It’s the FAKE band of the 1960’s… or WERE they?!

[@kenrk]

I'd say the Monkees are 100x more authentic than most of the performers today. No autotune back then.

[@bradparker9664]

ABSOLUTELY

[@YtuserSumone-rl6sw]

TV show producers putting together a band does not make them a lesser or fake band in and of itself. Like when my music academy put together our chamber music quartet that didn't make us lesser or fake. But if a band don't really believe in what they are singing/playing then the art is more of a hollow shell. There is special spirit when the performer has created the music from the beginning but it's not a necessity. Did the Monkees write their own songs much?

[@CyanCerulian]

You are correct!

[@candydale8380]

Totally!!!!!!! They were so hilarious in their t.v. show!!!!! Just love them!!!!

[@musiclistsareus1029]

​@@YtuserSumone-rl6swyes. Michael Nesmith was a very good songwriter

[@NU7L]

These guys were the real deal. Almost 500 concerts, three #1 hits on Billboard along with others in the top 20. They deserve more credit than they ever got.

[@michaelmckenna6464]

The Monkees was the first band to get exposed for doing what countless other great acts had been doing, namely having session musicians perform on their records. But once they proved their worth, starting with a string of live concerts and releasing their HEADQUARTERS album (a week before The Beatles released their SGT PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND album). Yet it was still “open season” on The Monkees as critics were still determined to refuse to give the band the credit they so richly deserved.

[@tcconnection]

​@@michaelmckenna6464They didn't have session musicians, those in charge did. They got blamed for something they didn't create. So glad they finally broke free from that.

[@icmman7]

@@tcconnection bevause they couldnt play up to the standard at the time, not that hard.

[@Dusk1962]

@@icmman7you wish Mike and Peter were accomplished musicians prior.

[@TexasGirl-54]

I grew up with The Monkees. Had such a crush on Davy. Poster on my bedroom wall ❤❤❤❤

[@jbrobertson2758]

Individually, Davy and Mickey had been acting/performing from a young age, Peter could play banjo, bass, and guitar, Michael played guitar, and all of them could sing. Rather than FAKE, "The Monkees" were a 'fictional' band but, nonetheless, a group of talented guys who were cast in a TV show to promote their music. Fun stuff, check out their movie "Head".

[@rumblehat4357]

Mickey played guitar in a band before the Monkees, so what do they do? Give him a drum kit!

[@patriciamillin-j3s]

Thank you. I much prefer the term fictional rather than fake. Peter also played piano and French Horn. If I remember correctly he said once he could play 7 instruments, but I can't remember them all. I think the harp might've been one of them, he did play it on at least one episode

[@marvelboy74]

And Mike always said Pete was the better player.

[@Mooneye63]

@@rumblehat4357 I was aware that Jones could play drums sometime back. Now if you listen to the DVD commentry on the first season of the series Peter states that Davey was a good drummer and had the live performance line-up been based solely on playing ability, it ought to have been Tork on guitar, Mike Nesmith on bass, and Jones on drums, with Micky Dolenz taking the fronting role, rather than as it was done (with Nesmith on guitar, Tork on bass, and Dolenz on drums). Like Peter Tork, Jones, despite playing mostly tambourine or maracas, was a multi-instrumentalist and would fill in for Tork on bass when he played keyboards and vice versa and for Dolenz on drums when the Monkees performed live concerts. For the sake of the TV series and bands back in the 60s a consistent lineup was needed as standard, where as the Monkees were infact very different to other groups where they could, and did, swap around... a lot!

[@pamelavarilone2614]

Saw them in person Olympia Stadium Detroit June 1968. They played, sang, banged on in person to a screaming crowd. Mike Nesmith was already a composer, producer. Peter Tork had played with the likes of Stephen Stills, David Crosby, and Joni Mitchell. Davy Jones had performed for years on the London stage in musicals, then several albums as a young teen. They were confused with the fiction of the plot of The Monkees tv show. They were not fake. ❤

[@equalityforall5620]

What a great homage to the Monkees. Fil, I wouldn't have expected anything less of you. The song is great. I'd never heard it before, but Mike Nesmith's voice shines through. They were all true singers and musicians. Unfortunate that they got this bogus reputation.

[@vampyros1]

‘Headquarters’ & ‘Pisces, Aquarius…’ were stone genius albums. Brilliant writing, playing, and singing. Period.

[@cannacliffords7462]

Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd...is my very favorite. I think I almost wore out my LP in the Summer of 1968.

[@vampyros1]

@@cannacliffords7462 Agree, I can’t get tired of those, always fresh - perennial favorites.

[@davidoberst6268]

Kirshner was trumpted by the guys

[@luvastandardbred8270]

If they were fake, they wouldn't tour! They toured until band members started passing away. RIP Davy, Peter and Michael. 💕💕💔

[@catherinedonovan6912]

Saw Mickey and Davy touring in about 1975.

[@morbidmanmusic]

Fake in that they didn't write most all of the stuff, and session players played all the parts. Yes, they sang.

[@thomasferranti5310]

​@@morbidmanmusicand played and wrote. Do you have their entire collected works? Have you been following them for nearly 50 years? Every album included original songs written by them. Every album included at least some of them playing. Two of their albums featured nobody else but them playing. One of their albums also featured nothing but their original songs. They had a number one hit in Britain that Micky Dolenz wrote. They had a number one comeback album a few years ago.

[@luvastandardbred8270]

@@morbidmanmusic did you watch Michael playing in the analysis video? Did you listen to Fil talk about Michael's playing and how it's always harder to play and sing at the same time? TROLL.

[@53lyric1]

@@thomasferranti5310 I have quite a few of their albums but wish I had their entire collection. What a treasure that is! Do you remember a song called, "Zilch"?

[@romin5035]

Mike Nesmith was an underrated talent as a songwriter and musician. I love his original solo song from 1970, “Joanne.”

[@beet1]

I can still hear it being played on the radio from the early seventies. "Her name was Joanne and she lived in a meadow very far....'

[@romin5035]

@@beet1 I never heard it until a couple of years ago when it was played on Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Country station on Sirius radio of all places. I loved the haunting sound and immediately searched for it. I was shocked to find out it was Mike’s song from so long ago.

[@senryu93]

His falsetto was perfect. Very underappreciated song.

[@keeva3143]

Yes! Love that song!

[@GaryArmstrongmacgh]

I hear it all the time on the Bakersfield Channel run by Dwight Yoakam. Bless him!

[@antiherocrm]

Michael Nesmith wrote "Different Drum" sung by Linda Ronstadt and The Stone Ponies.

[@anauticalgate5496]

Baba boom ! We rest our case !

[@Water_is_Sacred777]

@@anauticalgate5496 HaHa! Love it :D

[@earlgrey691]

Wonderful song.

[@JAbell1966]

I saw one of the last shows Mike and Micky did and Mike told a story I'd never heard before. He'd submitted "Different Drum" to the people on the music end of things and they rejected it saying that it "wasn't a Monkees song" so Mike turned around and gave it to Linda Ronstadt and the Stone Ponies who took it right to number one. And, I believe, that the Butterfield Blues Band had recorded and released "Mary, Mary" before the Monkees were unleashed upon the public (if not before then pretty much released simultaneously).

[@anauticalgate5496]

It was almost anthemic .And in a sense,provided a cultural template for my gen's coming of age@@earlgrey691

[@Retaile23]

The big scandal at the time was the Monkees didn't play their own instruments. But today no one seems to. The Monkees were skillfully assembled and became their own entity. Thanks for setting the record straight, pure talent. Great video Fil!

[@PAHighlander24]

60 years lager we now know that many famous bands from that era also did not play their instruments on their recordings but had studio musicians work out the arrangements and record them and the bands just added the vocals. This includes the Birds and Beach Boys and countless others. Probably the majority of the hits of the 60's across the board were done by these studio musicians. Watch the documentary "Wrecking Crew" to get the full story.

[@SuziQ.]

I don’t necessarily believe everything that Carol Kaye says. She was caught in a lie regarding a song she didn’t play on, but claimed to.

[@NewlyTuneACTION]

Better music than acting, but there’s a production/creative aspect that reflects upon the end product. I was always I’m a believer Anyway Still sing these 👍🏻

[@patrickporter6536]

Did you ever see the one pretending to play drums? Hilarious.

[@christopherharris3229]

​@@SuziQ.She literally played on thousands of songs for the best singers/songwriters/bands/producers in the world. She should be allowed to make a mistake once in a while 😂

[@knighth2452]

The network wanted a group to act like the Beatles did in their movies. They actually looked for musicians to cast in the roles. They already had Davie Jones cast. They didn't like mining playing the songs for live performances so they learned the songs for real. After that, they started writing songs and touring. They were meant to be pretend. They broke the mold and became real and beloved.

[@mikeferguson5183]

Thank you, Fil, for your articulate defense of the Monkees’ musicality. The respect you show to fellow musicians is always apparent and appreciated.

[@beet1]

You are an excellent vocalist / guitarist yourself, Fil. Often you must suffer ignorance and smile. If there was any fairness, you would be a famous recording artist !

[@51tomtomtom]

Very true !!!!

[@M0odyBlue]

@@beet1❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@IMeMineWho]

@@beet1 He IS!😉

[@ozzyman646]

Fantastic job Fil, great analysis of a band that has fun and we're very intertaining back then

[@KB0101]

As young girls in the 70s, we LOVED the Monkees. Real, fake, we didn’t care. 😄

[@Lilah1754]

You are right! We loved them and their weekly show. Never gave a thought if they were faking it or not. Dont believe auto tune was a thing back then. Just loved the 4 of them. Good times!

[@senryu93]

For a while, Davy lived down the hall from me during their reunion tour. I was walking past his door one night and overheard him singing. I started to cry as it instantly brought me back to those innocent days when their intentionally silly show revealed unexpected depths.

[@Lilah1754]

@@senryu93 Such a nice memory. RIP Davey

[@rtphotos4691]

Marsha Brady got to take Davy Jones to the school dance. "Girl, look what you've done to me..."

[@georgiakiriaki]

I was a fan in 1986, the whole Monkee madness revived again by Nickelodeon. 😄👍💕 I even saw the trio Peter, Davey and Mickey in concert too. I was a silly Monkee!! 😄💕

[@sandeesandwich2180]

I think Davy is doing the low harmonies and Mickey the high. The Monkees mostly were disrespected by the people who hired them, which is crazy. It's understandable how frustrated they were in that what they brought to the table was totally ignored. So condescending. The playing, singing and lyrics of this song are so great.

[@glamgal7106]

VH-1 made a movie of the Monkees. I believe the film's title is "Daydream Believers: The Story of the Monkees." It definitely shows how they were talked down to and told to settle for. Because Mike and Peter were primarily musicians, they were understandably frustrated. It got to the point that Mike punched a hole in a wall.

[@robinrubendunst869]

Agree. Davy had an interesting buzz in his voice in the lower register. Classic Nes composition. Best Nes song ever: Joann. Lyrics are complex and heartbreaking

[@seed_drill7135]

They stuck Mickey on drums even though he'd never played, whereas Davy had, but he was deemed too cute to waste behind a kit.

[@yox465]

The people who hired them wanted all the credit for their "genius" so they had to make the Monkees less.

[@ahcapella]

@@seed_drill7135 And Davy was probably too SHORT, too. “Stand up, Davy.” “I _am_ standing up!” *

[@ARWest-bp4yb]

They all had musical backgrounds before the Monkees, and considering the short time they were active played and sang together quite well. Mike in particular was a fine songwriter and always had a unique and full rhythm guitar sound. They absolutely deserve more credit for their music.👍👍

[@WaferBrik]

When you smile so broadly so often during the video it indicates how much you enjoy the playing and how much you love music. That's really nice to see.

[@docsavage8640]

Never saw this performance before. Great stuff. Davy singing that low harmony is wonderful.

[@JAbell1966]

It's from the Johnny Cash Show. They perform a hits medley, "Nine Times Blue" and a song with Cash called "Everybody Loves a Nut"

[@ginnyvogel7754]

Everything about the Monkees made them icons and much loved. Their personalities, hair and clothes, droll humor, and crazy TV show (Hey, hey, we're the Monkees...) made them a huge part of 60s culture. And Johnny Cash (another massive 60s icon) recognized their musical talents.

[@j.kliban9156]

Nice to see some love for Mike Nesmith! He was a terrific singer/songwriter and arguably a forefather of "Country Rock". Great anaysis per usual, Mr. Fil! Thank you.

[@GeoffBosco]

The song "Texas Morning" started popping up in my KZbin Music feed recently. And I'm just like-Wow! How have I never heard this before?!

[@tixximmi1]

I wouldn't task him as the forefather of Country Rock.

[@neilfranklin5644]

Almost don't forget the international submarine band.

[@artfigueiredo5223]

As far as country rock, I would go with Eddy Arnold and Jerry Lee Lewis, though I am sure I am overlooking the real answers.

[@tixximmi1]

@@artfigueiredo5223 Or Zappa's "Harder than your Husband".

[@MotherOfSingers1001]

Thank you so much for validating the talent of the Monkees, seriously multi-talented people.

[@kayeruss7313]

Mike wrote Nine Times Blue. He has a sort of conversational way with his lyrics. Would love to see a reaction to their acapella rendition of Ríu Ríu Chíu. It showcased their vocal harmony.

[@suzanneO6924]

Agreed. And I just posted a comment about Riu Chiu before I saw your comment. Amazing.

[@22sojourner]

Oh cool, I had never heard Riu Chiu, so I looked it up & it was good. TY

[@DanielByers-qf9qi]

Yes. Having sung it in chamber choirs, I can appreciate it.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I was part of Monkee Mania, watched their show and didn't really like the haters who said they were fake. In fact, they were punished when they pushed back to have more control of their musical choices. Great analysis. Very supportive of the art.

[@traceyrhoden9808]

I loved their show

[@guypainter]

Did you do the Monkee walk at school? We did. Got the funniest looks...

[@stevehofer3482]

The Monkees were hardly the only band assembled through auditions. Davy was the only lock to be in the band. He had performed on Broadway and he even sang on the same EdSullivan Show that featured the Beatles’ American debut. Peter snd Mike were professional musicians. Mickey had been a child actor, but he had been in a teenaged band, and he was arguably the best natural singer. They deserve to be in the R&R Hall of Fame.

[@beet1]

Mickey Dolenz was the leading child actor in popular vintage TV series, 'Circus Boy' .

[@thecurbsidechoir8783]

Mickey's vocals were awesome.

[@fredbloggs8072]

They were put together to act as musicians in a fictional TV show but, by accident, the producers created genuinely great band. That wasn't quite the plan,, but it happened anyway.

[@ianz9916]

@@frazzledude I'm sure I heard Mike Nesmith say that the Charles Manson thing was an urban myth.

[@ianz9916]

Georgia Brown, who played Nancy in Oliver, gave Davy unnecessarily hefty clouts during that performance. Ron Moody, who played Fagin opposite her on the London stage, says in his autobiography that she was impossible to work with and they hated each other.

[@JRPLawyeress1]

Mickey Dolenz’s voice was wonderful in “Sometime in the Morning” and “Pleasant Valley Sunday.

[@thecurbsidechoir8783]

great voices with Mickey and Davey. that alone makes them legit. it is crazy, Mike Nesmith wrote "different drum" which Linda Ronstadt sang. it is one thing to be able to play an instrument, but a successful songwriter is next level. people talk about today's social media being messed up - how unfair was that rumor back in the 60's???

[@thosdot6497]

My favourite of Mickey's is "Goin' Down", or "Porpoise Song", but he was at least very good on anything he sang.

[@rhondaflesher8313]

@@thosdot6497 you get a real great example of Micky's breath control in "Goin' Down" considering how fast paced the lyrics are sung.

[@IMeMineWho]

@@richardpatrick2852 Those do not do his pipes justice regarding range and power. Listen to his solo work...OMG.

[@IMeMineWho]

@@thecurbsidechoir8783 T y. I know it is another and completely different group, but I recently got into it with a self-proclaimed musician who claimed Pete Townshend wasn't a good musician because he "didn't play a lot of chords (not true.) You don't write 31/2 rock operas, a concept LP and invent the Marshall stack if you are not a great musician! Besides he has a beautiful tenor voice. Composing is hard work.

[@GeoffBosco]

The three of them are such underrated singers. But, especially Papa Nes. His vocals never fail to touch something very deep in my soul.

[@billyloomis3015]

the version of "seven bridges road " that the Eagles open their shows with is lifted "whole cloth" from the version that Mike arranged, produced, sung & played on by Ian Mathews on the LP southern comfort that Mike produced.

[@shiroibasketshoes]

No, from the album "Valley Hi," and his last name is spelled Matthews (these days Iain Matthews, "These Days" being the best song on "Valley Hi.").

[@jonmoceri]

The first record I ever bought was a Monkees 45 with "I'm a Believer" & "(I'm Not Your) Stepping Stone"

[@docsavage8640]

Remember when you'd get B sides at least as good as the A? Wow.

[@Bryan-jd7os]

2 awesome songs ro this day!

[@daveguitarnowski4402]

that record was one of my early ones too!

[@jasondorsey7110]

​@@docsavage8640Personally I prefer the Paul Revere and the Raiders version of "Stepping Stone", but your point stands

[@dagmar.6954]

That was such a great analysis! I grew up listening to the Monkees music & watching their show. They could act silly but they actually were decent musicians & singers. They had many hits "Daydream Believer", "I'm A Believer", "A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You", "Valleri", "Pleasant Valley Sunday", "Last Train To Clarksville" etc. Davy Jones was considered a teenage heart throb. Sadly he died in 2012 & later Peter Tork in 2019. Michael Nesmith passed away recently. Only 1 member is remaining now Micky Dolenz.

[@glamgal7106]

Micky Dolenz recently did a cover of REM's "Shiny Happy People." It's definitely worth listening to!

[@wandaburnsworth1588]

So did I❤

[@markhernden9472]

All the tunes you mentioned here are great. Extremely catchy with harmony vocals and fine musicianship.

[@beet1]

I thought that short guys could get the chics too ! C'mon Davy !

[@amymeyers9682]

I have all of those songs and more on a greatest hits collection on CD. It is great to play and remember all the fun I had watching the show!

[@josephbuckley1574]

This irony here is that this "fake" band was one of the best and most successful of entire '60's scene. Mike Nesmith was at the forefront of the 'California Sound' of "country rock" in league with Gram Parsons, etc. Talk about underrated and musunderstood!

[@MrPhilfridge]

Mike was not 'in league' with Gram , they never met . However they were at the forefront of the country rock movement albeit separately .....there was a psychedelic overtone to Mike's albums,with stereo phasing and Red Rhodes original style of steel ....Tantamount to Treason being a good example. Gram was much more straightforward and 'country' . A lot was going on with country back in the late 60's and in Mike's home state of Texas , people like Jerry Jeff Walker formed part of the Cosmic Cowboy movement and imho think Mike had more in common with their approach than the various Californian bands more harmony vocal embellished approach

[@josephbuckley1574]

@@MrPhilfridge Here, let me put it another way for you - "Mike was in the SAME league as Gram Parsons" AND the other L.A. musicians and players that embraced the country music sounds. He said of that genre and style, "it was right in my wheelhouse". His "Monkee" reputation kept him from being taken seriously or legitimate by those at the forefront of the genre - but his recordings (such as the one Fil has presented) prove his stripes.

[@MrPhilfridge]

@@josephbuckley1574 Yes with you.....when you throw in the second wave of country rock eg Pure Prairie League, Ozark Mountain Daredevils , New Riders etc , the whole movement was most definitely not confined to LA , but all in the same 'wheelhouse' to use your Nez inspired description. I'm in the UK and your definitely right that Mike wasn't taken seriously as the Monkees didn't have a great reputation here and a lot of the wonderful music he made was subsequently ignored which was shameful as he was so good. As an aside i was friendly with the folk singer Mary McCaslin, who died in 2022 , she was the first person to record a Nez song , and she fondly remembered appearing at Mike's hoot nights at the Troubadour

[@richardhal]

These guys were the real deal. History will say it is so!! Their instrumental prowess, and vocal technique were definitely that of a chart topping band.

[@conniebeatty9303]

Fil, you see the good in everyone! It's great ...it's why we love you!😊

[@monkmchorning]

Peter and Michael knew their way around a fretboard, Mickey became a credible drummer, they all sang all manner of harmonies and counterpoint, and the studio musicians loved working with them because they came prepared, were quick learners, and brought good ideas. And Mike's songs have a mock-mawkishness that are endlessly charming. That makes them pro in my book.

[@erickvermeulen9734]

When auditioning, Davy was an accomplished drummer, but in the tv show he would be hidden behind the drums because he was not very tall, so they made him vocalist, with a tambourine for some percussion.

[@glamgal7106]

If you ever heard their Christmas song "Riu Chiu," that's an example of the Monkees using 3(or 4)part harmony. I believe it's on their "Missing Links Vol. 2" CD.

[@IMeMineWho]

Listen to Oh Darling that Mickey does or Mickey Dolenz's Mickey Dolen z Puts You to Sleep (my 🐰's fave on that is Good Night) and you will muse as to why they don't call him vocalist Mickey who happens to also drum well.

[@dannylgriffin]

I love Mike's song "Don't Call On Me."

[@IMeMineWho]

@@dannylgriffin I will have to check it out.

[@alkitzman9179]

Cool video Fil. Mike and Peter Tork were professional musicians when they were accepted into the Monkees. Davy Jones had sang on stage as a young man for years. Mainly in live plays. Mickey actually could play basic Guitar and to me he had the most range vocally on their songs. Davy actually could play drums very well however they wanted him out in front. So Mickey had to learn to play the drums. Peter was the best musician of them all . He could play Guitar, Banjo, Piano and Bass. They were actually musicians hired to be actors. Great part of my Childhood.

[@tommack9395]

David Jones had recorded an album and Mike had written songs which were recorded by others before the Monkeys were created.

[@YtuserSumone-rl6sw]

Thanks for that background info.

[@ginnyvogel7754]

They were a great part of childhood!

[@sparky6086]

​@tommack9395 Mike also had an album out w/ Screen Gems prior to The Monkees, if I remember right?

[@r3adrpro811]

I saw David Jones as the Artful Dodger in Oliver! on Broadway when I was a child. They were real performers - and a band that was put together by TV producers. The "fake" bands included the Partridge Family (only Shirley Jones and David Cassidy could sing and play instruments - the rest of the vocals and instruments were performed by studio musicians) Others were the Archies, Josie and the Pussycats and the Brady Bunch because they were cartoons or photogenic. No wonder we weren't surprised by the whole Milli Vanilli fiasco a few years later!

[@CCoburn3]

Bottom line - while he wasn’t Chet, he sure as hell wasn’t a fake. He COULD play. And sing too.

[@docsavage8640]

Nobody but Chet was Chet

[@debcevans]

He also could arrange. Listen to his arrangement of Seven Bridges Road for Ian Matthews. It's the arrangement that the Eagles then used.

[@CCoburn3]

@@docsavage8640 Amen. Chet was unique. But I think most will agree that he is THE standard by which guitarists are judged.

[@davesparks9503]

​@@debcevansThat is a great album and that version is better than the Eagles take ..

[@musiclistsareus1029]

Nesmith was a very good songwriter too

[@Mark_Wheeler]

Michael was a very underrated musician. And he sounded even better on a 12 string. His solo albums after the Monkees are some of my favorites. By the way, Peter Tork was also an excellent guitarist and all around gifted musician.

[@anitaanderson2871]

Michael himself said Peter was even a better.musician than he was

[@kevindodimead9066]

I love your smile Fil! Thank you for doing this video; One of my favorite Monkees performances ! Nez was such a great songwriter and this one in particular is so beautiful, and yes, the man could play some country. I am a big fan of 60's era rock history and The Monkees are one of the best stories out there. Basically the Pinocchio of rock bands. They were all very talented and pretty good vocalists. Peter was a fantastic musician, Micky is the most hardcore method actor alive and Davey Jones... need I say more? Headqaurters is one of my top albums. For a fake band, the content they released is more real to me than 99.9% of music out there today. R.I.P. Davey, Peter and Mike, and keep on rockin' Micky!

[@universalassociates6857]

“Don’t get excited man, just because I’m short, I know” at the beginning of Daydream Believer gets me all the time.

[@rumblehat4357]

“What number is this, Chip?” “7A!”

[@Hyacinth4368]

Love him still!

[@Every_Day_islike_Sunday]

The soundtrack of my childhood. I was born in 1960. The Monkees were my first taste of rock and i never looked back. Hard to believe there's only 1 left. You're right about the irony. Thanks for giving them the love they deserve. Thanks Fil!

[@Tookitout]

I was born in ‘61. Same experience. I had my first drum set before 1970, thanks to Micky.

[@Every_Day_islike_Sunday]

@MarcKevinSmith very cool!

[@EvilSkeptic]

What blows my mind about The Monkees is no matter how they became a real group, even when they only sang mostly songs written by other people, early on they were as much of a vocal group as The Supremes. Those were their vocals on those records. And what's truly crazy is given how many were influenced by them enough to start their own bands, they are still left out of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Fer crying out loud, they were all so talented. And yeah. They could play.

[@angelspawn1401]

As a Progressive rock fan, being left out of the RnR HOF is a badge of honor. It took 50 years for the best rock band of the 70’s, Yes, to make it in. Rush only made it because they were still together and selling out stadiums 35 years later. Genesis got in after becoming a hit rock band after their progressive era. Jethro Tull, Kansas, King Crimson, Emerson Lake and Palmer, all the best bands from the decade still haven’t. I purposely did NOT visit when I was working in the area.

[@EvilSkeptic]

@@angelspawn1401 I too have many gripes with the R&R HOF. It doesn't at all stop with the Monkees. I hear you.

[@tixximmi1]

They weren't that great but they all wanted to change and take charge of their paths. And to have Frank Zappa on one of their shows, showed me that they were serious about the group.

[@eduardocervantesaca]

I think they could play to an extent but were not trusted. Then the musicians that recorded the songs were by recording musicians called the Wrecking Crew who were super talented and appeared on more hit recordings than any other artists, just not many knew. In the end, I like the Monkeys songs and they were well recorded. I still enjoy things like Daydream Believer or Shades of Gray.

[@zackattack635]

@@eduardocervantesaca people think the Beatles were different than the Monkees. I don’t think the Beatles played on their albums till the late 60’s. People wrote their songs, had session players record it… then add vocals from the boys. Difference was… the Beatles had handlers who knew the power of presenting them as “Musical geniuses” rather than a boy band. Bernard Purdie said it himself, there were 4 Beatles drummers, none of them were Ringo. He just played live.

[@thebmc5969]

Thank you for this. It’s the most thoughtful, respectful, intelligent assessment of Michael and The Monkees as artists and performers.

[@NDFlyFisher]

I saw the Monkees in Minneapolis in 1968. Great concert. I had all their albums and loved their music. Still do.

[@roseyc.5846]

Fil, we LOVED them..real or fake didn't matter! Their music STILL sounds great today, ALL these years later. And, a plus for us teenage girls at the time, they were all adorable! I miss the 60's, both the era and the music, so much! Thanks for doing this. Stay safe and sane, etc. Rosemarie ❤❤❤

[@Shell6424]

If we’re still talking about them in 2024 then they can’t be fake. Mike’s songs were some of the best hits. The Monkees had chemistry with each other and were talented singers and musicians. My father would bring home a 45 record of a Monkees song each week or so. First ever records I had, plus watching the show each week was just the best. I was even allowed to take the day off school when the Monkees came to Oz and it was televised. Thanks for a nostalgic analysis.

[@beet1]

" Hey, hey we're The Monkees, and we like to Monkee around...'

[@Shell6424]

@@beet1 🤣

[@tixximmi1]

They were fake but stubborn enough to make a change. That they did. And to star Frank Zappa in one of their shows took guts. Frank didn't seem to mind.

[@shiroibasketshoes]

@@tixximmi1 Frank Zappa was in just the opening, dressed as Mike and vice versa. But he was also in the Monkees movie "Head."

[@shiroibasketshoes]

Mike's songs were too rarely chosen as singles. He was my favorite Monkee. Thanks for telling your story.

[@Maplicito]

When I think "fake 60's band", I think of someone more like the Archies. It's really too bad that the Monkees were plagued by the fake band reputation. I think it is fair to call them a "manufactured" band, but they were still real, and made amazing music.

[@tomorr7692]

Agreed. Even so, The Archies had the number one song of 1969 with "Sugar Sugar." Pretty impressive for a band that didn't exist.

[@mikebaker5041]

As I remember the Archies were actual studio musicians.

[@tomorr7692]

@@mikebaker5041 Yes indeed. And one of the singers was a gent named Andy Kim, who co-wrote "Sugar Sugar" and had a few hits of his own.

[@Maplicito]

Yep, I definitely don't want to imply that the musicians behind the Archies were inadequate when I call them a fake band. Rather, I am suggesting they are fake in the same sense that Prozzak is a fake band - but the music is definitely by talented musicians.

[@rhondaflesher8313]

They jokingly covered being a "manufactured band" in "Ditty Diego." Which by the way I may be wrong, but I always considered that to be an early predecessor to rap music.

[@burkepota]

They did 56 episodes, a film, a tv special, 6 lps with the 4, 200 live concerts that ran an hour: them playing, and sold millions... All in 2 and a half years. For musicians and music lovers, I'm both, their Headquartes and Pisces Aquarius lps: the two they played and wrote on, are amazingly good, creative and the stand outs over the earlier ones which were soundtracks to start the show. Their talent shouldn't be in question and the old guard still saying fake should realize, the only fake was on their claims they had taste and knowledge of music. These four worked harder than anyone... All that in 2 and a half years! Thanks for pulling this out because its a Nesmith tune, the harmonies and Mikes guitar are terrific and Johnny Cash enjoyed them so much he had them stay at his house that weekend. There is a wealth of good stuff in their catalog and Nesniths so don't listen to the fakers. They were wrong in the past and their poor losers now.

[@cyn7869]

So glad you are giving credit where credit is due. I can’t imagine how insulting that must have been for them. What a wonderful performance. We would have missed so many of these if not for your reviews. 👍❤️

[@mollyhall2954]

Mike said he made $375 a week on the TV show, and never asked the other guys what they made--he was the only one to answer the ad and walk in off the street, with that wool hat on because he was taking his family's clothes to be cleaned on his motorcycle. I was in Girl Scouts and heard a new voice, Micky Dolenz, on the radio and began asking the other girls, "Who is this?" The younger sister of a classmate said, "There's a new TV show, and you're going to love it." She was right, but it was Micky's voice, sight unseen, that got me. From age 8 I had been a Beatles fan, and now at age 12 there was finally a new voice that sounded good, too.

[@AuburnAlum1977]

Michael was such a talented songwriter, singer and instrumentalist Really nice, down to earth guy too. I'm so glad to see you dive into this song!

[@sarahweers8035]

I enjoy their version of “Riu Chou”. They performed it a cappella on their Christmas episode in the second season. As always, thanks for all you do.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

I love this analysis. This style of playing and singing may sound simple to non-musicians, but it takes soooo much practice and expertise to be able to play and sing this way. It's great to see this being acknowledged by Fil.

[@majorpayne8373]

Davy - "I just got back from Africa; I was playing cards with the natives." Mickey - "Oh! Zulus?" Davy - "No, I usually won."

[@pamelapasechnick6899]

As a typical teenager in the 60's/70's, although I was not a Super-Fan of the Monkees, I was very familiar with their music and enjoyed it! That said, I NEVER heard them sing this song! If I had, I'm certain it would have been one of my favorites! Thank you for featuring it in one of your videos. I really enjoyed hearing it and appreciated your commentary regarding it!

[@judyrichards8365]

I never understood all the talk about them being a fake band. Even as a child I could tell those were their voices coming out of their mouths and Michael’s playing on Valeri is amazing. Great analysis Fil. It’ll be one I watch again! His guitar playing was magical and could sing so relaxed as he did it. Thanks!

[@docsavage8640]

That's not Mike on lead guitar on Valleri, it's Louie Shelton.

[@JubileeValence]

"...this Carlos Montoya stuff on an electric guitar..." Louis Shelton (Wrecking Crew) He talks about being their studio guitar player here on KZbin. Channel: Wrecking Crew I had their first 3 albums & watched every show. Cheers!

[@morbidmanmusic]

Well, because the faked playing the instruments and didn't play on the record, and didn't write.

[@fromchomleystreet]

Well, they WERE a fake band, initially. They were put together as the cast of a TV show, with no intention that they would ever really play their instruments. It’s only when they became huge and thus gained some power relative to that of their producers that they began insisting they be allowed to play.

[@raymondcote2913]

I LOVE the Monkees. Had their 45's in the 60's and later all their albums, which I still have. Mike was always my favorite , his songs are by far the best. Saw them live in 86 without Mike and he is the musician I most regret never seeing live. My favorite Monkees song is "What am I doing Hangin' 'Round."

[@AP9575-jd]

I loved watching that show as a kid. Did you know Michael's mom invented Liquid Paper. Thanks Phil, that was fun!

[@HermesNinja]

For those of us without formal backgrounds in music, Fil’s facial expressions translate everything we need to know. Another awesome video!

[@fatherterryjohnston]

Thanks for posting this, Fil! Michael Nesmith has always been one of my guitar heroes. Not a virtuoso, per se, but definitely a greatly underrated talent. For me it was Nesmith - not McGuinn - who made me want to pick up the 12-string!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thank you!

[@drea4195]

The Monkees were inspirational to me! I watched the show in reruns in the '70s and they captured my heart. Their songs were still played and popular during that era too, eventually being used in movies, commercials and television shows too many to count. The Monkees' influence on popular culture cannot be denied -- and yes, they were/are real musicians and a real band.

[@shipsahoy1793]

In mid-1967, the Monkees third album Headquarters album had to take a back seat on the charts at #2 for 11 weeks because, after it was released, the Beatles Sergeant Pepper album was released! 🫨

[@dwaynewladyka577]

The Monkees aren't a manufactured band, because they have musical talent. There is a folk element here, with a touch of country. Outstanding vocal harmonies and guitar playing. Folk music was still big then, and many rock artists were delving into country music. Thanks for sharing this analysis video. Cheers, Fil!✌️

[@martinhenderson5265]

I don't mean to kick off a firestorm, but it is so frustrating that The Monkees are not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There are other acts that didn't write their own music, and didn't play teir own music, but few had the canon of these guys; when you start playing their hits (of which there were many) it is astonishing how many you know the words to. They were the vehicle for great music, and it's a tragedy that three of them have died and the Hall has moved on to Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson -- both of whom are great but not rock and roll artists. This analysis by Fil should be sent to every Hall voter and, to be perfectly honest, Mike was only the third-best singer among the group. They are part of the rock culture -- maybe not the garage band that evolved into the Beatles, but their role in the music video genre makes them an influential part of rock history.

[@BalderBorador]

This is my favorite TV appearance of The Monkees and the fact it's from 1969, when the series had been cancelled. Performing the Nesmith penned "Nine Times Blue" basically, "Unplugged"! Great video all the way around Fil!

[@spokaneman7327]

I was in grade school when they had their TV show, and I was HOOKED. I was 5 when my brother left for college and I missed him terribly. Michael reminded me of my brother, which I think made watching their show all that much more precious to me. I appreciate your analysis, and mostly because they hold an even higher esteem in my eyes. Thank you for this!

[@UncleKennysPlace]

The funny thing is that when the "secret" of The Wrecking Crew came out, people didn't realize that _everyone_ used them. But the word was that the Monkees didn't play on their albums ... but nobody did, for quite a while.

[@Kevin-mx1vi]

There's a video of Lee Sklar talking to Rick Beato where Lee tells him that a band he was in weren't allowed to play (only to sing) on their first album, and when Lee looked into the studio it was the Wrecking Crew playing their parts.

[@Ker-mk3bf]

​ That's an excellent interview.

[@cellgrrl]

I always loved the Monkees. As a teenager I was enthralled with their show. Little did I know then I went to the same high school with Mike Nesmith and am proud to say we shared the same cultural upbringing. Prior to the Monkees not everyone may know that Micky Dolenz was the star of a little Saturday show called "Circus Boy". I was still a little girl but had a massive first crush on Micky at that time. Thanks Fil for bringing them back to view again and your kind appreciation of their work.

[@PaulAshley]

I watched that show, too! Noah Beery, Jr. was the adult lead.

[@ezrvs]

What high school?

[@churchofpos2279]

Late to the party, but if you want to hear how well they can sing, watch the video of them singing , RIu Chiu, in their Christmas special. They did it A Capella and is wonderful. Beautiful harmonies.

[@neishann1]

I was a young teenager when they were popular. They were real and did real songs. They may have been artificially put together for a tv-show, but they were musicians. They took the opportunity and ran with it. Mickey and Davey had very distinctive voices that couldn’t be faked.

[@auntiex5343]

I think some of the critics that called them fake were referring to the studio that recorded their early albums used studio musicians on the instruments instead of letting the boys play themselves. But all the studios had house musicians. Jimmy Hendrix was a studio musician (and he opened for the Monkees!)

[@lauraallen55]

They all could play instruments before the Monkees. Michael was more a singer-songwriter, Mickey had been in a band, Peter was a multi-instrumentalist and Davy had a hit song before the Monkees and was a multi-instrumentalist. Davy played the Artful Dodger in a stage play of Oliver Twist in London when he was 14, and that is definitely a singing role. Interesting harmonies with a Manchester accent and a Texas accent blending nicely. Davy's harmony was low and Mickey's was high by the way :) I saw a YT video a long while back showing all four of their auditions for the Monkees tv show. They were all pretty naturally funny.

[@seed_drill7135]

Davy Jones and the traveling cast for Oliver were on Ed Sullivan the same night as The Beatles debuted.

[@lauraallen55]

Yes, and I think that's when he decided to be a pop singer rather than theatrical!@@seed_drill7135

[@morbidmanmusic]

And still they didn't play on the records.... for a reason. Just saying. They sang and didn't write.

[@lauraallen55]

They didn't play on the first two records because Don Kirchner didn't want them to... that's the reason and not because they weren't able to.@@morbidmanmusic Oh, and they all wrote songs by the way.

[@jasondorsey7110]

​​@@morbidmanmusicThe expression "time is money" is especially true when you're talking about studio time

[@mimi-3212]

This sounded to me like a Nesmith composition, and apparently it is, which adds to his familiarity with it. Perfectly rendered by the guys and it fits into the folk music that was big at that time. Davy headlined a fund-raising concert here in the early 2000's which was a treat and a big hit. Stage presence in buckets! Thanks, Fil🎉

[@marshlanderdumarais264]

Thanks for recognising the great Michael Nesmith. Mike Nesmith was my favourite Monkee from the beginning. I feel very privileged to have seen them play at the Empire Pool in Wembley in 1967, the first pop concert I ever attended. Sadly that was their only live performance I managed to get to. Pity I couldn’t hear it as well 😊

[@luciusblackwood2640]

Most underrated band of all time. Yes, there were studio musicians involved but the reality is that you can say the same for most bands. They were very talented anyway you look at it. And those albums are fantastic.

[@DonnaleaSpencer]

I was a faithful viewer of their tv show. Davy's photo graced the cover of many a Tiger Beat Magazine. They were so popular. And yes, they could sing & the songs were really quite good.

[@holly7869]

Tiger Beat mag!!!

[@Elaine_Parhamovich]

@@holly7869 I'm sure I had every Tiger Beat with Davy on the cover. My bedroom was wallpapered with his picture.

[@craft-o-matic399]

Authentic talent, technique, and soulfulness! Love it! You don't find this now...

[@docsavage8640]

You do, just not on mainstream platforms/channels

[@craft-o-matic399]

I don't watch any mainstream programming. I don't own a television. I have my favorites from most all my life. If I happen on to newer artists, even if I thought they had talent, I wouldn't enjoy them, because I don't like the music itself.@@docsavage8640

[@dennisbishop3016]

Michael was a very skilled song writer. Too bad so many people think they are all talentless because the Monkees were a made for TV band.

[@craigplatel813]

Yes. He wrote different drum, and Joanne.

[@robinjones6999]

@@craigplatel813 Loose salute and different drum and magnetic south

[@tixximmi1]

They didn't write their music and didn't know how to play the instruments in the beginning. But they did forge a couple of good relationships. Zappa and Nesmith was one of them.

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

​@@tixximmi1😆 Michael Nesmith was already a performer before the Monkees.. iirc Peter Tork played banjo (but for TV he mimed on keyboards and bass)... To say none of them knew how to play is not true...

[@pfigen8350]

And not to mention that Nesmith pretty much invented the idea of the modern music video with his song Rio. There was a kiosk in the Odyssey Records store in Monterey that ran the Rio music video on continuous loop back then (late 70's). He had a production facility in Seaside, Ca. back then and I shot still on the Juice Newton "Love's Been a Little Bit Hard On Me" video and at one point sold Michael a lens when he came into the local camera store where I was working at the time.

[@GaryArmstrongmacgh]

The Monkees could actually harmonize. No autotune! And they could play instruments. And some even wrote pretty good songs. Especially Mike Nesmith.

[@DavidBeserock]

Look up "Riu Chiu"

[@lindsaymac01]

Thanks, Fil, great reaction. Michael was extremely talented. As well as "Joanne", he also wrote Linda Ronstadts "Different Drum". Other hits for the Mokees were, "Mary, Mary" [also covered by Paul Butterfireld'd Blues Band], "Listen to the Band", and a handful of others. Like all talented guitarists, the instrument is a part of them and they make playing it look easy...which takes a lot of practice.

[@kevincorkery6292]

In the mid 60’s I would watch their little musical show but never considered them real musicians. Only 10-20 years later have I realized that they immersed themselves into learning their instruments and becoming real professionals. So good for them and now I do respect and enjoy their music, especially what you have just shown. Thank you Fil!!

[@lauraallen55]

Davy and Peter were multi-instrumentalists long before the Monkees....

[@ivannovotny4552]

😮The Monkees were one of the kind. All talented musicians with a lot of monster hits. Thanks Fil for sharing, much appreciated.

[@marilynsheffield612]

Fil what I love about your analysis is not only can you "talk the talk you can walk the walk." :))) ❤👏

[@cycologist7069]

As you know, Mike (and Peter) were actual musicians. Mike specifically was an aspiring singer/songwriter (he wrote Different Drum) before even auditioning for The Monkees. This particular song he wrote and had already recorded with his post Monkees band First National Band. So really it’s interesting to perform this live with Mickey and Davey when it was not meant to be a Monkees song.

[@GuitarLessonsBobbyCrispy]

The Stone Poneys biggest hit 'A Different Drum' was written by Mike Nesmith for The Monkees TV show, but it was turned down. It think that give Nesmith and the 'fake' Monkees more credibility.

[@Morrkevi1963]

Michael Nesmith was a true song writer and singer . He also had his own band First National Band ! Songs Rio , Silver Moon , Joanne etc

[@jinjocat]

The video for Rio is hilarious. Check it out, people!

[@judyrichards8365]

Silver Moon is such a gorgeous song. I was going to mention it myself!

[@Smannellites]

He wrote 'Different Drum', one of Linda Ronstadt's earliest hits.

[@sewing1243]

I believe the people in Hollywood's plan in casting a show about a rock band was to find actors that could perform music. Davy Jones and Mickie Dolenz were both actors that met that requirement. With Michael (and also Peter Tork) they got a musician that could act.

[@xxjuiciixx]

everyone in the world should hear the song Mama Nantucket!!!!! best song in the world!!!

[@pjesf]

To me it matters not that they were a prefab boy band; they were entertaining and their version of “Im a Believer” is timeless 👍🏻

[@lauraallen55]

Prefab or not they all were accomplished musicians before the Monkees!

[@Dusk1962]

@@lauraallen55absolutely

[@mardyroux8136]

The Monkees' version of I'm a Believer is the original.

[@lauraallen55]

It's a cover. Songs are considered covers if no one in the band wrote the song. In this case Neil Diamond wrote the song, so it is not an original by the Monkees.@@mardyroux8136

[@OhJodi69]

Their recording of "I'm a Believer" is the original, not a version of it.

[@docsavage8640]

Always loved Nesmith's contributions. His first bunch of solo records were fantastic.

[@PaulAshley]

Mike was a pioneer in music videos, too.

[@byronw8861]

Thank you Fil, I grew up watching the Monkees television show back in the day. They definitely were a great group of musicians! ❤

[@susanmacdonald4288]

There's a video here on KZbin of the four guys singing Riu Riu Chiu...it's just them, no instruments, and it's wonderful. These guys were amazing.

[@mariannewells548]

I absolutely love that. Mickey did so well

[@supasoulproductions]

I really love to see The Monkees getting their flowers. Their story is pretty amazing! All the haters they had to deal with, and still kept on going as the real deal. I get a kick out of the fact that they were actually able to get Don Kirshner 'fired' from being in charge of The Monkees money making machine, and carried on as a real band. Kirshner got the last laugh, I guess, since he made sure his next fictional band couldn't do the same, since it was cartoon band The Archies. Another successful money making machine. I remember getting their single 'Jingle Jangle' literally on the back of a box of cereal. What a marketing machine!

[@jeandiatasmith4512]

No dissing The Archies! My 4 yr old self thought they were THE best! The Monkees are my favorite band of all time. But The Archies have their spot too. LOL

[@ahcapella]

@@jeandiatasmith4512 Good thing Jughead Jones had such a high metabolism. Few people could eat as many hamburgers as he and still be able to squeeze behind a drum kit!

[@white.lodge.dale.cooper]

Nine Times Blue is one of my all time favorite songs. And The Monkees broke up before I was even born. An older dude turned me on to Nesmith's solo albums years later and some of those tunes are absolutely gorgeous.

[@chthoniapodcast]

The Monkees were awesome. I've seen some of their audition reels, and I do recall that they initially had session musicians on the first album that was recorded, but insisted on taking over artistic control if they were expected to appear live as a real band, especially when their album became a hit. They have SO many good songs, and not just the ones written for them. Good analysis, and a few good unintended puns. ;)

[@andreaschmall5560]

Each Monkee was super talented and there chemistry was incredible. Define "fake". Just because studio execs put them together, that did not detract from their musicianship. Davy Jones and Mickey Dolenz both had show biz careers from childhood on.

[@janetbarnett4668]

I can't get enough of this performance. Truly wonderful stuff!

[@punchylarue4619]

thankyou for validating my Love for this band. I absolutely love them, especially their lesser known songs. These guys fought tooth and nail to play their own instruments on tour. They did come together as a fake band but ended up becoming a real one.

[@Elaine_Parhamovich]

I am SO glad to see you doing an analysis on this performance in particular! I've read so many great backstories about their appearance on the Johnny Cash show. Some of the best came from Johnny having them out to his farm to visit.

[@denicedews8854]

Also, Michael was a songwriter. He wrote "Different Drum" that Linda Ronstadt sang.

[@pamelahall517]

I love that you did this. I have always held that the Monkees were four very talented guys. Can you imagine pulling off such great stuff while working full time on a TV show? Or by hardly knowing each other? ( Though by this performance the show was over). I am so glad you are giving them respect. They sure deserve it.

[@timduch1]

Thank you, Fil, for this in-depth analysis of Mike's playing. I joined an online group a couple of years ago and learned so much about them from people who worked with them. Some of the comments on here show that some folks haven't quite got the whole story. Of course, I am no Monkees scholar - there are such people - even dissertations have been written on them and the methods of communication and production that were introduced through the show and music performances. As you probably know, Davy also played drums (and was nominated for the Tony for his performance on Broadway in Oliver), and Micky played guitar and had a band while in university (while also a child actor). They moved Davy out in front because he was so small behind the kit. Since they never played together until the show, that took time to switch instruments and relearn. Miky learned the drums on the job, as it were for their concerts, so it's really a testament to their talent that they could mix it up and interchangeably sing and play. Of course, Mike had been performing and writing music for years and Peter was well known in The VIllage scene and was something of a child prodigy on multiple instruments. The Wrecking Crew worked on many recordings for bands including, the Beach Boys, but they had been rehearsing nights after a day of filming, knowing they wanted to play for themselves. When The Monkees decided to tour they had to ramp it up - Mike and Peter apparently were appalled at their initial performances since they had performed with other bands and knew what they "should" sound like. I believe it was Mike that remarked the screaming teenage girls helped hide any mistakes they made early on before they really gelled. Anyway I appreciate your video and the fact that you take them seriously - I think they combined real talent with some humor that kept them going for as long as they could have with all the challenges they faced inside and outside the entertainment and music industry.

[@SandyMcMasters]

Thanks for this. They were great and their music has endured. I saw Davy Jones a couple of years before he passed, was absolutely wonderful. May Davy, Mike ( a great songwriter) and Peter all RIP🕯💕

[@pamiam7511]

As a fairly typical teenybopper in the late sixties, we loved the Monkees. At age 13 loved the show and their music. They were in the same category as Herman’s Hermits. Moving into the seventies my group moved more into the Stones and Zeppelin and other “hard” rock groups. But I still love Last train to Clarksville ❤

[@digitalnomad9985]

"Last Train to Clarksville" Beauty, virtuosity, pathos, imagery, and social relevance in a non-partizan way.

[@Ozzcaddy]

The Monkees brought fun, joy and happiness into family homes through their TV show and music. Whether they were fake, real, fictional or whatever, they were entertainers. I was more aware of Micky Dolenz (drummer) when he appeared in the 1950's TV Show Circus Boy as Corky.

[@kenkvaale12]

Michael Nesmith proved his musicianship and writing ability with his solo albums after the Monkees went their way ...

[@Zartan11]

After I'd been playing guitar - mostly folk-style - for a while, I learned how hard it is to sing while playing anything difficult. As a result, I "dialed back" my guitar playing whenever I was also singing. The guitar technique here isn't super difficult, but it's challenging enough that it could easily throw off the singing. The only way around that is to practice everything so much that it feels automatic... and that's professional musicianship!