Issue 76 Summer 2011 by The Purple Flower Gang

Monkee Shines

UK Tour reviews

Inside: 

“Hard To Believe” Partying at the Mississippi Moon Bar

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Happy to be the oldest swingers in town Peter on Fame, fans, and learning Welsh Still Monkee-ing Around

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Summer 2011 Issue 76

The Missing Monkee

Bellevue Surprise Party The Secret Life of The Missing Monkee No Monkee Business In The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Great Moments In Monkee History Royal Albert Hall Plymouth Pavilion Pen Pals Our Favorite Foreign Correspondent Checks In On The Tour Much more…..

“I don’t care! I already got the check and you can’t catch me!” Mississippi Moon Bar—Diamond Jo Casino—Dubuque, Iowa April 30, 2011 Photo by Dawn Van Meter Hoffman

Editor: Cindy Bryant With a little help from my friends, The PFG Road Crew, “the crazy lot!” An Official Monkees Fan Club Monkeeing Around Since 1987

Monkee Shines

In this issue

Membership dues are $10 (Us and Canada) and $15 (overseas).. Ads are $25 for a full page and $10 for a quarter page. Money orders preferred, cash at own risk. Make all payments payable to Cindy Bryant NOT the PFG. Mail to Cindy Bryant, 903 East 2nd Street 1A, Muscatine, Iowa

Letter from The Editor ................ 3 Monkee History ......................... 4 Monkee History ....................... 10 Bellevue Surprise ..................... 14 Peter on Fame, Fans, and learning Welsh ...................................... 16 Happy To be The Oldest Swingers in Town ....................................... 18 Mad Flashback ......................... 20 Royal Albert Review ................ 21 Monkees & the Minnesota Zoo . 26 Royal Albert hall ...................... 25 Monkee Quiz ........................... 27 Plymouth Pavilion .................... 28 Secret Life of Mike Nesmith ..... 29 No Monkee Business in the R&R Hall Of Fame ................................... 31 Hard To Believe ....................... 34 Columbus, Ohio ....................... 54 PFG on Facebook ..................... 55 Shadow Buddies....................... 56 Pen Pals E-Pals ........................ 57 Solo Dates................................ 58 Jones Family on Tour ............... 59 Newcastle ................................ 62 Tour Cancelled ......................... 64

If you find a stamp in this area your membership has expired with this issue. Please renew as soon as possible to assure your next issue. This is the only notice you will get.

Visit us at: www.purpleflowergang.com And email us at: pfg@machlink.com & join the Purple Flower Gang Thank you! Thank you very much! The PFG Road Crew (Bonnie Borgh, Dawn Hoffman, Colleen Johnson, Kimmi Wright, and newbie Jeff Smith), the Diamond Jo Casino and Mississippi Moon Bar, Angie Stockdale, Mira and Jack Lambert, Jamie Elswick, Dr. Rock, Lynda Wiles, Kim Boatman, Becca nelson, Phil Marder, Hazel Wilkinson, and of course the Monkees and their bandmates!

This logo was created by Becca Nelson1 Thank you Becca!

Monkee Shines is printed by Mailboxes & Oarcel Depot 2

Monkee Shines

Dear Gang, A couple of people told me the DVD I sent them didn’t work so I have had to rethink the situation. The DVDs were my gift to you NOT part of your membership. I paid for the extra costs involved. I’m not quite sure what the problem is — whether it is my new computer or the DVD which came from Britain. The DVDs do work on computer and most DVD players. I have two players one, a Memorex, on which they work and one, a Samsung, on which they don’t. As much as I like sharing these things with you I don’t want people to feel they are being cheated and I don’t want to waste postage sending out DVDs that you can’t play so I have decided that any time I can make video available to you, I will tell you what I have. If you want the item you can send me $5 to cover the cost of the DVD and postage and I will be happy to make you a copy. If anyone has a better solution please let me know. I have the May 14th Today Show interview on DVD for anyone who is interested. I know there were a number of typographical errors and address errors in the last newsletter. Please be patient with me. I have a new computer and I am transferring all my files by hand as I had a virus in the old one which I do not want to transfer as well. The keyboard is a bit different

also and my typing is not the greatest at best.. Let me know if I have made a mistake in any of your information. I’ll be happy to fix it. Thank you for all the retirement wishes. We had an amazing weekend, which you can read about in this issue. I want to especially thank the road crew (Bonnie, Dawn, Kimmi, Colleen and Jeff) and David for making my retirement party INCREDIBLE. There is no one I would rather have celebrated with and to answer your question, David, I am going to do anything I want to now!” What an wonderful summer this is turning out to be! Who would have guessed that 45 years later we would all still be Monkee-ing around? Let us know about the shows you are going to see. We all want to hear how you are celebrating 45 years of Monkee Business. Lastly, I have put this off for over 20 years but as of October 1, 2011 membership dues are going up to $15 US and Canada and $20 overseas. I didn’t mind footing extra costs while I was working but retirement puts a different light on everything. Anyone who renews before October 1st can do so at the old rate and this is also good no matter how long you renew for or when your renewal is due. After October 1st the new rate goes into effect. Have a great summer and as always tell us your Monkee tales! Cindy

We will make every effort to publish Monkee Shines on the last week of January, April, July, and October. If for some reason it is going to be delayed I will try to let you know by postcard. As always, if you are unsatisfied with your membership for any reason we will be happy to refund the remainder of your membership dues upon request.

Monkee Shines

Great Moments In

August 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 814 8 9 10 10 11 13 14 15 16 16 18 18 18 19 19 19

David Jones aired "Sally Jessy Raphael" (1993) "Words" #11 (1967) Billie Hayes David Jones/Micky Dolenz, Holiday Star, Merrillville, Indiana (1994) David Jones in "Oliver!" Muny Theatre, St. Louis, Missouri (1993) David Jones/Micky Dolenz, Point Park 3 Rivers Regatta, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1994) Jason Nesmith (1968) Jack Good David Jones in "Oliver!" Muny Theatre, St. Louis, Missouri (1993) Davy portrays "Fagin" in "Oliver!" at Kansas City's Starlight Theatre (1988) Charlotte Dolenz (1981) Nita Talbot David Jones at Fargo Fest, Moline, Illinois (1992) Micky on "Tonight Show" with Jay Leno (1994) Ronnie Spector Michael's "Rio" video airs on "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert" (1979) Marilyn Schlossberg La Salandra David Crosby Rose Marie "Last Train To Clarksville" released (1966) Julie Newmar "That Was Then, This Is Now" #20 (1986) David Jones/Micky Dolenz, Milwaukee Zoo, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1994) The Monkees (minus Mike) at The Mark of the Quad Cities, Moline, Illinois (1996) Hazel Wilkinson David Jones/Micky Dolenz, Treasure Island Casino, Red Wing, Minnesota (1994) Billy J. Kramer

Monkee Shines 20 Peter Tork and Friends at The Vic, Chicago, Illinois (1988) 20 David Jones at The Bismarck, Chicago, Illinois (1990) 20 David Jones/Micky Dolenz, Lake, Rattle, and Roll, Lake Superior, Wisconsin (1994) 20 David Jones/Micky Dolenz, Treasure Island Casino, Red Wing, Minnesota (1994) 22 Ron Dante 26 Bob Cowsill 27 Peter's first album "Stranger Things Have Happened" released on Beachwood Records (1994) 27 Chip Douglas (1942) 28 The Monkees attend The Beatles' concert at Dodger Stadium in LA (1966) 28 Barbara Iannoli 28 The Monkees (minus Mike) at Holiday Star, Merrillville, Indiana (1987) 29 The Monkees (minus Mike) at Marcus Amphitheatre, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1987) 29 Michael Jackson 30 John Phillips 30 The Monkees (minus Mike) at Taste of Iowa, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (1996) 30 David Jones and Jessica Pacheco are wed in Miami, Florida

September 1

Press party in Los Angeles held at Screen Gems to kick off a ten-day promotional tour (1966) 1 Micky and Davy on "The Tomorrow Show" with Tom Snyder (1977) 1 Barry Gibb 2 The Monkees (minus Mike) at Holiday Star, Merrillville, Indiana (1989) 3 The last show of The Monkees US tour at Six Flags in Eureka, Missouri (1989) 3 Georgia Dolenz (1984) 3 Alan Jardine 4 Jessica Jones (1981) 4 "Monkee Day" in Hollywood when Monkees received the key to the city from Honorary Mayor, Johnny Grant (1986) 4 David Jones at Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, Ohio (1993) 5 John Stewart 6 "Good Clean Fun" b/w "Mommy and Daddy" released (1969) 6 Henry Diltz (1938) 7 20th Anniversary Reunion with Michael Nesmith at the Greek Theater. 8 Hollywood Reporter runs "Madness!! Auditions" ad for The Monkees (1965) 8 Irwin Charone 9 Variety runs "Madness!!" ad for The Monkees (1965) 9 The Monkees moves from Saturday morning reruns on CBS to NBC (1972) 9 Stu Phillips 10 Jessica Nesmith (1970)

Monkee Shines 10 Nurit Wilde 10 Danny Huttion 11 LA radio station 93/KHJ Boss Radio sponsors "Last Train To Clarksville" promotion (1966) 11 The Monkees begins it's second season on NBC "It's A Nice Place To Visit (1967) 12 "Royal Flush" (1966) 12 The Monkees TV Show airs (1966) 13 The Monkees returns to television as part of the Saturday morning lineup on CBS (1969) 13 Micky on "Adam-12" on NBC 14 Barry Cowsill 16 Helene Winston 17 Steve Blauner 17 David Jones/Micky Dolenz, Worlds of Fun, Kansas City, Missouri (1994) 18 "The Picture Frame" (1967) 18 Frankie Avalon 18 David Jones/Micky Dolenz, Worlds of Fun, Kansas City, Missouri (1994) 19 "Monkee See, Monkee Die" (1966) 19 Paul Williams 21 The Monkees (minus Mike) at Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, California (1987) 21 The Monkees tour Australia for the first time since September 28, 1968 (1988) 21 Davy on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" (1995) 22 The Monkees (minus Mike) at Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, California (1987) 22 David Pearl 23 "Circus Boy" premieres on Sunday night on NBC. Micky (Dolenz) Braddock plays "Corky" (1956) 23 Second and final appearance on the cover of TV Guide (1967) 23 Kathleen Scott 23 David Price 23 David Jones in "Grease", Mulroy Civic Center, Syracuse, New York (1994) 24 Gerry Marsden 24 David Jones in "Grease", Mulroy Civic Center, Syracuse, New York (1994) 24 David Jones at The Lady Luck Casino, Bettendorf, Iowa (1999) 25 "Everywhere a Sheik, Sheik" (1967) 25 The Monkees (minus Mike) at Harrah's (South Shore Room) Lake Tahoe (September 25 through October 1, 1987) 25 David Jones at The Lady Luck Casino, Bettendorf, Iowa (1999) 26 "Monkee vs Machine" (1966) 26 Michael G. Bush 27 Micky on "Cannon" on CBS (1872) 27 Carl Ballentine 28 Kimmi Janvrin Wright

Monkee Shines 29 Tommy Boyce 29 James Frawley 29 Jerry Lee Lewis

October 2

First official interview with Davy, Micky, Peter, and Mike for the New York Times (1966) 2 "Monkee Mayor" (1967) 2 Talia Jones (1968) 3 "Your Friendly Neighborhood Kidnappers" (1966) 5 "Porpoise Song" b/w "As We Go Along released (1968) 5 Edna Kulavick 6 The Monkees (Micky, David. and Michael) guest star on "Laugh In" on NBC (1969) 8 Micky's first album "Micky Dolenz Puts You To Sleep" released on Kid Rhino. (1991) 8 Bill Martin 9 Peter Tork signs contract to do The Monkees (1965) 9 "Every Step of The Way" video was shot in Los Angeles (1987) 9 "Art For Monkees Sake" (1967) 9 John Entwistle 10 The Monkees album released (1966) 10 "The Spy Who Came In From The Cool" (1966) 11 "The Monkees Present" Micky, David, and Michael released (1969) 13 Lisa James 14 The Monkees album receives Gold Record (1966) 14 Cliff Richard 14 David Jones in "Grease", Playhouse Square Theatre, Cleveland, Ohio (1994) 14 Barbara Woerner 15 The final show in Sydney, Australia (1988) 16 "99 Pound Weakling" (1967) 17 "Success Story" (1966) 17 Gary Puckett 17 David Jones at The Lady Luck Casino, Bettendorf, Iowa (1997) 18 Micky on "Larry King Live" (1993) 18 David Jones at The Lady Luck Casino, Bettendorf, Iowa (1997) 18 Chuck Berry 18 David Jones at Lockport East High School, Lockport, Illinois (2003) 20 Davy opens his boutique "Zilch" in NYC's Greenwich Village (1967) 20 Jay Siegel 22 Ward Sylvester 23 Davy on "Love American Style" on ABC (1970) 23 "Hillbilly Honeymoon" (1967) 23 Annette Funicello 23 David Jones at Kowloon, Saugus, Massachusetts (1993) 23 David Jones at Lockport East High School, Lockport, Illinois (2004) 24 Micky on "Owen Marshall Counselor at Law" (1973) 24 Last concert on the 1987 US tour

Monkee Shines 24 24 24 25 28 28 30 30 31 31

"Monkees in a Ghost Town" (1966) Jennifer McLeod Bill Wyman "Daydream Believer" released (1967) "Daydream Believer receives Gold Record (1967) Dave Evans "Monkees Marooned" (1967) Grace Slick "Don't Look a Gift Horse In The Mouth" (1966) David Jones "Evening With David Jones", Circleville, Ohio (1992)

November 1 2 2 3 3 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 9 10 11 11 11 11 12 13 13 14 14 15 17 19 20 21 22 24 24 26

The Monkees begin rehearsal for live stage shows (1966) Davy on syndicated show "Dick Clark's Music Bag" on KTTV in LA (1969) David Jones, Peoria Civic Center Theatre, Peoria, Illinois (2002) Larry Gelman Lulu "Last Train To Clarksville" #1(1966) Peter Noone Rob Grill "The Card Carrying Red Shoes" (1967) "Head" premieres in NYC (1968) The Monkees (minus Mike) at Five Seasons, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (1986) "The Chaperone" (1966) Johnny Rivers Severn Darden David Jones in "Grease", Cincinatti, Ohio (1994) Filming of the pilot of The Monkees begins (1965) Micky on "Boy Meets World" (1994) Jack Keller Paul Cowsill Neil Young David Jones on "Shindig" on ABC (1965) "The Wild Monkees" (1967) "The Monkees" (Pilot) (1966) Freddie Garity Petula Clark Davy Stars as Fagin in "Oliver!" at the Hirshfield Theatre in Miami Beach, Florida November 17, 1989 through January 14, 1990 "Head" premieres Tuesday night at 8:30 pm at the Vogue Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood (1968) "A Coffin Too Frequent" (1967) "Monkees a La Carte" (1966) "I'm A Believer" released (1966) Davy on "Tennessee Ernie Ford" special on NBC (1969) Jim Yester Tina Turner

Monkee Shines 27 28 29 29 30 30 30

"Hitting the High Seas (1967) "I've Got a Little Song Here" (1966) Denny Doherty Felix Cavaliere Davy on "Love American Style" on ABC (1973) Dick Clark David Jones at Front Street Station, Northumberland, Pennsylvania (1993) 22 Ivan Iannoli-Thorkelson (1975)

Jack Lambert, son of Patrick and Mira Lambert came into the world a Monkees fan and dresses the part right down to the matching wool hat! Jack is not quite a year old but he loves listening to Mommyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Monkee music!

Monkee Shines

Still monkeying around! A third wife half his age. A new British tour with The Monkees. No wonder Davy Jones says he's the happiest he's ever been By Richard Barber www.dailymail.co.uk Thanks to James Elswick for bringing this article to our attention Davy Jones fell in love with his third wife just weeks after they had been cast in a production of Cinderella. ‘She turned to me one day,’ he recalls, ‘and said: “Let’s run upstairs and make love.” I looked at her. “At my age,” I said, “it’s going to have to be one or the other.” ’ At 65, Manchester-born Davy may no longer be taking the stairs two at a time, but there’s little doubting the passion between him and his beautiful 33-year-old wife Jessica

Pacheco. And yet if you are to believe even half of the stories circulating in the U.S. supermarket tabloids, Davy’s third marriage isn’t so much passionate as tempestuous; perhaps even physically abusive. Cheeky Monkee: Davy Jones and his third wife, Jessica, pose near their home in Florida. It’s an accusation he vehemently denies, but as the recently reassembled Monkees prepare to tour the UK — minus original band member Mike Nesmith — Davy can’t fail to be aware that he’s stepping back once more into what must sometimes seem like the unwelcome spotlight which he first experienced when the band were formed in the mid-Sixties. We meet at his house on the shores of the Atlantic in Florida. He and Jessica are on the beach every day, and sometimes enjoy a midnight swim. At close quarters, Davy has weathered the passing of the years better than any of his bandmates. Maybe it’s because he’s so compact. ‘I used to be 5ft 4in,’ he says,

Monkee Shines ‘but I’ve lost an inch.’ What he has not lost is the nagging sense of inadequacy which, he says, has plagued him for his entire career. ‘Even today, I have an inferiority complex,’ he confesses at one point. ‘I always feel I’m there at the window, looking in. Except when I’m on stage, and then I really come alive.’ When Davy first got together with Jessica in 2006, his four daughters from his first two marriages were, to say the least, a little wary (his word) of the relationship. ‘First, she was half my age, and second, or so they’ve since said, they didn’t want me to get hurt any more.’ Each of his two previous wives had been pregnant by him before he’d slipped a ring on their finger. His first wife, an American named Linda, produced Talia, now 42, then Sarah, 39, whose two children make Davy a grandfather. But the marriage fell apart in the mid-Seventies. ‘She was drifting

away from me,’ he recalls. ‘She’d spend the weekend in LA. I had the kids. It was only years later that I found she’d had other interests.’ Other men? ‘Yeah.’ He admits, though, that he was far from the perfect parent. ‘I missed the school play. I missed the Christmas nativity. These are times when an entertainer works. But that doesn’t mean the guilt ever goes away.’ After his divorce in 1975, Davy went on the road with fellow Monkee Micky Dolenz and two other musicians. Third time lucky: Davy and Jessica tied the knot - despite the dancer being only half the singer's age. ‘I was single and a real rascal. But I’m not proud of the way I behaved during those times: I’ve always believed the best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.’ In the early Eighties, he met an English singer called Anita Poll-

Monkee Shines inger.

farm and there was a guy building me a stone wall. The groom’s mother works on a local magazine and was going to do an article on me. ‘I was out one morning feeding the horses, being friendly to the groom and cracking jokes to the guy working on the wall. Eventually, I said: “Well, it’s 8.15, I’d better get back inside to start the coffee and the toast. If I don’t get Jessie her breakfast in time, I’ll be in trouble.” ’ A few days later, the groom’s mother turned up for the interview. ‘When the article appeared, it said that Jessie had me wrapped around her little finger. ‘When she read it, Jessie exploded. “What’s this, David?” she said. ‘I tried to explain, but she told me I was stupid and that I should learn to button my lip. It escalated into a major row and she stormed out and drove down to Florida, leaving me to follow the next day with all the horses.’

‘We had an affair, and then she called me from Ireland to say that she was pregnant,’ says Davy. ‘A few days later, she called to say she’d miscarried. ‘Soon after that, she fell pregnant again. I thought I ought to do the decent thing by her and we got married.’ They also had two daughters, Jessica, now 29, and later Annabel, who is 22. But Davy admits that by the time their second child came along, the marriage was struggling. ‘I thought that if we had another baby, it would help me to grow up. But I was riding my horses; I was doing what I wanted to do. I wasn’t being unfaithful — but I was putting myself first.’ He and Anita eventually separated, and by the mid-Nineties Davy found himself twice divorced. At that point, he says, he could never imagine marrying again. But five years ago he met Jessica Pacheco in Florida — and found himself smitten. And, to his amazement, his feelings were reciprocated. After a three-year courtship, they were married. ‘I wanted to make an honest woman of her,’ he says with a smile. So, what of the stories that they have a tempestuous marriage? ‘Verbally, yes, sometimes we do,’ he admits. ‘But then, isn’t that true of every relationship? ‘There was the time we had a screaming match, she walked out — slamming the front door — and went to stay the night with her parents.’ But the allegations are that their differences have gone beyond shouting. Davy insists that the falling out started as the result of a joke. He recalls: ‘I had a groom working with me at my Pennsylvania

Monkee business: Jones (top), Michael Nesmith (front left), Peter Tork (front centre) and Micky Dolenz in the sixties television show Before he could do that, he had to honour a commitment to appear at a local pub, where the same woman journalist turned up. ‘She told me she understood that Jessie had left me. I told her that wasn’t the case and please could she stop writing false stories about me.’ But further ‘evidence’ had come to light, she said. Jessica — whose parents are Cuban — had been seen locally with what looked like two black eyes and a cut above one of them. Davy had also been sporting a shiner. He takes a deep breath as he gives his account of events. ‘Jessica had recently been on the beach,’ he says, ‘and had forgotten to take her sunglasses. You know how

Monkee Shines strong the sun is here — it made it look the next day as though the area around her eyes was bruised. ‘Then she was applying shadow to her eyelid and her fingernail nicked the skin.’ Around the same time, Davy was walking back home and absentmindedly walked smack, bang into a lamppost. He has the grace to grin sheepishly. ‘I know. I know. It sounds like a classic line, doesn’t it? But it happens to be true.’ Whatever you might think of his convoluted explanation, the accumulation of all this conjecture led to a call from the National Enquirer. Word had reached them that Davy and Jessica had a verbally and physically abusive relationship. ‘I denied it, of course, but they printed the story anyway,’ he says. It coincided with the build-up to the couple’s wedding two years ago, which his four daughters — made aware of the printed allegations — duly boycotted. ‘The girls were worried for me — they didn’t know what to believe,’ he says. Today, however, he says his wife and four daughters are reconciled. ‘The girls have seen me and Jessie together. They know how much we mean to each other. We’re inseparable.’ It must be odd, though, for Jessica that two of her stepdaughters are older than she is. ‘Jessie doesn’t mind,’ says Davy. ‘She regards all of them more as the sisters she never had.’

An actress who has appeared in a popular TV soap, Jessica now devotes much of her time to her dance group, Flamenco Express. In fact, when The Monkees begin their 12-date tour in Liverpool tomorrow, she will be dancing in the show. ‘She’d have come to the UK with me anyway, but it’s a bonus for her to be involved like this. She tells me she can’t wait to dance on the stage of the Royal Albert Hall during the tour. She’ll be doing something she likes with someone she loves.’ It will be fascinating to see how the crowds react after all these years, but most of the fans will remember the eponymous TV show that was such a hit all over the world. The tunes were so instantly catchy that in 1968 The Monkees sold more records than The Beatles and the Rolling Stones combined. So why are Davy, Micky and Peter Tork bothering to get together again more than 40 years on? ‘I still get around 30 letters a week, and I must sign around 100 photographs a month for the fan club in New York,’ says Davy. Then, of course, there’s the fact that each of the three

And what about age difference? Doesn’t that worry him? ‘Not in the least. We have love. We have friendship. She’s also aware of what I’ve done in music, and the fact that I no longer really need to prove anything. ‘I like working, but I’m very selective; whereas Jessie is determined to reach a wider audience.’

Monkee Shines participating Monkees will make an estimated million dollars apiece. The one glaring omission from the line-up this time will be Mike Nesmith, about whom Davy doesn’t pull his punches. ‘He was resentful of The Monkees from the start,’ he says. ‘I think he didn’t want the band to be the way he was identified musically.’ Certainly, Davy doesn’t seem unduly

upset that only three-quarters of the band will be touring. He says he has the love of a good woman, and has cemented his place in pop culture. ‘Wherever I go, people still shout out: “Hey, hey, we’re The Monkees!” And I never tire of that. ‘We touched a lot of lives. I won’t ever stop being grateful for that

Bellevue: Davy Jones surprises 'Penny Blue' during party at the Bronco TELEGRAPH HERALD

Penny North's 50th birthday already was shaping up to be a pretty terrific night.

at the Mississippi Moon Bar in the Diamond Jo Casino Saturday night. North's husband, Dave, had arranged for Jones to make the trip to Bellevue to surprise his wife. It worked. She was surprised. Stunned, even. Jones stepped up to the microphone and said, "Hi, I'm Davy Jones," and the place went up for grabs.

North, a singer and songwriter, was performing Friday for the first time in a long while at one of the local haunts: the Bronco in Bellevue. Lots of friends came out to hear "Penny Blue" take the stage and sing a full set of original songs. North knew in advance what her closer would be: She would debut an original she calls, "Bellevue Rocks," sure to get the audience revved up.

"The whole bar just started screaming," North said. "Well, at least the female half." Like a lot of women her age, North grew up loving the Monkees, and Davy in particular. She has a soft spot for that episode of "The Brady Bunch" where Marsha promises Davy Jones will show up to sing at her school dance. So when the real Davy Jones stood before her and kissed her on both

Three or four songs in, North heard a commotion behind her. She turned around to find herself face to face with one of her music idols: Davy Jones. Jones was in Dubuque to perform 14

Monkee Shines cheeks, well, it made for a pretty incredible birthday. And just like on "The Brady Bunch," he sang "Girl," to Penny North, and her ecstatic audience at the Bronco, along with "Daydream Believer" and a couple of other tunes.

"He was gracious and sincere, and so funny," she said. You can't ask for much more than that from an idol.

Penny North, of Bellevue, appears with Davy Jones during her 50th birthday party held at The Bronco in Bellevue on Friday night. North's husband, Dave, had arranged for Jones to make the surprise appearance.

Monkee Shines

The Monkees’ Peter Tork on fame, fans and learning Welsh by Nathan Bevan, Western Mail May 13 2011

Here he comes, walking down the street, he says the funniest things to the journalists he meets. Monkees star Peter Tork lets Nathan Bevan in on his fondness for Wales and how a mysterious sign from above helped make him a star YOU’RE in Cardiff?” chirps Monkees bassist Peter Tork down the Transatlantic phone line.“Now I don’t know if you know this already, but that’s the residence of my brother.” It’s not quite the opening gambit I expected from a ’60s pop legend, but nothing about Tork – whose younger sibling Chris married a violinist with the Welsh National Opera – could be described as predictable. For 30 minutes the 69-year-old from Connecticut happily and eccentrically shoots the breeze on everything from the Welsh language, the craziness that comes with having been in the one of the world’s biggest bands, to why God Himself may have told Tork to go audition for The Monkees in the first place.

brother, who’s even joined a male voice choir, I won’t be attempting any Welsh myself from the stage.” Not even an occasional, tentative ‘diolch’, I ask him. “Are you kidding me, I just learned how to say Llewellyn, man,” he jokes. “I can make that ‘llech’ sound though, so I’d say I’m already doing pretty great for an American. “Anyway, you guys don’t exactly make it easy – I mean, you put two Ds together and pronounce it ‘ttthh’. What the hell is that about?” he adds. “Anyhow, us Yanks have a tendency to cover everyone in spit when we try speaking your language, and we’re not the only ones. “Like when your Prince Charles had to learn some for his investiture, even his instructor had to wipe his eye afterwards.” For a man who, alongside Davey Jones, Mickey Dolenz and Mike Nesmith, became the teenage crush of millions of screaming female fans the world-over Tork seems remarkably lacking affectation, even if the effects of fame themselves – drink, drugs and the much of the subsequent ’70s spent losing the plot – proved somewhat harder to avoid. “Oh, I always knew we’d be successful,” he says matter-of-factly. “I could see the show’s producers knew exactly what they were doing and had the ear of those studio people with the power

“Oh, I’ve been to Wales a bunch of times to see Chris in Pontcanna, more times than we’ve actually played there,” laughed the star, who will be appearing with his former band mates at the city’s Motorpoint Arena soon for their 45th anniversary tour. “But unlike my

Monkee Shines to make it happen. “And I knew if the TV show took off then the hit records would follow.” But the Beatles-esque global mania, surely that wasn’t foreseeable? “I have to say, I did anticipate it,” shrugs Tork. “But what I never thought I’d see was us still being around 45 years later. “I didn’t even think I’d live to see 45.”

walking through Greenwich Village when WHAM!” he recalls. “It was like The Annunciation or something, a real Road to Damascus moment – although I didn’t have a horse to fall off. “I just heard a voice saying, ‘Hey pal, get out of town now’ and not long after I found myself in Southern California trying out for the show.” So The Monkees were part of the Divine plan then, Peter? “I don’t know if I’d go that far,” he laughs. “I’m just telling you I had an experience and here I am.”

A self-confessed former drugaddict and alcoholic, the now longtime clean and sober Tork admitted that life in The Monkees took its toll on his health in more ways than one. “We’d play to 18,000 screaming kids in an arena some place with no monitors on stage whatsoever,” he sighs. “They didn’t mic the amps either, so we couldn’t hear ourselves playing at all. “Go on, ask me how my hearing is,” he teases. “How’s you’re hearing?” I ask him. “Sorry, what ?” he replies, before dissolving into a fit of giggles. But, when asked about how influential The Beatles – in particular their movie Hard Day’s Night – had been on his group’s schtick, Tork is quick to confess. “It’s a cliche but I’ll use it anyway, we were standing on the shoulders of giants,” he says. “I don’t give us much credit for originality, but we had great humour and attitude. “The Monkees were always on your side, if you know what I mean.” And how did the real Fab Four react the times you met them? “They were fine generally, but John Lennon is reputed to have said of us, “They’re not The Beatles, they’re the Marx Brothers,” Tork laughs, before revealing that he was compelled to audition for the band after experiencing a mysterious calling on the streets of New York in early 1965. “It was the strangest thing, I was

The Monkees play the Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff on Tuesday May 24. Call the box office on 029 2022 4488.

Monkee Shines

The Monkees reveal why they're happy to be the oldest swingers in town by David Owens, South Wales Echo May 13 2011

The Monkees, one of the biggest bands of the ’60s, are touring the UK to celebrate their 45th anniversary. The boys tell us why they’re happy to be giving another airing to their classic hits FOUR and a half decades from their ’60s heyday, The Monkees are happy to be dubbed the oldest swingers in town.

ing one of his quick jokes, only really speaks when spoken to. Davy Jones, however, is up on his feet. He’s 65 now, and looks it, but still has the glint in his eye of a former teen idol, with a tan that would sit somewhere between ‘sun-kissed’ and ‘old handbag’ on any beauty salon’s colour chart. Despite being born in Manchester, Jones is full of the can-do attitude of the USA, his adopted homeland, and only a trace of a British accent remains. Despite this, he doesn’t sound American either.

Davy Jones, Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz are back in Britain and keen to talk about their forthcoming 45th anniversary tour and two-CD Best Of, Monkeemania. The band have been holed away all day in a private members’ club in London conducting interviews to publicise their forthcoming attractions. The band’s drummer, Micky Dolenz, is lying on a couch, hat pulled down over his eyes like a cowboy catching an afternoon nap. He’s snatched a few hours off from performing in an award-winning touring production of ’60s-set musical Hairspray. “Eight shows a week,” he smiles. “Brutal.” He sinks back down.

He chats 50 to the dozen, with Tork and Dolenz rarely getting a word in. They seem happy enough though, perhaps used to him after all these years. “I’m doing great,” Jones says. “I’m doing exactly what I want to do, I’m still riding my horses, I’ve got beautiful kids and I’m with my lovely wife,” he adds, referring to his 33-year-old third spouse Jessica Pacheco, a rather beautiful model, dancer and actress from Miami. “And here I am with my buddies. We’re here to play music and I do that all the time, but it’s not the same if I’m not with them.” The Monkees were the first madefor-TV band, formed when two young film-makers, Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider, inspired by The Beatles film A Hard Day’s

Peter Tork, the keyboard player who now runs a maple syrup farm in Connecticut, is sitting to his left, taking everything in and not saying very much. He’s quiet throughout our interview and, unless he’s mak-

Monkee Shines Night, pitched an idea for a TV show about a band. Dolenz and Jones were already child stars of stage and screen; Tork and Mike Nesmith answered the casting call and starred in the series for two years. During this time, the band made their TV show, which was exported around the world and is still repeated today, and released albums of songs written by the best on offer at the ‘Brill Building’ – the New York hit factory that boasted Neil Sedaka, Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Neil Diamond and, chiefly, prolific duo Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart among its ranks of staff songwriters. The formula, however contrived, worked a treat. During 1967 The Monkees outsold The Beatles and The Rolling Stones combined in the US, going on to sell around 50 million records worldwide. Strangely, when the trio talk today about their songs, they get confused over which of the writers was responsible for which hit. As Jones explains, though, it’s understandable. “We’ve got so many hits! That’s the problem when picking a set list.” Dolenz adds: “The last time we were together like this in a room was 2002. “Davy and I haven’t spoken or seen each other for a few years, but the things we all went through in the Sixties and the time we spent together means we’re just as tight now as we were then.”

Mike Nesmith, the band’s former guitarist, opted not to join in on the reunion. Jones says he just didn’t fancy it, but he was asked and there’s no animosity. “You have to be ready to play, prepared, and I don’t think Mike was up for this level of involvement. “I wanted to do this because every time I go anywhere, people say, ‘Where’s Micky?’ or, ‘Where’s Peter?’ or, ‘Are The Monkees going to get back together?”’ Jones adds there was a point a couple of years ago when he thought he wouldn’t do it again (this is technically the band’s fourth reformation). “I’ve enjoyed doing my own shows for the past few years – cabaret, singing hit after hit and all that schtick, but it’s just not the same playing I’m A Believer or Stepping Stone without these guys. “I have other songs I do, a bit of country, big band stuff, but it’s The Monkees’ songs people want to hear.” Catch The Monkees playing classic hits such as Daydream Believer and Last Train To Clarkesville at the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena on May 24. Tickets priced £40-£50 are available from the box office on 029 2022 4488

Monkee Shines

This tongue in cheek article from Mad Magazine was published in October1988. It was written by Russ Cooper and says : Hot Albums of the 1990s Monkees 1999 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Reunion Reunion Concert (Released 1999) After the surprising, and unexplainable, success of the original Monkees Reunion Tour

Monkee Shines

The Monkees â&#x20AC;&#x201C; review Royal Albert Hall, London

Caroline Sullivan guardian.co.uk, Friday 20 May 2011 13.19 BST

some priceless moments. A tranche of songs from Head - all meandering choruses accompanied by segments from the film, which baffled viewers in 1968 and again on Thursday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is followed by Jones tap-dancing in a white tuxedo; the cabaret cheese of I Wanna Be Free gives way to Steppin' Stone, a song so punk the Sex Pistols covered it. And they joke about their age (Jones: "I'm Davy's dad, Davy will be out in a minute") while dropping in conspicuous references to the internet. Throughout the set, the back-screen shows clips from their TV show, an era when moptopped pop groups lived together as wacky flatmates. Darting around in front of the screen, the now 60-something Monkees are almost as spry as their younger selves, turning a butt-kicking I'm a Believer into an emphatic finale. As they depart they shout: "Thank you, Chicago!" which could be a senior moment, but is probably just more zaniness from a band who've refused to grow up.

The Monkees' Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz take the Royal Albert Hall back to their zany version of the 1960s. Photograph: Rune Hellestad/Corbis Any excuse for a reunion. The Monkees have already reconvened for their 20th, 30th and 35th anniversaries, so it would have seemed churlish to let the 45th pass without a tour. As before, Mike Nesmith has refused to participate, leaving Davy Jones, Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz to lever on the tight trousers for the nearly three-hour set. With the Albert Hall full to capacity with old fans (and one or two young ones, possibly lured by their anomalous 1968 psychedelic movie Head), the Monkees are free to indulge themselves. They play 40 songs, including vaudeville numbers that involve zany voices and walks - it's obvious why John Lennon described them as "the Marx Brothers of rock". Even so, the set is full of interest; the Monkees are proper musicians as well as inveterate hams, and the incongruity produces

Monkee Shines

Monkees and the Minnesota Zoo and This Is The 4th Tour Without NEZ!!!! Get Over It!!!! Dr. Rox // May 19, 2011 at 6:54 pm How many times have you heard that in reference to the Monkees? Unfortunately too many. I myself am sort of an original fan. I have documentation to back this bold statement up, (thanks for writing this down Mom). When I was a toddler, apparently I liked these shows, “Batman” “Lost in Space” & “The Monkees” They all came on about the same time of day back in 1966.

“The Missing Links” who recorded one 45 single. He is brought in as the 2nd Monkee. “Michael” Robert Michael Nesmith: (30 Dec 1942 Houston, TX) sees one of the ads for the casting call on his way to the laundry mat. Nesmith has been playing folk music since 1960 and released 4 solo 45 singles prior to the Monkees TV show.

The point of this particular article is to dispel some myths about this television show that became a Pop Bandof the 60s.

Peter Halsten Torkleson: (13 Feb 1942 Washington DC) Folk singer form the Greenwich Village Folk Music Scene & former member of “The Mugwumps” (early Mama’s & Papa’s) is referred by Stephen Stills to go down for the auditions. Tork plays many musical instruments: guitar, piano, banjo, bass & french horn.

In Sep 1965 Producers Rafleson & Schneider ran an ad in two local magazines looking for four youngsters to star in a cutting edge TV show titled :”The Creeps” who would also record Folk/ Pop music for the show.

Many people want to throw darts at the Monkees, saying that they didn’t play their own instruments or write their own songs. Well here’s the tally of who wrote what: Michael Nesmith: wrote 46 songs for the Monkees. Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart: wrote 26 songs. Gerry Goffin & Carole King: wrote 13 songs. David Jones with Bill Chadwick wrote 16 songs. Peter Tork: wrote 12 songs. Micky Dolenz: wrote 6 songs. Neil Diamond: wrote 5 songs. & Harry Nilsson: wrote 5 songs for the Monkees. While it’s true not all of these

“Davy” Da vid Tho mas Jones: (30 Dec 1945 Manchester, UK) Broadway star is already on board to do the new TV show. David has already released 1 Album & three 45 Singles prior to the TV show airing. “Micky” George Michael Dolenz: (8 Mar 1945 Hollywood, Ca.) Former child star on the TV show “Circus Boy” 1956- 1957 for 2 seasons. Mickey is also lead singer & guitar player for a local cover band

Monkee Shines kee” in ’68 then Peter left. I did the final tour in ’69. I just didn’t want to do it any more so I bought out the last year of my contract”

songs were released while the Monkees were together from 1966 to 1970 and some have never been released at all, it does show that, at the bare minimum Michael Nesmith was quite prolific, and the other three especially Jones contributed to The Monkees canon.

And then there were two…..In 1970 The Monkees were down to Micky & Davy who being veteran actors and now musicians fulfilled their Screen Gem’s contracts to the end. Dolenz: “I was an actor hired to be a singer & a drummer as long as they were paying me and putting out my records I was ok with the job.” Jones: “I know which side of my bread the butter is on”.

The Monkees released 9 studio LPS from 1966 to 1970 and 12 singles. In 1966 “The Monkees” and two singles. In 1967 they released three LPs in one year “More of” “Headquarters” & “Pisces, Aquarius” and three singles. In 1968 the LPs “Birds & Bees” & “Head” and three singles. In 1969 the band was down to a trio; Nesmith, Dolenz & Jones and release the LPs “Instant Replay” & “Present” come out as well as three more singles. The final LP & Single came out in 1970 when the band was down to the duo of Dolenz & Jones.

The Monkees began touring in 1966 starting out with seven concerts at the end of the year. Then in 1967 the band embarked upon the unofficial “Summer of Love tour” performing 42 concerts across America. The band took some time off in 1968 only performing in Australia & Japan for 12 concerts and a one off show in America for the movie “Head” The final tour of 1969 saw the band as a trio for the first time. Nesmith, Dolenz & Jones had made many TV appearances on various television programs through out 1969 and played 21 concerts that same year.

One thing I find really peculiar is when The Monkees go out and tour every 5 to 10 years, since 1975, the public backlash “Well it’s only the three of them” The reality is The Monkees were only quartet from 1965 to 1968 when Peter Tork left the group in Dec 1968 because of artistic differences. Tork: “The TV show had ended and we were not touring as much and we defiantly were not recording as a four piece band any more, each member was recording their own tunes, so I felt it was time for me to go and do my own band “Release”.

The first unofficial Monkees reunion was in 1975 the “Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart Show” this new quartet toured through 1976 and released one LP and two singles during this period. Micky and Davy continued as a duo again during 1977 & 1978 releasing oe soundtrack Lp of Harry Nilsson songs for “The Point” in 1978.

Then not even one year later Nesmith in Nov 1969 decides it is also time for his early exit, Nesmith: “I hung with it as long as I could, I had an opportunity to record my tunes. The TV show was over we had made a movie “Head” and a TV special “33 1/3 Revolutions Per Mon-

Moving forward in time Davy & Peter are touring Australia in 1985 as “The Sounds of The Monkees” when Fischoff & MTV get Dolenz to join and reform The Mon-

Monkee Shines kees in 1986. The trio record and tour until 1989, when the three have decided they have had enough and go their separate ways in Eureka, Mo. Sep 1989. (yes, I was there) Nesmith did make an effort to appear at one concert in Sep 1986 and film a Christmas Video for MTV with the other three. Nesmith did perform most of a concert in Sep 1989 with the trio for their “Walk of Fame” induction.

are now on their 4th tour as the trio and on their “45th Anniversary Tour” The Monkees will be at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley 1& 2 July 2011 at 7:30pm. So be there or be triangular….. (Editor’s note: Thanks Loxley. I have one thing to add. 45 years is a hell of a career for a band deemed “not good enough” for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which by the way receives a copy of this newsletter for their archives. Maybe it is time for the powers that be to admit they were wrong and give the Monkees their place in the Hall of Fame. Then again, after 45 years does it really matter? They’ve earned their place in history and in our hearts. It’s just my opinion.)

In 1996 Micky Dolenz was working on a solo CD, when he asked Nesmith to produce the music for him. Nesmith came and asked “Do you keep in touch with Peter?” Dolenz replied “Yes” Nez said “Let’s bring him in” when Peter arrived to start work on the new music Tork suggested “As long as the three of us are here why not bring in David on this too”. So they did “Justus” was released in 1997 a tour with the trio ensued, as well as the second Monkees: TV special & a made for VH-1 TV movie. The quartet including Nesmith did a brief warm up tour of the UK of nine concerts in 1997. The press was not kind to the guys, as well as Nesmith decided for the final time he did not like working with a couple members of the band.

Dr. Rox at his Minneapolis store ‘Mr. Zero’s’ http://mrzeros.com “pop culture heaven”

So a few years had passed and The Monkees decide to go out for a “35th anniversary tour” Once again the trio of Dolenz, Jones & Tork. This time Tork’s band “Shoe Suede Blues” will be the opening act. They tour throughout 2000 & 2001 for the 3rd time as a trio. Bringing us to today………Micky, David & Peter

Monkee Shines

ROYAL ALBERT HALL,LONDON. 19/5/2011 By Lynda Wiles As this was my first Monkees concert I wasn't at all sure what to expect but in the end it was all I had hoped for and more. My friends and I queued up outside a few minutes before the doors opened, busy chatting and almost missed seeing the 3 Monkees drive by in the Monkeemobile !Of course we didn't have our cameras at the ready but happily a few minutes later it re appaered [ Monkee-less] to be driven back to its' hidey-hole and we had the opportunity to snap a couple of photos. I had a very good seat right at the front of the circle with a clear ,if somewhat elevated view of the stage. While the seats were filling up,and there were very few empty ones, lesser known Monkees songs were played over the sound system and the Monkees logo was displayed on the giant screen at the back of the stage. Then the lights went down and to mounting excitement the backing band started into a medley of Monkees hits.The screen showed their audition clips from the TV series and a huge cheer went up as the three Monkees came on stage. Every song was delivered with such energy one wondered if they could possibly keep it up for the whole show but they did ,right to the end !

Some moments that will stay in my memory; Peter playing banjo on What am I doing hanging round and French horn on Shades of Grey Mickyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fantastic rendition of Alternate Title Davy stepping down into the audience to sing A really rocking version of Circle Sky and Listen to the band, which they dedicated to Michael. Daydream Believer when Peter brought a little girl up on stage to sing along. Micky going to throw his towel into the audience and then saying '' No way, this is going on e -bay !'' During the intermission they showed the Kelloggs and Yardley advertisements from the 60's.The second half of the show started with songs from Head. Davys wife danced to Can You Dig It , performing an almost exact copy of the belly dance from the film. She also danced with him to Daddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Song. All too soon the two and a half hour show was over but I know the audience went home with big smiles on their faces and the music still ringing in their 25

Monkee Shines

Photos Courtesy of Linda Wiles

Monkee Shines

Kim Boatman’s Monkee Quiz

1, The Monkeemobile is seen in how many episodes? 2. In the episode “Monkees On Tour”, what 8-track is playing in the Monkee-mobile? 3. In the episode “Monkees On Tour”, what studio set are they introducing the show from? 4. What is wrong with Micky’s shirt in the “Daydream Believer” video? 5. Davy falls in love in how many episodes? 6. On “Here Come The Monkees (The Pilot)”, Davy and Mike do their interviews on what studio set”? 7. What episode do we first see the 8 button shirts? Can you name the color? 8. Does Peter ever drive the Monkee-mobile in the show? 9. Who has “nasty evil thoughts”? 10.How many months does Mrs. Weefers come to clean the Pad? 11.In “Monkees Get Out More Dirt”, what is Peter playing on the bicycle piano? 12. In “Son of Gypsy”, what is the traditional gypsy song playing when the girls are dancing around Peter? 13. Micky’s first wife, Samantha Juste, appears briefly in what episode? 14.In “Monkees In Texas”, what are the names of the guns Micky and Mike use in preparation for facing Black Bart? The answers can be found on my Monkees website under the FYI link at:

Monkee Shines

PLYMOUTH PAVILION 23/5/2011 By Lynda Wiles I thought before hand the atmosphere might not be as good in this much smaller venue but the guys seemed much more relaxed at this show. They really appeared to be having a lot of fun with the music and banter. The stage here didn't lend itself to Davy coming down among the audience to sing this time but Peter still managed to get a little girl up on stage to sing to I'm A Believer.

to us. He apologized for the speed in which we would be ushered through the meet and greet. ''You'll go through so fast your heads will spin ! We are sorry it has to be like this'' I did notice the person organizing it made sure fans cameras had worked before moving to the next one. Someone ahead of me had the ''wobble head'' Monkees dolls in a box and had that signed. It was quick, you only had the time it took the guys to sign their names but I got my magazine autographed and managed to speak to Peter. And of course, I got the all important photo !

I had a meet and greet ticket for this show and queued up with everyone else clutching my Issue 1 Monkees Monthly to be signed. As we waited in the corridor Davy and Micky walked by waving and saying Hi. Then Peter came along and stopped to speak

Lynda Wiles and The Monkees

Photo courtesy of Lynda Wiles

Monkee Shines

Secret life of Mike Nesmith, the missing Monkee by Simon Boyle, Daily Mirror Michael Nesmith

In fact the musician, whose band outsold The Beatles and The Rolling Stones combined in 1967, is so secretive even his closest neighbours are oblivious to the superstar in their midst. The hairdresser who trims his neat back and sides even offered the “nice old man” a discount on his recent cut. Jodi Sherman, who runs a salon near Nesmith’s home, gasped as she saw a picture of the star. Jodi, 58, says: “Oh my God, I cut his hair! I used to listen to them all the time. I would never have guessed... holy c**p! “He was here a couple of weeks ago. I didn’t know he had a dime. I was thinking he’s quite poor, so I cut him a break. I recently raised the price of our haircuts to $27 but I gave him his for $25. He’s paying $27 next time.” She rushed over to her appointments book, where “Michael” had been scrawled in between hair rinses for “Maggie” and “Peg”. “You would never know he’s a multimillionaire,” adds Jodi, who has lived nearby for 20 years. “We chat as I work but he’s never once mentioned being in The Monkees. He’s a real nice person, but nobody around here knows who he is. “He doesn’t act like a celebrity. He wears normal clothes. He seems such a regular guy and he’s very modest. He absolutely does not flash his wealth about.”

THE man refuelling his car in a blue sweater and baseball cap could pass for any one of millions of pensioners the world over. But this particular driver, who goes unrecognised by even his own neighbours, is far from normal. Most OAPs haven’t shifted 50 million records and amassed a personal fortune of more than £30million. This one has – and if you look a little closer you might recognise the reclusive Mike Nesmith, the missing Monkee. Nesmith, who quit as the band’s woolly hat wearing lead guitarist in 1970, was pottering about as normal this week after his old bandmates Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork announced a surprise reunion tour. He now lives in Carmel, a small town buried in a valley between the hills of northern California, where he walks down the high street without attracting a second look from other residents.

The Monkees were formed in LA in 1966 and enjoyed a string of massive global hits including Daydream Believer. They also had a hugely successful TV show, whose theme tune Hey, Hey, We’re The

Monkee Shines Monkees was instantly recognisable around the world. But as tensions increased in the band, Tork left in 1969, followed a year later by Nesmith, who was forced to buy out the remaining three years of his contract to concentrate on his solo career. Hearing about his decision to turn down The Monkees’ reunion offer, Jodi, 58, insists: “He should join them for sure. When he next comes in I’ll tell him, ‘You need to go on that tour, it’ll be fun’.”

Gillette for £30 million. Nesmith received around £15million in cash when his mother died a few months after the sale. Despite his wealth, his favourite restaurant is still the local steakhouse, Wills Fargo, where he always has the £9.19 Cobb salad. He may have refused to join the Monkees’ forthcoming reunion tour in May, but Nesmith keeps himself busy. He has run a media company since 1974 called the Pacific Arts Corporation. The company’s small studio in Sand City – around 20 miles from Nesmith’s home – allows local bands to record music and upload it to the web. He is also president of the Gihon Foundation – a charity set up by his mother in 1978, and which received the second half of her fortune. According to their website, “the foundation produces live performances of emerging and established artists which it delivers free and open to the public”. One worker at the furniture warehouse next door to his studio, Eric Maximoff, 39, says: “He is still deeply passionate about the music business, but he doesn’t want to be in the limelight himself.”

Nesmith, 68, lives a five-minute drive away on a private gated community called Sleepy Hollow. According to a property website he bought his £1.7million home in 2001 – a year after he married his third wife Victoria Kennedy. When the Mirror spoke to other locals they react with similar shock. Looking at his picture, Mary-Ann Goings, who is in her 50s and works at the grocery store, exclaims: “Oh yeah, I see him in here all the time. I didn’t know he was one of The Monkees. I hadn’t a clue that was him. “I never knew I was serving groceries to a multi-millionaire Monkee and I’m a big fan. He comes in pretty regular with a younger woman.” Trish Weber, 47, who works in the deli, says: “I’ve lived here all my life, I know exactly who Mike Nesmith was as I’m a huge Monkees fan, but I had no idea he lived right on our doorstep.” Nesmith’s substantial personal fortune received a hefty cash injection in 1980 when he inherited the estate of his mother Bette. While Michael was a 13-year-old schoolboy, Bette invented the typewriter correction fluid which would later become the Liquid Paper empire, before her business was sold to

His colleague Ana Warner, 42, adds: “He doesn’t flaunt his fame. If he did, people would constantly ask him about being that guy from The Monkees.” That may be true – but they’re just trying to be friendly…

Monkee Shines This article was emailed to me by Phi Marder with permission to print it in Monkee Shines.

No Monkee business allowed in the Rock Hall of Fame? best selling of all time, reportedly selling more records than The Beatles and Rolling Stones combined in one stretch? Does it matter that a band whose heyday was the mid ‘60s still draws major crowds to concerts in 2011? What does matter as far as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is concerned? Certainly, there are arguments against The Monkees being inducted into the Hall of Fame. The most common heard are that the group did not play the instruments on their records and that they did not write their own material. Their detractors insisted they were, in essence, The Prefab Four. I remember bringing home the first album and thinking, “These guys are really great. And the production…the cuts seemed to leap from the speakers.” The second LP was just as impressive. Then, the bombshell. Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones and Peter Tork weren’t playing on the records. All they did was sing. At first, I was disappointed. But it didn’t stop me from listening to and enjoying the records. But in the ‘60s, to many it was a big deal for a band to be capable of replicating its studio recordings live on stage. The Beatles used just such an excuse for giving up touring, claiming they no longer were capable of duplicating their studio efforts on stage. That seems almost laughable today, especially where The Beatles and The Monkees were concerned. After all, there was so much screaming going on, who

But seriously folks, the Monkees aren’t worthy of the Hall of Fame? (No. 40 in a continuing series on artists who should be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but are not) By Phill Marder They’re back. On tour & getting rave reviews. More fans than a Hunter warehouse. More fun than a barrel of…well, you know. Hey Hey … it’s the Monkees!! Perhaps the second most popular band of the 1960s and yet another testament to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ignoring one of our true Rock & Roll legends. For whatever you may think of the Monkees, you certainly are aware of who they are and when they were massive. And you probably even know the names of all four. What the hall … That’s fame!! But does fame matter to the Hall of Fame nominating committee? Does it matter if an act is one of the

Monkee Shines could tell who was playing or what they were playing? Today, bands think nothing of using supplemental players or even pre-recorded music on stage. And the fans don’t seem to mind unless an absolute fake is concerned. As long as it sounds great and the key players actually are playing and singing…rock on. So today, if the Monkees appear on stage with an eight-piece backing group, what’s the difference? Does Davy sing “Daydream Believer?” Does Micky sing “Last Train To Clarksville?” Do they sound great? And go through the list of Hall of Fame groups that did not play their own instruments…most of the great vocal groups didn‘t. Even The Beach Boys and Byrds used studio musicians. True, The Monkees didn’t write much, but the Hall of Fame has many artists who were not prolific writers and Nesmith, in particular, did contribute some memorable tracks. Mark Deming, writing in allmusicguide.com, noted, “The Monkees were talented singers, musicians, and songwriters who made a handful of the finest pop singles of their day (as well as a few first-rate albums) and delivered exciting, entertaining live shows. But at a time when rock music was becoming more self-conscious and “serious,” the hipper echelons of the music press often lambasted the Monkees, largely because they didn’t come together organically but through the casting process for a television series, and they initially didn’t write the bulk of their own material or play all the instruments on their records. The fact they later took creative control of their music was often overlooked, and the quality of their music, which fea-

tured the work of some of the finest session players and songwriters of the 1960s, often seemed to be beside the point. Time has ultimately vindicated the Monkees, and their music still sounds fresh and engaging decades after it was recorded, but in some circles they never fully shook being branded as “the Pre-Fab Four,” no matter how far they moved from the circumstances that brought them together.” The opposing viewpoint is presented by Paul Evans, evidently one of those “hipper” characters, in (the new) Rolling Stone Album Guide, which, by the way, rates every Monkees’ album from the debut to 1970’s “Changes” disastrous or fair to poor. Evans wrote, “Clever and tuneful, along the lines of knockoff Turtles, this was teenybop fare that provoked shudders from anyone who took the Beatles at all seriously.” But none other than Brian Wilson said The Monkees provided him with inspiration and Geoffrey Stokes wrote in Rock Of Ages: The Rolling Stone History Of Rock & Roll, “Even The Monkees’ biggest detractors would have to admit that their albums have worn considerably better than some contemporaneous offerings from ‘serious’ groups.” Which view is more accurate? As a record buyer, I can tell you I purchased every Beatles’ album and took them seriously. After all, how could one not take seriously “I Am The Walrus,” “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer,” “Yellow Submarine,” “The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill” and countless others? Serious stuff indeed. Meanwhile, the third and fourth albums by the Monkees, “Headquarters” and

Monkee Shines “Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd.” hit number one as did their first two long-players even though the shocking truth had been revealed and now the Fake Four was playing their own instruments as well as singing. Were they any good? Well, it’s just my “unhip” opinion, but I thought both were solid efforts and, evidently, much of the “unhip” public did, too. Of course, what does the public know? It’s made up of millions of “unhipsters” who don’t take the Beatles seriously. Thankfully…could you just imagine all the shuddering? And in the Beatles’ homeland, the Monkees impact was almost as significant, the first four LPs going 1,1,2,5 on the charts. With all this “unhipness” prevalent, it’s a wonder The Beatles sold any records. The sales obviously were buoyed by that crazy TV show, to which most televisions were tuned faithfully each week. Granted, there were only three stations in those days, but there were many other options to watching “The Monkees” on TV…help dry the dishes or mow the lawn, for instance. Or we could be listening to serious music…”ObLa-Di, Ob-La-Da,” for example. But even the group’s fifth album, “The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees” reached No. 3 while the TV series that supported the group’s recording efforts was crumbling. Album sales also were boosted by a steady stream of hit singles. “Last Train To Clarksville” was not a smash in Britain, but went straight to the top in the States and the follow-up, “I’m A Believer,” achieved a rarity, topping the charts on both sides of the Atlantic simultaneously. “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You” just missed the top in both the U.S. and U.K. “Alternate

Title (Randy Scouse Git), penned by Dolenz, also hit No. 2 in Britain, though not released as a single in the States. Allmusicguides.com Tim Sendra, in his review of “Headquarters,” called this track “thoroughly amazing (and surprisingly political)” and added “Alternate Title” ” … showed just how truly out-there and almost avant-garde Micky Dolenz could be when he tried.” A serious Micky Dolenz? Now that thought really makes me shudder. There were other gems, of course, “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” “Words,” “Daydream Believer,” “Valleri,” all still staples of today’s oldies’ stations. Rolling Stones’s Rob Sheffield, reviewing The Monkees’ June appearance at New York City’s Beacon Theater, wrote, “…the Monkees have never been far from the heart of American culture. People are always glad when they show up. Their hits have never left the radio. You can’t accuse the Monkees of phoning it in – this was an excellent show from a legendary pop band giving out much, much, much more than they had to. Hardcore crowd, too – the kind of Monkeemaniacs who roar when they see the roadies wheel a kettledrum onstage, because they know that means it’s time for Micky’s psychedelic rant “Randy Scouse Git.” In summation, the Monkees are a great part of our entertainment history. They were/are immensely popular because they made us laugh and their music made us sing along. The TV show was a hoot and their recordings, then and now, stand up with the best of their era. Why are they not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?

Monkee Shines Another in the continuing “Who Said What???” series….

Presented by The PFG Road Crew—Bonnie Borgh, Dawn, Hoffman. Colleen Johnson. Kimmi Wright, Jeff Smith, & Cindy Bryant This is our story and we’re sticking to it!

Bonnie; It’s Hard to Believe so many things. How could I be 51? How could the Monkees have debuted on national television 45 years ago? How could the PFG be Monkee-ing around together now for 25 years? How could this have been the 165th time I had seen The Monkees collectively or individually? How could Cindy be retiring after working 39 years?

Dawn, Kimmi, Bonnie, & Colleen

could be 55! There’s one advantage to this age: I was there in the Fall of 1966 for Monkeemania Phase I. The Boys appealed to me from the very start, and they remain my favorite music group of all time. I’ve liked a lot of bands over the years, but the only act I’ll travel to see is the Monkees, whether they’re a foursome, threesome, twosome, or onesome. But of course my devotion to The Boys is a far cry from the gals in the PFG Road Crew! I’ve seen the Monkees (in varying numbers of actual Monkees) only 19 times. I thought that was a lot, until I realized the travel time the Road Crew has been putting in for years!

Dawn: How could I be 41? How could I have missed the Monkees debut 45 years ago?...oh yeah, I am only 41… How could it be that a simple World of Wheels car show started 25 years of PFG Monkee-ing around…..How on earth can Bonnie keep track of how many times she has been to a show!? And how could I end this rant without telling Cindy congrats! Kimmi: Who’s Dawn? Seriously, Emma, you don’t even know your own name? ;) Jeff: Guess I’ll ask myself how I

Monkee Shines I hopped on board The Monkees Looove Train in 1986. It was Monkee Mania all over again and I was swept away right into the middle of it. Those gorgeous faces once again graced the covers of Tiger Beat and 16 magazines. I proudly helped make Heart and Soul #1 on the Nick Rocks Year End Countdown. H&S and Every Step of the Way battled it out for weeks for the number one spot. And I ran home as fast as I could every afternoon once, school let out, as to make sure I was front and center in front of the television for that ever-sorecognizable drum intro… **siiigghhhh* Cindy: Hey Kimmi, Bit of trivia … Bonnie and I are in the audience in the “Every Step of the Way” video!

“I hate to pose!” Colleen: And how could I be 57!! It seems like just a yester year ago, yes almost 45 years that I was sitting in front of our black & white TV watching The Monkees for the first time and getting twinkles in my eyes for the Monkee from Manchester. It wasn’t until June 1996 that I finally had the opportunity to see David, Micky and Peter in concert for the first time at Riverport in St Louis. David had just fallen of a horse and I can only imagine that his leg was hurting him pretty bad but that didn’t stop him. One year later I had the opportunity to attend my 1st David solo show at The Lady Luck in Bettendorf, IA. Oh what a night that was. I could go on and on but I better say congrats to Cindy on retiring after 39 years, I am still jealous.

Bonnie: Speaking of retiring, this story all began two months ago. Courtesy of Cindy, I had just watched a complementary DVD of “The One Show” where David, Micky, and Peter were interviewed about their upcoming tour in Great Britain. It had been at least ten minutes since I had last perused David’s website so I thought I would check out some of the actual dates and venues of their upcoming British tour (not like I’d be able to make that scene anyway). As I was scanning the dates, I came across a brand new entry for April 30, 2011 that immediately caught my undivided attention, i.e. Diamond Jo’s Casino in Dubuque, Iowa. What was this? Dubuque? Iowa? Say what? Say where? Where did that come from?! I raced for the phone to call Cindy who, at that moment, was just as shocked as I was. The absolutely uncanny coincidence was that April 29 was to be Cindy’s last official day of

Cindy: I gotta ask myself “What Am I Doin’ Hangin’ ‘Round?” with these OLD people? I, myself, am young and younger every day! Kimmi: Picture it… Sicily… 1925… Imagine that, wrong show!

Monkee Shines work at Heinz. What an incredible place for a retirement party!

Bonnie: It’s always so fun to have an “Official Countdown” to the concert. Like always, it was “Hurry Up Slow Down”. The plan was that Dawn (from Marengo near Chicago) was going to meet us in Dubuque. Colleen (from Davenport but now living in St. Louis) decided to drive independently as well in order to spend a little more time with her mother and brother. Kimmi (from Elkhart near Des Moines) was going to meet up with Cindy (from Muscatine) and drive to Bettendorf so the three of us Musketeers could caravan together.

Cindy: Or was it a coincidence? (raising eye brow suspiciously as the “Twilight Zone” theme plays eerily in the background)…. Kimmi: It was the main attraction that made it so incredible!! That guy can really rock out on his guitar!! ;) Cindy: Huh???? Focus Kimmi! Focus! Dawn: PAHTEE TIME….. Kimmi: Congrats to the Mum!!

Kimmi: Didn’t you mean Mouseketeers? ;) Mouseketeer Roll Call!!

Colleen: I am glad you called me Bonnie!!

Cindy: Roll call!

Cindy: Colleen! Who called you Bonnie??!

Kimmi: I think you mean Monkee-

Ahem...Monkee-teers

tears.”

Bonnie; Our timing was perfect as tickets for the show had not officially gone on sale when we called to inquire about details. Scott, the entertainment director, was kind enough to offer to pre-sell our Motley Crue (Imagine that; wrong group!) advance tickets front and center! We were so ecstatic! Dawn: Really Bonnie, I think you could have done better with those tickets….. Kimmi: Yeah, they were pretty pathetic! I would have thought that since it was Davy you would have tried a little harder. Next time, I expect us to be directly ON the stage! ;) Cindy: Really?? You guys are gonna complain because we weren’t holding the mic????

‘ I REALLY hate to pose!”

Monkee Shines Bonnie: We knew others (Sue, Karen, Debbie) and Jeff (from Omaha) would also be joining us in Dubuque. We were so sorry that Janet and Tom (from Homer Glen near Chicago) couldn’t join us because of their son’s art show May 01. It’s painful because you can’t be two places at once.

Cindy: As Jones would say, “At least you had shelter.” Seriously though, I am sorry about that but so glad you made the trip to join us. Everything happened so fast ticket-wise. We found out on Wednesday night that tickets went on sale on Saturday, Thursday Scott emailed me to tell me he would pre-sell us tickets on Friday.We really had to scramble to get to the few people we got to and there were so many more we would have liked to have sent the message to but there was “No Time.”

Dawn: Essentially we came from Here, There, and Everywhere….oops imagine that….wrong group. Cindy: Yes, but thanks to Johnny Blair I know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall!

Bonnie: My “5:00 o’clock alarm” rang at 6:30 am on Saturday, April 30. I swam a mile (chlorine and caffeine are my two vices) at the Fitness Center at 7:00 am while Craig graciously picked up Hannah and drove her friend, Marianna, home from a 7:00 pm to 7:00 am “Lock In” at our church the evening before. I know they were looking for chaperones for the event, but I opted out knowing I needed as much beauty rest as possible. (I’m not quite as wild and crazy as I used to be.) Hannah was passed out cold by the time I got home after being subjected to playing games until 2:00 am. Just before Cindy and Kimmi arrived at our house about 10:30 am, I woke Hannah up to say “Goodbye”. Craig was deliberating about a movie for them to see and a restaurant for them to eat at. After escorting Kimmi on a quick tour of the pad and a few visits to the facilities, we loaded our luggage and goods from the hoods into the back of Cindy’s car (which used to be Kimmi’s car). We finally departed at 11:25 am for Dubuque!

Jeff: I drove in from Omaha on the day of the shows (Saturday, April 30th). It was about a 6-hour trip, and I arrived in Dubuque with only time to check into the Super 8 Motel (which turned out to be a rotten place to stay) and then go to Diamond Jo’s to track down the Road Crew.

Kimmi: That girl can find her way

Monkee Shines

Bonnie: Along about Maquoketa, Kimmi was experiencing some hunger pains. It was lunch time (at least on my watch). I knew there was a McDonald’s there. As we stopped at the stop sign at the exit ramp (which is always a good idea because we know all about those police cars), we saw a sign for “Torque Fest”. We thought, ‘You must be joking!’ Who writes that stuff? There was a long line of cars in queue at the McDonald’s drive through, but Kimmi assured us the line would go quickly. At this time, my cell phone rang. It was Dawn who called to say she was there (in Dubuque). Unfortunately, we were here (in Maquoketa) at some little out of the way place that nobody goes. David wearing Aviva’s glasses with little flashlights in the frames.

Kimmi: Sadly, I am familiar with the proper procedures of the McDonald’s restaurant. Thank God those days are behind me! I am so very glad that I’ve managed to stay out of that line of work and am now catering to Pizza Hut! (where’s the icon on here that rolls it eyes???)

to a Monkees’ show with her “eyes” closed! So can the car! ;) Cindy: When it comes to a Monkee I have built in radar...ask Bonnie! Dawn: I of course had a sinus/ allergy/ cold thing going on….which actually in the past made for good Davy shows…so I was sad, stuffy, and miserable, yet happy, joyful and elated at the same time. I hopped in the mini-van to head to Dubuque, IA, a short 2 hour and 15 minute trip from home about 9:00 am as my hubby Harry took our 11 year old Emily, who really wanted to come with me, (but it was a 21+ show), and took her to her softball practice and took our 8 year old son to see our 11 year old nephew play baseball…..yes, I tend to ramble….anyway, I was off…..(not my rocker, although some would say that).

Monkee Shines

Colleen: Hey not so quick Bonnie, I am real familiar with that McDonald’s in Maquoketa. Maquoketa is my Mom’s hometown. Whenever we venture up that way and after visiting my maternal grandparents grave or relatives Mom and I look forward to stopping there for a “little snack”. Kimmi: Those Grilled Chicken Honey Mustard Wraps are the bomb! I dined on one tonight after accompanying my hubby to Thor. (which wasn’t even lame at all, like I thought it would be) Cindy: But not nearly as good as POTC 4! Colleen: Sorry didn’t mean to interrupt you Bonnie, carry on …..

desk that was actually up some stairs and to the back???....and checked in and headed up to the rooms. Very nice. Nice view of the Mississippi River from our rooms. This was nice because normally the room gets the alley way or parking lot view. I got settled in and thought I would go take a walk through the hotel and out back to the walking path by the river…..but as I got downstairs to the front door, up drove the gang.

Bonnie: I suggested Dawn try to either check in or take a stroll around the grounds and check out the venue at the casino. (I had a sneak peak of the Mississippi Moon Bar on March 19 when Craig, Hannah, and I were in town at the Grand Harbor Resort for my cousins’ wedding reception. I was pretty sure David would absolutely love it because it truly is an awesome, intimate theatre.) Fortunately, Dawn was able to check in early (at no additional charge) to rooms 531/533 without any problem.

Bonnie: Cindy, Kimmi, and I arrived safely at the Grand Harbor Resort (after just passing Jones Street). Who writes that stuff? At about 12:45 pm, we unloaded the car. It’s amazing how much baggage you need to bring along for just one night! We joined Dawn already in progress in our Mississippi River-view accommodations. It was so nice having two refrigerators because we brought along beverages, and Kimmi purchased a variety of cheesecake selections

Dawn: I left earlier than I needed so I could make a stop at the old Wal-Mart to pick up some supplies…..so I arrived early in Dubuque. On my trip to the front desk, I walked by a little garden. No flowers yet, well, a couple of dandelions and yes, one little purple flower plant. Looked like a Viola to me. Anyway, I headed into the front

Monkee Shines for our retirement celebration for Cindy. As we were organizing the (Easter) basket of goods from the hoods, I phoned Colleen to see where she was along the route. As it was, she was just checking into the hotel at that very moment. Impeccable timing! Colleen promptly joined us in the room. We had each brought along a retirement card SLASH gift for Cindy to open. My Aunt, who is such an unbelievable supporter of my Monkees’ affliction, also had a card SLASH gift for Cindy. (Someday Man, we are going to get her to join us on a bona fide road trip; She would love it!) The card Dawn found for Cindy was perfect because it played “Daydream Believer”. job to do. Dawn had so professionally assembled the items for the parcel we had accumulated for David. I’m sure he will love having yet another 2010 Iowa road map. (I unsuccessfully tried to get a 2011 version, but they were not conveniently available at the Iowa reststops.) We had collected a variety of all things purple (Peeps, M & Ms, etc.) in addition to some oneof-a-kind confections that Cindy had prepared in her very own kitchen. Dawn even found some Monkey products not previously included before. Of course, the parcel could not be complete without a Dubuque area visitor’s guide (I sure hope David found that free $10.00 promo coupon on Page 48 for Diamond Jo Casino!) as well as a Quad City area visitor’s guide. If I knew he would have also been visiting Bellevue, I would have added some additional paraphernalia.

Dawn: Hey, that’s my line….the card I bought Cindy was perfect because it played “Daydream Believer”…although it was a birthday card, I thought it was celebratory nonetheless. I like that word, nonetheless….. Kimmi: That is a nice word. It rolls off the tongue… nonetheless… Very nice! You know what neglected response I’m trying to make active? “True dat!” Instead of “absolutely” or a simple “yeah”, we should be saying “True dat.” It’ll catch on. (where the crap are the face icons???) Cindy: Or maybe not...LOL @ Kimmi! Seriously though, You are all amazing, My party was the show! My gift was the SHOW! (Where have I heard that before?) Celebrating with you was the best I could hope for. The rest is just icing on the cake. I love you all!

Dawn: It was Monkey Brains Hair Pomade. The picture of the monkey on the front made it out to be a product you use to slick your hair

Bonnie: Once we had celebrated with Cindy, we realized we had a

Monkee Shines

Bonnie: The next item on our afternoon agenda was to redeem the previously mentioned free $10.00 promo coupons for Diamond Jo’s Casino slot machines. Cindy, bless her Heart and Soul, found us a dedicated Monkees’ slot machine to invest our funds. It was the coolest machine I had ever seen. I seriously want one of those! I wonder if you have to have a gaming license... Several of us took a crack at it. Of my initial free $10.00 allotment (I am such a hard-core gambler!), I had a $3.55 balance when I decided to cash out my ticket receipt. Cindy had made arrangements to meet up with Jeff at 3:00 pm. We also needed to pay a visit to the Box Office to pick up our tickets for the really big shoe(s).

like the guys in the 50’s….either way, Monkey Brains seemed funny to me. I also had some mallow banana candies that were in the Easter aisle at Wal Mart….seemed appropriate.. . Cindy: For those with a chocolate sweet tooth (and we know who you are) my Oreo Truffles are so easy. Take a bag of Oreos and crush them up finely. Mix in 8 oz of softened cream cheese and form into balls. Freeze long enough to harden and then dip in melted almond bark. OMG!

Cindy: We missed Jeff at our predetermined meeting spot and had feared we had missed him altogether but we ran into him as we were leaving the casino for dinner and found out that Bonnie and the girls had waited with him to pick up our tickets and even talked with him. (Eyebrow raises again.) Another coincidence...hmmmm? Colleen: I decided to save my $10 freebie until after David’s shows and I am glad I did. It seems the luck of the Irish sometimes follows me when I try my luck on the slots at the casinos David performs at. Also – this was the first time I had ever played penny slots. More to come on that later ….. :o)

Bonnie: Scott, the entertainment coordinator at the Mississippi Moon Bar, warmly greeted us and graciously said he would deliver our basket backstage to David. Again, it was impeccable timing because the Davy Jones’ band was performing a sound check. Of course, we all know by now that “stars” never do sound checks. Isn’t that right, Cindy?

Dawn: My sinus/ cold/ allergy thing left me feeling okay, then bad, then okay, then bad….human yo yo. (no comments from the peanut gallery on that one). Anyway, arriving at the Diamond Jo to drop

Cindy: So I was once told…

Monkee Shines eat. I ordered a wonderful Caesar’s salad. As it was, we actually had to kind of eat and run because it was almost 5:00 pm by the time we finished and got our checks. We wanted to freshen up and make a quick costume change before the 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm concerts. I love double headers!

MOOBS!

off the goods was enlightening as I realized in Iowa you can smoke in the casinos….there goes my sinus’ troubles….uhg. I mottled through and enjoyed the free $10 which was gone in a flash. You know I don’t gamble much, I wonder if I would have been able to just cash out the free $10 without playing…should have tried that….but the Monkees slot machine was cool.

Dawn: I had BBQ chicken and a baked tater….yum. Colleen: I had loaded potato skins that is with cheese, bacon and all the other good fixin’s which hit the spot. I wasn’t too hungry but wanted to make sure I had sunthing’ in my tummy before having a couple of lemonades at David’s shows. Jeff: It was a stroke of luck for me that the Road Crew met up with me at Diamond Jo’s and took me with them to Tony Roma’s. Turns out it was a good thing I did some preconcert carbo-loading. I didn’t suspect how much energy I was going to need once Davy took the stage . ...

Bonnie: As some of us had not eaten since breakfast, we wanted to have “a little snack” (a nice, enjoyable lunch SLASH dinner) together. Colleen: Hey Cindy remember that “little snack” we enjoyed at the PZAZZ in Burlington, IA a few years back? Sorry Bonnie, memories light the corner of my mind ….. carry on ….

Cindy: “Baby, I’m Amazed!” When we started all this stuff back in (the old days” ‘86, being on the road meant a diet of pop tarts and diet soda because we couldn’t afford hotels, concerts, and food. Then Bonnie came along and suddenly we had to feed the baby every 4 hours. Now food is the second

Bonnie: As our good fortunate and impeccable timing would have it, we actually ran into Cindy’s friend, Jeff, as we were leaving the casino enroute to Tony Roma’s to

Monkee Shines most important part of the trip!

ing about a guy named Doogie or Darrell or something so I guess I came up with Douglas. He told a few “jokes”? Jokes from his first show weren’t too funny until David stole one and told it during his first show….THAT was funny. I have to say he did a better job at the second show….or maybe it was because I had a couple of lemonades by this time.

Kimmi: I’m very glad you joined us, Jeffy!! ;) Welcome to the gang! Your initiation will be “some time in the morning “future! ;) tee hee Cindy: Don’t worry Jeff! The branding only hurts for a minute. :-) Bonnie: It was so nice to have reserved seats, and we were so thankful to Scott to have such an incredible view of whatever. Much to our surprise, we had the pleasure of a comedian who appeared to warm up the audience before David. I didn’t catch his name right off the bat so I asked Dawn (who was sitting next to me) if she remembered his name. She thought it was Douglas Von Beethoven. (I actually paid more attention during the second show. He said his name was Dwayne Clark.) He actually was quite respectful of cutting into David’s watch. He told a few jokes, picked up his guitar, and asked the audience for any song requests. He was pretty good but no Davy Jones, of course. He refused to play Monkees’ tunes. He said it had something to do with copyrights and the fact that the feature performer was waiting backstage.

Colleen: I agree with you Dawn – Dwayne was funnier at his second show and I wasn’t under the influence of lemonade either. :o) Bonnie: We were thrilled when at last at 6:30 pm David came on stage wearing a bright red shirt and dark (always impeccably ironed) trousers. Colleen: Psssssssssst Bonnie did you notice the white string or sunthin’ on the right leg of David’s pants? That is what happens when you are sitting in the front row – you notice everything. :o) Photo by Bonnie Borgh

Dawn: The seats were great. I was kidding about the Douglas Van Beethoven thing….he was playing country Beethoven on his guitar and talk-

Monkee Shines Amore Girl Daydream Believer

Kimmi: That kept bugging me, Colleen!! I couldn’t stop glancing at it. I wanted to call him over and remove it. Thankfully, I finally realized it was embroidery and it lost my interest! LOL

Bonnie: As serious Monkees’ fans, it was such a wonderful treat to hear “Someday Man” from the vaults of yester century. It is such a great tune for David to sing, and he just delivered it beautifully. It just gave me goose bumps when he sang it! For the many, many times we have seen The Monkees over the past ‘forty odd years’, we had never heard it performed live. It was so exciting to hear “new” material!

Cindy: LOL It was an embroidered crest. Probably from the line of clothing, Bonnie: I had intentionally (and not easily) purchased expired 1600 speed film so I would not have to flash at such close proximity. Unfortunately within short (no pun intended) order, David noticed the paparazzi sitting in the front row. He looked at me and said, “Are you trying to take my picture? I hate to pose...” at which time he struck up a lovely pose. Unfortunately, with my eye glasses and sensitive camera lens, it takes me a while to focus my camera. (It is not an aimand-shoot.) Believe it or not, I didn’t even get a picture!

Colleen: Ditto Bonnie the new material was great especially the one song he surprised us all with during the second show. YES!! I have been waiting for that one since David autographed that special piece of music at the Lady Luck a few years back. Dawn: David sounded GREAT….his voice was on, his humor was on, his pants and shirt were on…for the first show anyway. (It was good to hear Someday Man)

Bonnie: David was in rare form. He said he had just heard a good joke and proceeded to repeat (verbatim) the same joke the warmup comedian presented. It was hilarious! David seems to get on a roll, and nothing (except perhaps a time-limit factor between shows) could stop him. For the record, David sang:

Jeff: I agree that Someday Man was a highlight. We first-generation fans have a great memory for all the tunes from yesteryear. Kimmi: Someday Man is in my Top 5 Favey Monkees Tunes. That totally rocked!!

I’m A Believer Mary Mary Valleri For Pete’s Sake Cuddly Toy Someday Man When Love Comes Knocking at Your Door Last Train to Clarksville A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You

Cindy: Awesome... Bonnie: Just as David was about to sing “Daydream Believer”, he said: “Okay, I see I’ve got some of my friends here. I’ve known ‘em a long time. I hope you’re gonna come back after this and sing along

Monkee Shines with us after seeing this bonanza. We got some more songs we wanna sing ya...” Believe me, it would have taken wild horses to drag us away! The show finished at 7:35 pm. We had to exit the theatre while the staff cleaned up to prepare for the second coming.

A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You You Can Dance/Welcome to The Show Girl (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone Free Daydream Believer Daddy’s Song I’m A Believer No Time

Dawn: Davy, Davy, Davy, did you really think we would miss show number 2?

Colleen: Thank goodness someone had a chat with the establishment about the annoying conversations in the bar, that was adjoined to the theater, you continued to hear during the first show. I think it was annoying David too. How rude!!

Bonnie: We visited the ladies’ room between shows as it is not an option to get up for any reason whatsoever during the middle of David’s performance. With a slight variation to our seating chart, we returned to our original section of chairs for the 8:30 pm show. Again, we had the good fortune of listening to the stand-up (He was standing up; wasn’t he?) comedian named Dwayne Clark. You know what they say, i.e.: ‘He better be good if he comes before or after you know who.’ Look what happened all those years ago to poor Jimi Hendrix.

Bonnie: Before David even began the musical portion of the second show, he looked directly at me and said: “Hey, you know, umm, my friends down here, and ‘Hey, Happy Anniversary!’ ‘cause you’re, you’re retiring after like 50 years, right?” Confused, I looked at him, pointed, and said “Cindy, Cindy” (who was perched a few seats to my right) “I’m Bonnie.” David continued, “Who is? Right! ‘Cause I can’t see that far; you must be joking! Cindy? Oh Hello, Bonnie. Yes, Bonnie, Cindy, Bonnie, Cindy, Bonnie. Okay, I get it. I don’t even remember when I’m going up the stairs. I get to the top of the stairs these days, and I go, ‘Why did I come up these stairs?’ And I have to go down. Anybody else do that? I’m sure you do. Anyway, you used to work for Heinz Ketchup or something, right?” Cindy answered, “Yeah, thirty-nine years.” David responded, “Oh my God. How many years?” Cindy reiterated “Thirty-nine...” David repeated, “Thirty-nine? You don’t get that for murder. It’s unbelievable! Thirty-

Bonnie: David finally returned to the stage again at 9:05 pm. David altered his set list (graciously for the benefit of those maniacal fans who opted to go to both shows). For the record, he sang: Pleasant Valley Sunday Mary Mary Valleri What Am I Doing Hangin’ Round? Consider Yourself from Oliver! It’s Nice To Be With You Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby Cuddly Toy Someday Man (I’ll) Love You Forever Hard To Believe (for Cindy) Last Train to Clarksville

Monkee Shines Aviva was chuckling!! Kimmi: He was unbelievable! That is the best form I have ever seen him in! I was laughing so hard, I physically hurt. I was beginning to feel ill. But I couldn’t stop!! It was fantastic! Bonnie: This was one of his classic casino (twentyone and over) shows NOT to be confused with original Monkees’ family shows. Some SLASH most of David’s on-stage monologue was a bit risqué. For example, David illustrated his point about inappropriate public display of affection with a particular set of hand movements. I thought to myself, ‘Surely (Excuse me, has anybody seen Shirley (Jones)? Craig took Hannah and I to see her at the Waterfront Convention Center right here in beautiful downtown Bettendorf. David is obviously not related to her.) he’s not doing what I think he’s doing. Is he? Yes, he is.’ David was standing right in front of us! Wasn’t Jim Morrison recently pardoned for ‘sunthin’ remotely similar to that way back in 1969?

nine years, oh my goodness gracious. I was only three years old at the time when she started”. Cindy added, “I was born there.” David said, “Yeah, you were?” Matter-offactly, Cindy said, “I was born there.” David responded, “Really? Wow? Okay, well, I’m not going to go any farther than this. We’re just going to sing...” Bonnie: In between songs, of course, David had us in hysterics. One would have thought he had doused us with laughing gas or something.

Kimmi: First, I’ve yet to see your assignment, Bonnie! “Davy Jones is in fact my favorite idol, not Jim Morrison” 500 times! And for Davy and his “special place,” what the crap?!?! LOL I stared for a moment (of course I did) then realized that is in fact what I was seeing. I went back and forth between squealing laughter and OMG’s!!

Cindy: Even David was wiping tears of laughter from his eyes. Colleen: The lemonade had nothing to do with it – honest, David was on a roll, downright funny and had all of us in stitches – even

Bonnie: Another joke David told

Monkee Shines us featured Charlie Sheen which was also pretty funny; but what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Right?

“What are you gonna do now? What are you gonna do now Cindy...Bryant? What are you gonna do now? What are you gonna do now?” Unfortunately, David couldn’t hear Cindy reply, “I’m going to follow The Monkees’ around!” Actually, I think Cindy is going to write a book. Aren’t you going to write a book, Cindy? What’s the title again? David continued, “Are you going to retire? There’s no such thing as retiring. You kidding? They’ll have to give me a shot to put me away. I’m not retiring. I’ll have to do more dishes and everything at home.”

Cindy: You’ll just have to see the show if you want to know how many drugs Charlie did! Dawn: My tummy still hurts…I have created six pack abs while laughing at that show. It was hysterical. David was in RARE form, telling jokes I have heard, but so many I hadn’t and the song selection was superb. Daddy’s Song….Someday Man… ahhhhh…..

Cindy: “Stalking For Dummies” (It’s always easier to know where they were after they tell you where they’ve been!) or Maybe “An Idiots Guide to Fandom”… you know...write what you know. It’ll be on the shelf next to Bonnie’s “How Not To take a Celebrity’s Photo While He Is Standing In Front Of You Posing.”

Jeff: The second show was THE BEST solo Davy show I’ve ever seen. His energy was way up, and you could tell he was enjoying himself and wanted everyone in the theater to enjoy themselves too. I’m sure the hyper-hilarious laughter from the front row kept Davy going strong. I felt privileged to be sitting with the Crew. I’ve never seen a group of fans have more fun, anywhere!

Bonnie: Then, if we all hadn’t already maxed out on sensory overload, David said he was going to sing a song (he co-wrote and recorded in 1967) called “Hard to Believe” for Cindy. We had never heard it (LIVE) before! It was so intense it just about brought tears to my eyes especially when David looked directly at Cindy for the closing phrases, i.e. “I love you...I need you...I do love you...” What a beautiful, beautiful song to pluck (David says he’s “a little plucker”.) out of the archives to dedicate to her. An interview David had done years ago popped into my head at the time. David was asked what his favorite (Monkees) song was. He answered “Hard To Believe” and qualified it with the explanation that

Cindy: I am told I had a very good time! Seriously it was sensory overload. That’s what makes these stories so great. There’s no way you can remember everything that happened but when we all combined our memories you get the full picture. Kimmi: I’m glad we haven’t scared you away! Yet… Bonnie: After David sang “(I’ll) Love You Forever” (which we all know is one of the two hundred songs David wrote just this morning), he out-of-the blue said:

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he felt the song most closely resembled the way he sang. I’ll have to research my video archives for further specifics.

again. It is such a personal song. As Time Goes On (Imagine that; another wrong group!), the parts become clearer that each of us play.

Dawn: Speechless Dawn: again, speechless Colleen: David you could not have picked a more perfect song for the occasion. Thank you for “finally” sharing this with your fans. It was a definite memory maker.

Kimmi: That one always makes me cry. I never used to cry because of sweet songs. Hmph!

Kimmi: Another priceless Davy moment to be cherished. Cindy: Wow! All I could do was put my hand over my heart and mouth the words “I love you too”.. We’ve shared a lot of years of memories, good and bad, and a lot of friendship, this little group of ours and David…

Bonnie: David was kind enough to shake everyone’s hand along the front row, beginning with Cindy, before his final departure at 11:00 pm. Elvis had left the building again. David graciously signed autographs after the show for anyone who waited in line. Our Motley Crue (Imagine that; wrong group!) dispersed.

Bonnie: David also pulled another classic tune out of the hopper and performed “Free (The Greatest Story Ever Told)” for us once

Kimmi: Wrong group indeed!! They’re currently on tour with Poison and I’m told Motley Crue is the headliner. What a bunch of

Monkee Shines crap! Sorry. And now back to our story currently in progress…

Bonnie: All of a sudden, I spied Kimmi and Dawn at the table speaking with David. I thought, “Well I’ll be a Monkees’ uncle!” There appeared to be an open pathway, and the security personnel did not seem to notice that I entered the line through the exit. (It probably wasn’t the first time I went the wrong way on a one-way. Dawn, do you remember driving with me all night to Milwaukee after having just seen The Monkees in Merrillville in 1987? (It was the year of the infamous David Lee Jones tiger suit.) Kimmi and Dawn exchanged pleasantries with David. When they were finished, I shook David’s hand. He looked at me and said, “How you doing?” I said, “Fine,” and I said, “What you did for Cindy was really sweet.” He dismissed his gestures as essentially nothing extraordinary. Dawn: I will never wash my cheek again. I don’t even know what we said, but thank you for what you did

Bonnie: Colleen and I stood from afar and observed while the line of fans proceeded to greet David. Jeff: I stood nearby and watched the entire line of people meet Davy and get autographs. He was very patient and gracious with everyone. I’ve been in a few of those lines myself, so this time I thought I’d let others enjoy the moment. Cindy: I wanted to say thank you but the autograph line is for people who want autographs and a chance to meet him. My thank you is personal. Besides, I love watching people meet him for the first time. Colleen: I always enjoy watching the interaction between David and fans meeting him for the first time. I will always treasure my first time moment meeting David.

Monkee Shines for Cindy and for the laughs. It was a great show.

were in need of just “a little snack”. Dawn called to order us a carry-out pizza. We reminisced about the time Debbie Benz (from Chicago) said, “The pizza came!” We topped it off with the delicious variety of cheesecakes that Kimmi brought along for the celebration. Of course, we also reflected on all of the good times (past and present) we had courtesy of The Monkees. Oh What A Night!

Jeff: It was about this point that I said my goodbyes to everyone. I think the PFG Road Crew enjoyed having an additional person with them for the evening! They were all very nice and seemed pleased that I was able to join them. But, I had started my day early in Omaha, so I was tiring out. So I drove back to my Super 8 and called it a night. I DO NOT have the late-night party ability that the rest of the Crew does! Still, it was a memorable evening.

Dawn: Papa John should be happy I am not going to share the picture of our pizza. Most of the topping was stuck to the top, not of the pizza, but the box…it was still a good snack and the cheese sticks were yummy.

Bonnie: We all gathered at the Mississippi Moon Bar for a lemonade before we left the Mississippi Moon Bar. Parting is such sweet sorrow. Before leaving the casino, however, I cashed in my $3.55 voucher from my Monkees’ slot machine profit. Colleen had not had an opportunity to try her luck. Do you remember that quarter we found on the floor way back at The Lady Luck Casino in Bettendorf, Colleen?

Bonnie: The next morning it all seemed like a dream. Once again, we recapped our memories, gathered together our overnight essentials (I’m sure we were all Girl Scouts), and decided to eat breakfast at a little diner called the Sunshine Family Restaurant. Colleen: As I was driving back to my Mom’s I thought “Why didn’t I pick up the tab for breakfast with my winnings the night before?” I will make it up to you guys – I promise. :o)

Colleen: I sure do Bonnie. That was the “first” one of those luck of the Irish nights at a casino that David performed at. You and I dropped that quarter into the slot machine and we won $40 smackers which we split.

Bonnie: The pancakes with blueberry topping and whipped cream were delicious! It was a Pleasant Valley Sunday so we decided to take an alternate route (actually two alternate routes) home via Bellevue to check out the “Bronco Inn” which came so highly recommended by David. (A few days later, we learned “The rest of the story!”) “The Bronco” was most definitely a little out of the way place that nobody goes. We did

Bonnie: We discovered another Monkees’ slot machine, and Colleen quickly made a $39.25 gain from her initial $10.00 free promo coupon! Winning! Colleen Another one of those luck of the Irish nights what can I say? Bonnie: When we returned to our adjoining rooms, we realized we

Monkee Shines stumble upon a fun little gift shop nearby, however, and I made three purchases (one for Hannah and two for Craig). Unfortunately, the “Bronco” was closed The Day After.

together. Again Cindy – congratulations on your retirement, may the days ahead be good to you and filled with good health and many happy days. I am still jealous ….. love you all ….. :o)

Kimmi: That was a delightful drive back! I love Sunday drives and enjoying the countryside. Bonnie was a trooper and “held” Mum’s new Monkees addition in the back seat. Thank you!!

Kimmi: It was a beautiful “Dream World” but, once again, short lived. It never lasts long enough. Not you, Davy! The show! ;) Thank you so much to my “chosen” family!! I love you to pieces! And thank you so very much to Davy! You’ve given me enough happy memories to last me my life time, if need be. Here’s to many more!! I’ll love you forever! Mwah!! And congrats to my Mumsy!! It’s about frickin’ time! You deserve it! You still need to drive while I moon. :D

Dawn: It was like a dream because I did not get any sleep. My stupid sinus/cold/ allergy thing acted up the whole 4 hours I was able to try and sleep…or maybe 5. I think I slept for an hour or so. Must have been the excitement of the evening. So funny.

Cindy: I don’t even know where to start. I have said this time and time again. I have never known a more wonderful group of friends ( chosen family is right.) It constantly amazes me that had it not been for The Monkees and a series of incredible co-incidents none of us would ever have met. So yeah, The Monkees were a made-for-TV band, not brain surgeons, and in the scheme of things that may not seem very important… But, 45 years ago a silly little TV show

Bonnie: Cindy, Kimmi, and I made one last stop at a convenient store in Maquoketa, and we arrived home safely (in Cindy’s car) at about 2:00 pm. Dubuque, Iowa proved to be a perfect location for Cindy’s retirement party, and it was so kind of David to perform at the same bat time on the same bat channel. Thanks again, David, for performing (one hour and fifteen minutes away) in Dubuque. Isn’t it “Hard to Believe” it’s not really heaven but Iowa? Dawn: It was a Pleasant Valley Sunday for driving, sunshine and puffy white clouds. Made it home to my family by 11:45am, headed straight to the computer and uploaded my pictures. Pffbbllllfff to you too Davy….lol Colleen Thanks again all of you (and David too) for another great time filled with so many memories. Looking forward to our next get

Goods from the Hoods

Monkee Shines by Kimmi Wright with Cindy Bryant’s camera unless other wise noted

about a silly little band of musicians came into my life and changed my life forever. I am eternally thankful to have you all in my life. Thank you all for the wonderful retirement party! “Do We Have To Do This All Over Again?” Oh , I hope so!

Until Next Time…… All photos in this article were taken

From: The Official 20th Anniversary Convention Video Featuring Peter Tork, Micky Dolenz, and Davy Jones Philadelphia, Pennsylvania August 1, 2, 3, 1986

what not to do, and we didn’t do it, and there’s nothing wrong in that because as an employer, in any particular position, in any company, in any job, you do what your boss tells you, and that’s what life is all about. Otherwise you create yourself another situation, and “Hard to Believe” was my first shot in the studio singing like I sing...like um...My voice quality on “Hard to Believe” was the way I sang. I’m not saying that I didn’t like doing the way I sang the earlier songs, but I was told to do it that way, because I was the little guy with a little voice and I “talked like this”, you know, but you know I could always “talk like that”, so it could be and “Hard to Believe” is my favorite because it sounds more like me, and that’s all I can tell ya...

Question: What’s your favorite Monkee song? What’s your favorite non-Monkee song? My favorite Monkee song? I got loads. I like...sometimes....I went into the studio some years ago, and I sang a song called it’s “ Hard to Believe”. Although I do try when I’m in the show to sing the songs the way they were recorded. Obviously, I’ve matured a little bit, and I’m getting hairs on my chest and everything. It’s only one, and every time the wind blows it cracks like a whip, but the reason I chose “Hard to Believe” is because when I did The Monkees, and I was produced by these different people, I was asked to sing in a certain way, and being a little guy and being pushed around all the time, you tend to do what people tell you what to do especially if you’re in (What you call it?) employment. As an actor, as a professional, when they told me what to do during The Monkees, I did it, and we were told

Photos on this page by Dawn Van Meter Hoffman

Monkee Shines Colleen had this sheet music for Hard To Believe autographed the first time she met David At the Lady Luck Casino in Bettendorf, Iowa.

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Columbus, Ohio Monkees Concert. By Jamie Elswick

I couldn't believe it when I first heard the good news that the Monkees were going to be doing a 45th anniversary tour. Of course Krogerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ticketmaster was going to be my first stop to pick up 2 tickets, one for me and one for my friend Billie. The only thing we were worried about was how the weather would be the night of the concert since we would be outdoors. The weather in Ohio is so weird, one minute a bad storm and the next minute ....well, another bad storm! The big night finally arrived and Mother Nature was very kind to us. We were having perfect weather. We stopped off first to the Olive Garden. We were almost too excited to eat! We told the waitress about the concert we were going to. She was very nice and could see the excitement in our faces.

When we were on our way out she gave me a note that read "Hey Hey! Have a good time - Crystal". This was the third Monkees concert that I've been to and the first concert for Billie. They played all of their hits and the additional musicians added even more excitment to their music! We had a great time! The "Boys" were better than ever! We can't wait for the 50TH Anniversary tour! Jamie ~ The MonkeeJunkee

The Mississippi Moon Bar 54

April 30, 20111

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The Purple Flower Gang On Facebook For those of you with internet access, the PFG is now on Facebook and we would love to have you join us. This is a closed group which means you have to request to be added. However, any fan who asked to be added will be as long as the abide by the rules of conduct we have posted. This page is simply a way for us to keep in touch between newsletters and share information in real time. We hope by allowing non members to come into the page they will like what they see and join the Gang. So, come join us and bring you friends. Just search for the Purple Flower Gang on facebook!

The Mississippi Moon Bar 55

April 30, 20111

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Judith Hadlock 339 Hanna Drive Talmudge, OH 44278 Rick Schwinden 3275 Valley Ridge Drive Egan, MN 55121

Write to your favorite Monkee at:

Maria Tereza Pinho Gomes Da Silva Praca Cardeal Arcoverde #25 Apt, 802 Copacabana Rio De Janeiro â&#x20AC;&#x201D; RJ CEP 220440-030 Brazil

David Jones PO Box 400 Beavertown, PA 17813 Peter Tork 524 San Anselmo Suite 102 San Anselmo, CA 94960 Mike Nesmith 1794 Catalina Street Sand City, CA 93955-3545 Micky Dolenz Paradise Artists 108 East Mailija Street Ojai, CA 93023

Ronda Russell 2051 Glen Avenue Beloit, WI 53511 Kim Boatman 6140 Hytrail Ct. Mahtomedi, MN 55115 James Elswick 5017 W 2nd Street South Bloomfield, OH 43103

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Tour Dates Upcoming Davy Jones Dates Wednesday September 7 2011 Davy Jones and David Cassidy Bergen Performing Arts Center, Englewood, NJ Monday September 12, 2011 Davy Jones Hyatt Regency Hotel At Crown Center Kansas City, MO Friday October 21, 2011 and Peter Noone Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel and Casino Deadwood, SD Saturday October 29, 2011 CNUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ferguson Center for the Arts Newport News, VA

Saturday November 5, 2011 Davy Jones Quad City Riverfront Convention Center Bettendorf, IA Saturday November 12, 2011 Davy Jones Bearcreek Farms Goodtimes Theatre Bryant, IN Wednesday December 7, 2011 Winstar Casino Thackerville, OK Saturday December 31, 2011 Davy Jones San Diego Convention Center San Diego, CA

Upcoming Micky Dolenz Dates Sunday September 18, 2011 Micky Dolenz Parx Casino Bensalem, PA Monday December 5, 2011 Micky Dolenz Metropolis Montreal, QC Thursda December 15, 2011 Youkey Theatre Lakeland, Fl

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The Jones Family On Tour In The UK! Our very special British Correspondent, Hazel Wilkinson, takes us along on her Monkees tour! Thanks Hazel! Hey, hey you lovers of Monkee Music! Here they come walking down our street! They arrived in Manchester on Tuesday 10th of May with band, family members, and Gerald’s family of 8. They (Gerald’s family) had watched the Epcot shows and had a family holiday. There was a bus waiting to take the group to a city center Hotel which was to be their base for 5 days. After catching up on their sleep there were newspaper interview for the guys and Jessica P and the females in the party soon found the Town Centre Stores to do some serious shopping therapy. Joseph Pacheco was on the tour and was kept busy organizing and PA work. Cousin Gerald had offered

to be taxi driver and took David, Jessica, and Joseph into the country and they visited the Cricket Club where we spent many hours and where Dad and Uncle George played every weekend. Beverly, our niece, also met them and took them to visit our old home and area, now demolished and they were pleased a new local school was to be built. Next was a visit across the road to see the church we attended and to the house David had bought for Dad when he started in the group. they visisted Beverly’s home and met her two little ones, Thalia,5. and Thomas, 3. This was the firs time Jessica had met her new niece and family. Liverpool was the first

Monkee Shines venue and Robert and I set off early afternoon to meet up with the tour. After getting lost a few times we found the Waterfront Arena, a huge complex. The problem was where did we get in and where was backstage parking. Beverly and my sister Beryl had just arrived . Together we found a barrier and a young man was there making funny sounds but we soon realized it was Eric warming up for his trumpet playing. He led us all into the complex and we were soon in David’s dressing room, kettle on and being entertained with stories. Joseph collected laminated passes for us all. (this was a job Ken did as well as meeting and greeting family and friends). Robert and Jim, his next door neighbor who had come along decided to chat with the band including Waye Avers who we hadn’t seen for 10 years. David told is ladies the story of Micky coming on stage in a mobility scooter to surprise everyone ar Epcot. It was timefor sound check so we went into the Arena to watch for a little time and then we went for a meal before show timie, meeting quite a few people who we knew. Back in the Arena we met up with Gerald and family and took our seats, ready for the show. The Monkees came on stage and the audience went wild. There was a video showing at the back of the stage and the band, 9 in all, sounded great together. All 3 Monkees were in fine voice. Peter did exceptionally well and Jessica did a dance around him flamenco style and also did a dance with David in white tuxedo and pink shirt. It went really well. Micky mainly wore black and black hat abd the video showed him as a small boy and the others were

shown when young—David on a three wheel or bike and Mum and Dad behind. It was quite emotional for Beryl and I. Also David and Dad on a fishing trip, aged 8. A short interval followed and we caught up with friends until the band came back on stage. Many of the popular tunes were well received and songs from HEAD. All too soon the show was over and the audience waited for an encore. But they didn’t return that night. There was a very big Meet and Greet list so there was no encore. We left at 11:45 and the line was still long. Saturday the 14th of May Robert and I set off for Manchester, the route we knew so well, so we thought. New roads, buildings, and divisions made it difficult. We found the Monkee-mobile parked at the side of the theatre. We had found the Apollo, a very old theatre and not a lot of side parking for 2 tour buses and equipment lorries. Inside was pretty run down and the dressing rooms were up stone steps and pretty cramped. Our last visit was 17 years ago and it hadn’t changed. After sound check there was quite a family get-together ( cousins, their in-laws, Beverly’s 2 little ones, Thalia and Thomas, who danced in front of the stage. Robert based himself in the foyer and enjoyed meeting and gathering everyone together, seating them, and led fans he knew to view the Monkeemobile parked on the side. Every show was covered by a family member. Lynda and her family met up with Jessica, Phoenix and Josh and had a pleasant visit before the show with David in a park near the theatre. We made it to the Birmingham show. With Robert and 2

Monkee Shines friends. There wasn’t any trouble driving into these venues with laminated passes. I waited in David’s dressing room, made myself a cup of tea and chatted with Aviva and Wayne. Robert and his friends went walkabout and looked round the huge complex, too many steep steps for me. David arrived and we had a meal together backstage with everyone. They all seemed to enjoy the English menus.

Show time and Joseph P. led me to a seat and Beverly, Matthew, and Robert and company decided to find seats high in the balcony. I spotted Annabel and a friend behind and there were hugs and kisses. David sang a song for her during that show. At interval I went to find some friends and I was to spend a few days with Mary and family that weekend. beveryl and Robert found lots of fans they knew and they were all enjoying every show. Some had spent £1000 going to most shows/ travel and hotels. We got stick on passes for my group and they saw David and everyone briefly and got pictures. It was going to be a late night as there was a long line once again.. Micky and Peter had friends also coming along who they knew at some of the venues and Micky’s wife was meeting them. Robert left with friends and I said goodbye to the 3 guys who sat at a table ready for the autograph hunters and photo shoots. On the way home I thought about the shows and wouldn’t have missed them for all the world. “I’m a Believer”. Always have been, always will be, so keep on doing the Monkee Walk and singing those great songs, you guys!

Thanks for the report, Hazel!!!!

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The Newcastle Show By Angie Stockdale It was in February this year I heard the Monkees Tour was on. I’d heard rumors that they would do a tour of England but didn’t get my hopes up. As soon as I found out the Dates and where they were going to be I booked 2 dates, the ones nearest York. I would have liked to go to London but the best seats were sold out within a day. As usual, I went on my own as my friends don’t like the Monkees like I do. The day of the first concert came and I put my best but one and only Headquarters tee shirt, black trousers, and denim jacket. It was at Newcastle City Hall. That’s about 2 hours by train from York. I did think, “ I wonder what band will be on first” “Some unknown,” I thought, “ and the Monkees on the 2nd half. When I got to Newcastle I booked into a bed and breakfast as the last train to Clarksville...sorry I mean York... was at some daft time like 9:30. The place was packed out. On sale were 45th Anniversary tee shirts and mugs. No CDs, so I bought myself a tee shirt then found my seat. At the back of the stage, all lit up, was the Monkees logo, 5 foot high. It went dark and at the back of the stage they played clips from the Monkees TV show and it said, “This is our story.” Then on came Micky, Davy, and Peter. I had waited 14 long years to se them together. I couldn’t quite believe it.

They belted out all the best songs from Cuddly Toy to Auntie Grizelda to Shades of Gray to, my fave, What Am I Doin’ Hangin’ ‘round to Pet Pig Porky. I forgot what song was on, but the film clips with the girls doing a dance with veils (Can You Dig It?) , like the Arabian Nights, then a young girl, I say young, she must have been in her 20’s (Jessica Pacheco Jones) did the same dance live. The came the interval, as usual, the que for the loo was long so by the time I got there it was the second half. They were back. Micky didn’t take his hat of...can’t think why… but he wiped sweat off with a towel and pretended he was going to throw it into the audience....”No, that’s going on eBay!” he joked. Just imagine the fight if he had thrown it!! They all looked fit and well, to say they are all in their 60’s. They really put their heart and soul into giving us all a night to remember. So all those people in the 60’s who said they were a plastic, made-up band...what have they got to say now. 45 years and still playing to packed venues. Not many bands can do that but the Monkees can. They have done a lot for me. I’ve got good friends in England and the USA and Australia because of them. The Monkees are FAB!

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Stayed tuned for more reports from tour. We have several reports from Council Bluffs, Iowa and the last show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. If you saw the Monkees this summer, send us you review too!. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all disappointed that the tour is over but all good things have to come to an end. Now we have to focus on the solo shows to come. Where there is a Monkee, the Gang will be there too! 63

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Monkees Tour Cancelled! Monkees blame management for canceled tour DURHAM – The Monkees will not be coming to Durham, or any other town in the near future. The band has canceled the remaining dates in its 45th anniversary tour, including the Sept. 1 date at the Durham Performing Arts Center. A post on the Monkees’ Fan Club’s Facebook page and the band’s website blamed problems with booking and communications for the cancellation. “Management had booked a number of dates with the venues without running them by the group first … so we had to cancel the remaining dates,” stated a post attributed to Micky Dolenz, drummer and singer. The tour offered DPAC no explanation for the cancellation, stated Bob Klaus, DPAC general manager, in an email. Customers who had purchased tickets for the Sept. 1 DPAC show will receive an automatic refund, DPAC stated. (For information, e-mail customerservice@dpacnc.com or call the ticket office at 680-2787.) Original band members Dolenz, Peter Tork and Davy Jones were signed on for the tour (original member Michael Nesmith did not join the reunion tour). The 1966 television show of the same name brought stardom for the band. They had numerous hits in the late 1960s, among them “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” “Daydream Believer” and “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone.” At first considered Beatles knockoffs, the Monkees eventually garnered critical respect for their music. They also experimented in avant-garde filmmaking. Their 1968 film “Head” is considered a cult classic. Dear Fans and Friends, The Monkee Tour has, indeed, been cancelled but for reasons that I cannot discuss at this time. I can say that the reasons pertain to business and are internal matters. Needless to say, I am disappointed but the situation was unavoidable and I want to apologize to all the fans out there who will not be able to experience what was a wonderful show indeed. Regretfully, MickyI am writing to confirm that the Monkees tour has been cancelled for reasons that I cannot discuss at this time. I can only say that it has to do with business matters. I sincerely regret that it is not possible to continue this wonderful tour. I especially regret the inconvenience to those of you whose plans have been disrupted. Thank you for all your love and support. I hope to see you on the road sometime. Be well, Peter