One could *easily* come up with a dozen -- nay, two dozen -- Monkees tracks that he either wrote or sang on -- that are just awesome.
The Monkees were the band of my formative years. There's no question how much influence they had on everything I listened to after that and why I picked up a guitar and played in a band. While I looked like Peter, I wanted to be Mike because he was the cool one. Who wouldn't?
While sad, it was not surprising -- he was old and getting older -- that was clear. He was still amusing on Facebook. But being able to make it through that entire Farewell tour (even the shows after Covid) must have kept him going and I'm glad he got to see the love from his fans (which include my daughters.)
I've seen clips of the last few Farewell concert shows -- he was starting to look pretty frail in them. Micky looks ageless (and still has that voice), but Nez wasn't playing guitar and sitting on a stool for the last part of the resumed tour, etc. I thought after they fixed his heart problem that maybe he'd get a second round of life, but Covid times looked like it put a hard year+ on him.
For some reason, Nez passing hit me harder than most do. in 1966, I was 11 years old. I was just starting my love affair with the Beatles. Then, along came the Monkees. Just like that, they replaced the Beatles as my favorites. I never missed an episode of the TV show, and I played the albums nonstop. Fast forward a couple of years. I was in garage bands, I was smoking pot, and my hair was grown out. The Beatles had regained their spot as my favorite band. Truth be known, there was a secret spot in my musical heart for the Monkees. It wasn't cool for a rocker to like them, so I kept my fandom to myself. Now, I'm a man in my sixties. I don't give a crap what others think about my musical preferences. I can say it loud and proud. I was a Monkees fan then, and even more of one now. I dig their music, and the litt6le kid in me laughs out loud at the sitcom episodes when they come around. RIP, Nez. Thank you.
In college, some drunk dudes on my floor thought it was funny on a Saturday night to burst into rooms asking if they had a Monkees record. "We need the Monkees!" It was just a joke until they burst into mine, I offered up a greatest hits collection and everyone started loving the music without irony.
RIP. one of the many underrated songwriters and innovative musicians around. Took advantage of his monkees fane to develop the country/rock genre and then the music video artform. A fav.
13 comments:
One could *easily* come up with a dozen -- nay, two dozen -- Monkees tracks that he either wrote or sang on -- that are just awesome.
The Monkees were the band of my formative years. There's no question how much influence they had on everything I listened to after that and why I picked up a guitar and played in a band. While I looked like Peter, I wanted to be Mike because he was the cool one. Who wouldn't?
While sad, it was not surprising -- he was old and getting older -- that was clear. He was still amusing on Facebook. But being able to make it through that entire Farewell tour (even the shows after Covid) must have kept him going and I'm glad he got to see the love from his fans (which include my daughters.)
Shriner,
Why are you not surprised? Was he ill? I'm shocked. 78 isn't old enough.
I've seen clips of the last few Farewell concert shows -- he was starting to look pretty frail in them. Micky looks ageless (and still has that voice), but Nez wasn't playing guitar and sitting on a stool for the last part of the resumed tour, etc. I thought after they fixed his heart problem that maybe he'd get a second round of life, but Covid times looked like it put a hard year+ on him.
Spinning Pisces... now. What a great album.
At 70, 78 is not that old to me. Need to hear Some of Shelly's Blues...
Wasn't expecting this. Michael was a gifted, unique personality. I'm tiring of these sad days.
For some reason, Nez passing hit me harder than most do.
in 1966, I was 11 years old. I was just starting my love affair with the Beatles.
Then, along came the Monkees.
Just like that, they replaced the Beatles as my favorites. I never missed an episode of the TV show, and I played the albums nonstop.
Fast forward a couple of years. I was in garage bands, I was smoking pot, and my hair was grown out. The Beatles had regained their spot as my favorite band.
Truth be known, there was a secret spot in my musical heart for the Monkees. It wasn't cool for a rocker to like them, so I kept my fandom to myself.
Now, I'm a man in my sixties. I don't give a crap what others think about my musical preferences. I can say it loud and proud. I was a Monkees fan then, and even more of one now. I dig their music, and the litt6le kid in me laughs out loud at the sitcom episodes when they come around.
RIP, Nez. Thank you.
In college, some drunk dudes on my floor thought it was funny on a Saturday night to burst into rooms asking if they had a Monkees record. "We need the Monkees!" It was just a joke until they burst into mine, I offered up a greatest hits collection and everyone started loving the music without irony.
Loved his music. Propinquity and Joanne were in my set list for years. Enjoyed is autobiography as well.
Go well all of you.
Loved him since "The Monkees" television show. I will miss him.
By the way; where is the link, please.
Fieldhippy,
What link?
No link on this post.
RIP. one of the many underrated songwriters and innovative musicians around. Took advantage of his monkees fane to develop the country/rock genre and then the music video artform. A fav.
Been a fan of Nez since the first Monkees album. I am saddened.
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