike singing lead... not bad, but I do prefer Mickey's rendition. 😉
I don't think there was ever any question regarding Michael's ability to play. For that matter, Peter was a good guitarist before he joined the Monkees (where he switched to bass). It's true that Mickey learned to play drums for the show (and he did learn), and Davey mostly just sang and used the tambourine. The issue in their early studio days was that only Michael and Peter were accomplished musicians so session players were brought in for the recordings. I think it's safe to say that it's been decades since anyone accused the guys of not playing their own instruments during their later years.
Look, The Monkees were a successful but concocted musical sideshow of the Sixties. Many of their hits ( none of which they wrote ) were complete rip-offs of The Beatles. Their TV show was a complete rip-off of The Beatles' movies They filled the void when The Beatles stopped touring and dedicated themselves to studio work. That's another thing. All their recorded hits are played by studio musicians. The Monkees were what they were, a charismatic face to the greedy American music industry. If you loved them and grew up with them, that's great, but don't you ever mention them in the same sentence as The Beach Boys or The Beatles.
@@victorbonilla4634 several Beach Boy tunes were actually done by The Wrecking Crew if you know who they were. so to just say that everything was done by Studio musicians is incorrect .and they are now identified as a good band of the 60s because they eventually did break out and do their own music. Equal to the Beatles or the Beach Boys? maybe not; but still a good band.
Oh my gosh! All these comments! They ALL had musical talent!!! All of them could sing. Mike, of course, could play guitar as did Micky (he had been in a band prior to the Monkees) & Davy learned. Davy had the most natural aptitude for the drums but the producers thought he wouldn’t be seen behind them (if you notice, every time he plays, he’s standing). And Peter played several instruments for years (guitar, keyboards, horn; possibly more).
The face is older but the voice is still the same. As far as him playing, people back then failed to realize that other bands like The Association and the Beach Boys didn't play their instruments in the studio. The Monkees played alone on the third album and then after as much or as little as they wanted. That's Mike on the intro of A Pleasant Valley Sunday and Peter on keys. That's Peter playing piano on Daydream Believer and Mike in the background on guitar. It was a "scandal" back then but really it was jealousy because they became so popular so fast.
Dennis Wilson the Beach Boys drummer did not play on the Beach Boys records but lead guitarist Carl did and as far as I know Al Jardine did. Brian was busy producing so Carol Kaye played bass on Pet Sounds.
@@user-jq2iz9zn4p that's true but Glen Campbell did most of the lead work as part of the Wrecking Crew which is why he was asked to join the tour before Bruce Johnson came aboard.
@@brianlebrun2382 Are you sure? I thought that Carl Wilson always played lead guitar solos on the Beach Boys albums. Glen Campbell played on the albums but not the solos.
@@luiszuluaga6575 He put out one of the first VHS music video called Elephant Parts in 1981. He did have some ideas for a music television channel early on, but PBS did their best to try and and steal his ideas.
Mike not only really played, he was a brilliant songwriter. My favorite song he wrote was Different Drum and recorded by Linda Ronstadt. It was a huge hit. RIP Mike.
Wow, he looks pretty good there. My wife and I saw them in concert in November 5th in Rosemont and they had a bar stool out on stage for him to sit on. They were still excellent and I was glad we got to see them. Now only Micky is left to carry one the music.
NEZ is a rocker to the end--so obviously struggling--but so passionate---makes other people look lazy, A huge career, nothing to prove, then carts his ass out to say goodbye--a class act. AND a GREAT songwriter! RIP MIKE
It is crazy to me that people thought the Monkees were pantomiming onstage. While it's true that they're first few albums were recorded by session musicians, they never faked it onstage. In fact, they worked very hard to learn the songs. Mike once said that the Monkees were doing covers of their own songs!
It seems that we have lost Mike Nesmith today, He passed away at the age of 78. I made a few comments on this post regarding his guitar playing which I felt was good but not up there with the greats. What did make him great though, was his overall ability as a performer on the music and on TV and also with his composing. He was my favorite among the four Monkees (Maybe because of the beanie he wore...) and he made me happy when I was six years old. When a man can do that, he will be remembered well, long after he is gone.
The group did tours with thousands of fans in attendance back in the 60s. They all definitely sang and played their own instruments. They should be inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fane.
If I remember rightly Mr Dolenze was the brains behind the Brit sit com Metal Mickey! I remember going to Thames House, on the southbank TV studios to watch them being recorded. That was the late 70's early 80's if I remember rightly. Great times!!! ☺️
They always could play. Peter Tork was a close friend with Steven Stills and they played together in New York. Nesmith could play too. Dolenz learned how to play Drums and Davy Jones was a virtuoso on tambourine.
LOL. All four of them were musicians. Davy and Mickey were great vocalists in their own right. Vocalists, singers, are musical performers and therefore they are "musicians" by definition.
Micky was the lead singer and guitarist for a garage band called the missing links before the Monkees. Davy was a Broadway performer. He also had a solo album out before the Monkees simply called David Jones.
The Monkees got a lot of flack for not playing on their records. The fact is, that's how the music industry was. Studio musicians recorded the music and the featured artist came in for the vocals and harmonies. Mike and Peter were starving musicians when they got the Monkees gig and Mickie learned how to play the drums as they went along. It doesn't take anything away from their music. If you're going to put any artist of that era in the hall of fame, then the Monkees should be included. They didn't do anything that everyone else weren't doing.
@@user-jq2iz9zn4p Straight from his bio: "He remained in a financial bind until 1980, when he received his inheritance from his mother's estate." Don't assume just because his mother was rich, that she bailed him out when he was in financial trouble.
@@mikeford4089 I didn't know Mike was impoverished after the Monkees. He wrote "Different Drum" for Linda Ronstadt and some Monkees songs, and should have gotten some royalties from that.
Early on, I enjoyed ripping those guys. As time passed, I came to appreciate their music and to see what an ass I was. Now I'm singing Pleasant Valley Sunday. A lot
Are you trying to say that people still think that Mike N. cannot or did not play his own guitars? I mean, he's an established recording artist and a known song writer and has been playing live probably longer than you've been alive.
Mike truly was a 12 string master. Many of his songs were done in 12 strings. I think thats the same guitar he used in the 60's What am I doing hangin around :-)
GOD BLESS YOU MIKE!! THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE WORLD A LITTLE BRIGHTER! SO SAD YOUR GONE BUT YOUR MUSIC CHANGED OUR LIVES. YOU ARE FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS AND MEMORIES!!!
Amen to all of that! Papa Nez! The only human being on the planet that could get me to listen to country music AND make me enjoy it!
@@Kevin-ru9ze I second that Kevin. I saw his solo show and his presentation and setup of each song changed my perspective. The articulation of his song setup before each number was awesome. I could listen to that guy talk all night.
@@unhingedsoulcollector8501 II remember when I puchased his first post-Monkees LP, "Magnetic South". My reaction was, "What IS this crap?" Upon further listenings, I began to warm up to it. Bought all of his subsequent albums. My favorite country album was "Ranch Stash" and "Infinite Rider" is a great pop/rock record. Still regret not seeing him in a solo gig at a San Francisco club in the 90's.Sounds like I really missed out.
@@Kevin-ru9ze LOL! Small world. I saw him at Great American Music Hall. He was supposed to play Palace of Fine Arts but he got moved. I talked to him for about 10 minutes after the show. He signed my guitar. He was a very warm and genuine man. Very down-to-earth and appreciative of his fan base.
@@unhingedsoulcollector8501 I am envious! When was he at the GAMH? I left SF in 2014. The performance I missed was at The Last Day Saloon up on Clement St. A buddy of mine once referred to Clement Street as "Chinatown without the filth"!
The Nez was a musician and song writer before he joined the Monkees. In fact his first hit song recorded by someone else was Beat of A Different Drum by Linda Ronstadt. Peter Tork was a folk musician before joining the Monkees and had been recommended for the gig by Stephen Stills who auditioned but not get selected. Davey Jones had been a singer and actor on stage and Mickey Dolenz had been primarily an actor who learned to play the drums. And obviously was a good rock and pop singer. So, they all had talent but obviously were not as skilled as studio musicians. Lots of groups in those days had studio pros do their initial recordings due to the cost of studio time and producers wanting efficiency in getting the best sound.
Mickey Dolenz was "Circus Boy" in the mid to late 1950s. I was 7 years old and I remember it like it was last week.
The "Wrecking Crew".
Dolenz was and is also a guitarist.
Davey was the one who knew the drums.
Art, sorry that I posted most of what you already had written. Just saw your post! You're right on re:studio musicians. All one has to do is read the credits. Just about every group augments their sound with session musicians. Monkees took the hit because they were a band created for tv. According to Allmusic, Tork, Dolenz, and Nez are actually credited with playing instruments on the first two albums which was news to me. Can anyone confirm this?
In any case, it was Peter and Mike who insisted on taking control of the music and that was a gift to us all. In a stroke of genius, Mike brought Chip Douglas of the Turtles, on board as producer and they made their finest album to that point, "Headquarters". Later in '67, they released "Pisces, Aquarius..." which sounds like a "greatest hits" package because every track is THAT good!. One of the best pop albums of the era. Everyone should have this one in their music collection.
R.I.P. Michael Nesmith..
Thanks for all the laughs and great music.
Why is the fact that he played a guitar for real still come as a surprise to some? It's been well known for decades now.
Because they did not play on the records. The songs were prerecorded and they were brought into the studos to do some over dubs. Some of them were disappointed .
@@goodmusicofthegoodkind For the first year all of songs were produced by Don Kirshner and recorded by studio musicians. The Monkees did vocal overdubs after the fact. They always played on tour, it was one of the requirements for being on the show, though they kind of waved it for Davey because the on camera chemistry was so good. After it got out, the studio insisted on Kirshner doing a B side with the Monkee playing, but Kirshner refused. After that the Monkees recorded their own stuff. The hits were all studio musicians, not unrealistic, but it tainted the Monkees rep.
@@goodmusicofthegoodkind Peter Tork disagrees: ua-cam.com/video/qlDWmWnOgNo/v-deo.html
Because he couldnt play in the studio, sessiom musicians played .
@@kenlieberman4215 They didn't play on the first two records. After that they did.
Mike has always played guitar, anyone who still thinks he didn't has no clue.
In fact he didn't play a lot guitar on the records (because he often wasn't allowed, but also in 1967/68 Peter Tork actually did much of the guitar work), but you're right, he played guitar...even in the Monkees days
@@silas.s._music I saw him and Mickey do a concert a week after Peter Tork passed. He was playing guitar on stage. I saw him and Mickey a second time literally 6 shows before he himself died. He could no longer play guitar due to his health. Voice was frail and he was clearly struggling to be on stage. He was a true professional, and he did those final shows (which may ultimately have cost him his life) to say goodbye to the fans. Perhaps one of the finest musicians I have ever seen perform.
@@nicholaspristash5502That was very eloquently put!!! For a guy who seemed to fight his past for so long, it was poetic/ironic to see him embrace it to his deathbed. That was impressive. Just my opinion, but if Mickey had passed before Davy or Peter I’m not sure Nez would have extended himself as much🤷♂️
@@silas.s._music Pete played "acoustic 3rd chair" on Nesmith produced tunes. I think he played dano bass (among others) on You Just May Be The One
The magic is still there after all these years! Mike is so wonderful in his music and singing. It doesn't matter how old Mike and Micky are. Their devotion to their fans is so outstanding. I will be seeing them in their farewell tour in November. Davy and Peter will be there in spirt. They all gave me such joy as a fan. It is an honor to see my old friends again! Monkee fan 4-Ever!!!
We had a wonderful 50,s 60,s 70,,s 80,s, and somewhat 90,s thank god i am still alive for the beatles, cream zep, who, purple, blues, hendrix. We had it all.! However kids have tupac, biggie, ect. No mu,ch but still kickin!.
@@raymondchollet3199 I agree! I was so blessed to see Micky and Mike preform at Rosemont. The world has lost a sweet, gentle man who expressed his love through his music.
Rest In Peace Papa Nez! Your influence on music and video live on!! 1942-2021
The soundtrack of my childhood! R.I.P Mike Nesmith. Such a great songwriter!
So long, Monkees! Mike and Mickey finally said farewell a week ago Sunday. They completed their farewell tour and closed the book on 55 years of entertainment. I grew up with them. I wish them well.
Rest in peace, Nez. My childhood favorite. I still love the Monkees and Nez was and still is my favorite. Rest in peace, Wool Hat.
Saw Micky and Peter here in Auckland in 2016, and Nez and Micky here, also, in 2019. Ever grateful for being at the shows. I love
the Monkees. I love you Mike!. Thank you xoxo
Thanks for all the fun happy music Mike ! RIP
RIP Michael! 🙏 You're the one I never got to see in person! Thanks for completing the tour for those lucky enough to have tickets. You can rest now! Your work here is done.
Be a Heavenly Entertainer!
Still one of my favorite songs for well over a half century now. Just love Monkees music - all of it
He sounded so fantastic after all these years...God Bless you Michael..I am soo soo saddened by your passing...was the tour to much for your heart...but what a way to go out..in total Monkee style....my heart hurts that you are gone...😪😪🙏❤
What a shock to hear the news.
If you believe in forever, then life is just a one night stand. If there's a rock and roll heaven, you know they have a hell of a band. Keep on jammin' Michael.
Honestly, I wasn't surprised. Saw them in late October and Mike was frail. He sat on stage when he wasn't singing. He didn't play guitar either, which he did on this tour before the pandemic. Don't know how he made it through all of these shows but the fans appreciated it and Nez had to feel that love. After all of these years, the first time I finally saw him in person, and sadly, the last.
@@Kevin-ru9ze Yea. I saw them in mid October and he did not play guitar at all. Although he stood for a good portion of the show and seemed to have decent energy and was in good spirits. Rest in Peace.
Im 58 and when I was a kid I watched the Monkees every Saturday morning. Loved their music 🎵. You never heard about them being on Drugs or getting Arrested. They were great role models.
You're a couple of years older than me but that's where I first saw the Monkees as well. For the youngest boomers and oldest GenXer's who were too young to see their original prime time NBC Show, we were fortunate to see them by both ABC and CBS on Saturday mornings. They were one of those rare shows that was actually aired on all three networks. I didn't know until many years later however that the songs on the Saturday reruns were different than the original shows. I learned this when I bought the DVDs.
Awesome. Thank you for posting this. Thx, Mike for all the beautiful music
RIP Mike....I was ten when the Monkees arrived in 1966 and you guys got me through our move to Minn. and back to NJ and my parents' split up. I'm 65 and I still weep over Davy. God bless the Monkees. ---Joyce Anthony Huff---
Established a long time ago that they were musicians before becoming Monkees. The first two albums were mostly recorded by the Wrecking Crew studio muscians (as was a majority of the music coming out of LA at the time), but the group played them in concert.
Rest in Grace to someone I've admired and applauded since childhood. You left a mark and a blessing on all of us, Michael. Know a Blessed Peace.
RIP Mike... you did more than most know about.
Thank you Mike for being part of the Soundtrack of my youth. So glad I got to see you on your farewell tour. Rest In Peace.
Rest in peace Michael Nesmith 😥. Thank you for the wonderful memories ❤️❤️❤️
Such an amazing man with so much talent. RIP Mike, you are so missed already
❤
Papa Nez. Always loved his songs on the Monkees albums. Helluva good songwriter. First National Band. Solo albums - Tropical Campfires in particular. Laugh Kills Lonesome...every single time!
Tropical Campfires -- that whole album is great. My favorites are "Moon Over the Rio Grande," "Juliana," and "One.../...for the Island". I have just about every album Nez put out -- all wonderful. He is a very underrated musician and singer-songwriter. Love his lyrics.
Tropical Campfires turned my wife into a Nez fan. She didn't quite get the Infinite Rider On The Big Dogma album. :) RIP Papa Nez.
RIP Michael Nesmith! You are already dearly missed!
Great to see Michael! Good job !
My favorite, Love you Mike, blessed be your soul.
🙏🙏🙏
Fantastic!! He still has it !! 😀. Love this song !!
One of my favorites from the Monkees.
Amazing version! God bless you and rest in peace Mike.
The monkees were part of my childhood..sad to see them declining one by one😞
Yes, it can be sad, Davy was a bit of a shock. Peter got cancer. Mickey seems good. IDK about Mike's issues. BUT--WTF --80 yr old Paul Mccartney is still making records-and out on tour! Sooo many older rockers still killing it--too many to mention.
Rest in peace, Mike. I watched you, Davy, and Peter on tv every week when I was a kid and have always loved you guys. Great music! I wish I could have seen you in concert.
Condolences to Mister Nesmith's loved ones. Sad loss to all music lovers a another great musician has passed.
Rest in peace, Michael. We miss you already.
Mike and his national band were good, Joanne is a great song that's been on my Playlist a long time
Definitely the most talented of the group.
RIP Mike, thank you for the music, you rode a triumph motorcycle too, cool guy. Thank you
You can hear the pop sensibilities here that created Ronstadt's first hit Different Drum. Highly underrated musician.
My favorite and absolute best Monkees song!!
Loved the Monkees, they taught me how to approach life as a kid !
Omg..Literally Fangirling Over Her😄I love this Song.One My Favorite Monkee Songs of all Time.Also DOOR INTO SUMMER! Mike is such Amazing Musician🎶🎸🐒👴
Door Into Summer - a Vietnam protest song by equating war to the money machine and what people would do for it. One of my Monkee favorites as well.
Mike always played his own insturments and also his own song he wrote.
Cover's of other original songs are fun and a good start , however there is someone special, satisfaction of knowing and playing your own style and work people can recognize. Mother nature blessed us with Mike he's a regular down home bright and family funny , Guy, my hero .
Mike was the real deal. He was my favorite of the four guys. Although each one brought their own spin to the band. That's why they connected to their audience. They were trail blazers. Love you, Michael, Micky, Davy and Peter.
Are you kidding. You say it like its some sort of revelation. Nesmith has been writing and performing for years. He’s an accomplished musician who has written some great folk and rock tunes over the last forty odd years
Monkees were the real deal from Headquarters on. And the fought hard to be that. The music ages well, and their singing and musicianship, and Nesmith’s writing led them magical places. Along with The Byrds and Buffalo Springfield, the Monkees were originators of country rock, though they certainly didn’t get credit then. I think all those reunion tours playing as a band and those last two excellent albums from 1996 and 2016 made many people come around. We Monkees fans always knew. Nez was certainly a very underrated singer songwriter. He and Dolenz sounded especially great singing together.
I’m really going to miss Nez!
I love him so much that it hurts. 😭 RIP Mike I love you so much and miss you like crazy! 😭💜
Love this guy and his music! Thank you Mike!
I never knew that was in doubt. I’m just sorry he couldn’t play on this tour
Mike was a great songwriter for such classics as Joanne and Beat Of A Different Drum that he wrote for Linda Rondstandt
Long live the memory of the late, great Mike Nesmith. ❤️🧡💛 xoxo The Clarences
He has released 18 albums since 1968...of course he can play guitar(he even play keyboards!)
Mike was a pretty good songwriter. In fact, his contract stated that his songs would go on the 'B' side of the Monkees' singles. That, of course, made him more money than the others.
This one was the b-side, but should have been the a-side. The a-side was "A little bit me, a little bit you," which i think is a weaker and less commercial song than this one.
definitely weaker... but they wanted their slick commercialized songs on the A-side. Girl I knew Somewhere was definitely stronger. Spotify has a deep cut of Mike singing lead... not bad, but I do prefer Mickey's rendition. 😉
I don't think there was ever any question regarding Michael's ability to play. For that matter, Peter was a good guitarist before he joined the Monkees (where he switched to bass). It's true that Mickey learned to play drums for the show (and he did learn), and Davey mostly just sang and used the tambourine. The issue in their early studio days was that only Michael and Peter were accomplished musicians so session players were brought in for the recordings. I think it's safe to say that it's been decades since anyone accused the guys of not playing their own instruments during their later years.
Believe it or not, that myth still exists today.
Mike was always an excellent musician along with the late Peter Tork I can't believe they're still bringing up an issue like this.
...they'll always be the Monkees... Amazing Musicians, but still can't get no Respect!!!
@@jacke.larocque7440 Agreed!
@@eugenedegeorge5084 I'll second and third that motion gentlemen!
Look, The Monkees were a successful but concocted musical sideshow of the Sixties. Many of their hits ( none of which they wrote ) were complete rip-offs of The Beatles. Their TV show was a complete rip-off of The Beatles' movies They filled the void when The Beatles stopped touring and dedicated themselves to studio work. That's another thing. All their recorded hits are played by studio musicians. The Monkees were what they were, a charismatic face to the greedy American music industry. If you loved them and grew up with them, that's great, but don't you ever mention them in the same sentence as The Beach Boys or The Beatles.
@@victorbonilla4634 several Beach Boy tunes were actually done by The Wrecking Crew if you know who they were. so to just say that everything was done by Studio musicians is incorrect .and they are now identified as a good band of the 60s because they eventually did break out and do their own music. Equal to the Beatles or the Beach Boys? maybe not; but still a good band.
Oh my gosh! All these comments! They ALL had musical talent!!! All of them could sing. Mike, of course, could play guitar as did Micky (he had been in a band prior to the Monkees) & Davy learned. Davy had the most natural aptitude for the drums but the producers thought he wouldn’t be seen behind them (if you notice, every time he plays, he’s standing). And Peter played several instruments for years (guitar, keyboards, horn; possibly more).
So sad he was the Guinness of the band love the video with him and Frank Zappa it was so awesome
Awesome....Love you Mike!!!
Sounds great, Mike! What a vocalist.
The face is older but the voice is still the same. As far as him playing, people back then failed to realize that other bands like The Association and the Beach Boys didn't play their instruments in the studio. The Monkees played alone on the third album and then after as much or as little as they wanted. That's Mike on the intro of A Pleasant Valley Sunday and Peter on keys. That's Peter playing piano on Daydream Believer and Mike in the background on guitar. It was a "scandal" back then but really it was jealousy because they became so popular so fast.
Dennis Wilson the Beach Boys drummer did not play on the Beach Boys records but lead guitarist Carl did and as far as I know Al Jardine did. Brian was busy producing so Carol Kaye played bass on Pet Sounds.
@@user-jq2iz9zn4p that's true but Glen Campbell did most of the lead work as part of the Wrecking Crew which is why he was asked to join the tour before Bruce Johnson came aboard.
@@brianlebrun2382 Are you sure? I thought that Carl Wilson always played lead guitar solos on the Beach Boys albums. Glen Campbell played on the albums but not the solos.
Oh, and let's not forget his mom, the inventor of liquid paper. Two icons in one family!
And Mike Nesmith founded MTV.
absolutely! no "mistake" here 😁
@@luiszuluaga6575 Well, not quite that. But, arguments can be made that he laid the path.
@@leobrussel9471 Nope! Mike founded MTV. His mother did invent Liquid Paper and made millions on the invention.
@@luiszuluaga6575 He put out one of the first VHS music video called Elephant Parts in 1981. He did have some ideas for a music television channel early on, but PBS did their best to try and and steal his ideas.
I am very impressed..Pretty cool..
He and Peter were highly skilled musicians. Even Davy and Micky played guitar before they were Monkees.
Peter was especially gifted musically. He was proficient on a number of instruments long before the Monkees were even thought of.
RIP Mr. Nesmith
Man, I’d LOVE to have a Gretsch 12-string like that one!
Mike not only really played, he was a brilliant songwriter. My favorite song he wrote was Different Drum and recorded by Linda Ronstadt. It was a huge hit. RIP Mike.
I loved that song when it came out because it was different from the catchy ones. Though I was only 8-9, I sure liked it.
Same here.... still my favorite Nesmith tune!
Wow, he looks pretty good there. My wife and I saw them in concert in November 5th in Rosemont and they had a bar stool out on stage for him to sit on. They were still excellent and I was glad we got to see them. Now only Micky is left to carry one the music.
NEZ is a rocker to the end--so obviously struggling--but so passionate---makes other people look lazy, A huge career, nothing to prove, then carts his ass out to say goodbye--a class act. AND a GREAT songwriter! RIP MIKE
Adored the Monkees growing up, STILL DO!!!! Mike's mom invented Liquid Paper! This is a little known truth about the Nesmith family, so cool!
WE WERE there! THE BEST! LOVE NEZ!!!!
So sad he has gone . I always said how great they were and how we have so many great memories from them . Hey Hey were The Monkeys for ever !!!
It is crazy to me that people thought the Monkees were pantomiming onstage. While it's true that they're first few albums were recorded by session musicians, they never faked it onstage. In fact, they worked very hard to learn the songs. Mike once said that the Monkees were doing covers of their own songs!
Great voice!
MN was great guitarist...I will miss him..
It seems that we have lost Mike Nesmith today, He passed away at the age of 78.
I made a few comments on this post regarding his guitar playing which I felt was good but not up there with the greats.
What did make him great though, was his overall ability as a performer on the music and on TV and also with his composing.
He was my favorite among the four Monkees (Maybe because of the beanie he wore...) and he made me happy when I was six years old.
When a man can do that, he will be remembered well, long after he is gone.
The group did tours with thousands of fans in attendance back in the 60s. They all definitely sang and played their own instruments. They should be inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fane.
If I remember rightly Mr Dolenze was the brains behind the Brit sit com Metal Mickey!
I remember going to Thames House, on the southbank TV studios to watch them being recorded. That was the late 70's early 80's if I remember rightly. Great times!!! ☺️
R.I.P. Mike
Just listened to More Of The Monkeys last night, still sounds great on vinal.
They always could play. Peter Tork was a close friend with Steven Stills and they played together in New York. Nesmith could play too. Dolenz learned how to play Drums and Davy Jones was a virtuoso on tambourine.
Micky was forced to play drums. Davy was a drummer. Micky's voice was 10 times better. They wanted Davy as front man of TV band.
Excellent!
When I was a little kid, watching the Monkees TV show in England, he was my favourite. I always remember he wore a wool hat!!
For keeping hair out of his eyes while riding a motorcycle.
He played before the Monkees. Kirshner Just wouldn’t let him or Peter play.
Yeh when you watch those old monkees songs on TV hes always playing the right chords.
RIP Mr. Nesmith... I pray Davie and Peter were there to meet you in heaven
Mike had some Great Stuff, he never liked hiding his Talent.
RIP Mr. Nesmith!!
The monkees should be in the rock hall of fame
Ficam as boas lembranças!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Excellent.
🌟 Hello old friend...good to hear ya again.🎸☮️🍺
Michael was one of the two people who were actually musicians. Peter being the other.
LOL. All four of them were musicians. Davy and Mickey were great vocalists in their own right. Vocalists, singers, are musical performers and therefore they are "musicians" by definition.
Micky could play the guitar then and Davy the drums.
@@michaeljones3438 I think Davy learned the drums at the same time as Micky. Not sure.
Micky was the lead singer and guitarist for a garage band called the missing links before the Monkees. Davy was a Broadway performer. He also had a solo album out before the Monkees simply called David Jones.
RIP Michael. From Guayaquil Ecuador ( I'm 67) "Joanne" is sad !
The Monkees got a lot of flack for not playing on their records. The fact is, that's how the music industry was. Studio musicians recorded the music and the featured artist came in for the vocals and harmonies. Mike and Peter were starving musicians when they got the Monkees gig and Mickie learned how to play the drums as they went along. It doesn't take anything away from their music. If you're going to put any artist of that era in the hall of fame, then the Monkees should be included. They didn't do anything that everyone else weren't doing.
Mike's mother invented Liquid Paper, an important product before word processors. He was never a starving artist.
@@user-jq2iz9zn4p He didn't see a dime until her death in 1980
@@mikeford4089 Mike's mother was a self-made multimillionaire. Mike was never starving.
@@user-jq2iz9zn4p Straight from his bio: "He remained in a financial bind until 1980, when he received his inheritance from his mother's estate."
Don't assume just because his mother was rich, that she bailed him out when he was in financial trouble.
@@mikeford4089 I didn't know Mike was impoverished after the Monkees. He wrote "Different Drum" for Linda Ronstadt and some Monkees songs, and should have gotten some royalties from that.
Early on, I enjoyed ripping those guys. As time passed, I came to appreciate their music and to see what an ass I was. Now I'm singing Pleasant Valley Sunday. A lot
Are you trying to say that people still think that Mike N. cannot or did not play his own guitars? I mean, he's an established recording artist and a known song writer and has been playing live probably longer than you've been alive.
Mike truly was a 12 string master. Many of his songs were done in 12 strings. I think thats the same guitar he used in the 60's What am I doing hangin around :-)