Michael Nesmith, Nov. 23, Different Drum

Michael Nesmith performs Different Drum. Nov. 23, 2013 at Chicago's City Winery. The clip started with Michael saying a friend asked how songs come to him, especially the previous song (Tomorrow and Me). He said the question is impossible to answer.

[@susanprather9451]

Rip to someone who will be forever young in my permanent, teenaged heart.

[@artieedwards]

I couldn't have said it better! ♥

[@benstranko1584]

The Songwriter at the end of his life caressing and coloring his beautiful song. Compelling and inspiring

[@cherihalda7168]

I don't think Mike realized how much of an impact The Monkees made to our generation. Maybe he did realize it, but at the end. RIP Michael.

[@elmobolan4274]

I think he always knew and loved his fan's but life got in the way, at times..Viva La Monkees!!!

[@iowa61]

The realization-and appreciation-grew in him over time.

[@spiritnme7772]

He was so busy in His life! When Davy died it brought up the level of running out of time to embrace the Monkees earlier part of Mike's life as a Monkees!

[@spiritnme7772]

I am finding out how extensive Mike's ability in making albums! Amazing is putting it mildly!

[@alepryor]

RIP Michael Nesmith. Such a wonderfully talented man, who contributed so much! You will be missed!!!!

[@richardclegg5853]

The man surely knew how to write a beautiful song...

[@beatlefancraig67]

Great great great song, so different to Linda Ronstandt's Stone Poneys version but then again THIS was the definitive rendition from the man who wrote the song in the first place... Mike Nesmith. Rest in peace.🙏🎶🎸

[@cherylfrederick7228]

I must've played this song 12 times last night. It ran through my head as I lay my head on my pillow. Such a bittersweet song. You are excellent Mr. Nesmith. Heaven gained an angel. You weren't appreciated enough here on earth. You were so talented.

[@silva7493]

I just today learned this excellent song began in the mind of this man. And now, perhaps I've heard it sound more like it was intended to sound when it was new. Thank you for all the music, Michael Nesmith. Godspeed to you.

[@arexec1]

There is video of him singing this live in 1992. I think you would enjoy that to.

[@silva7493]

@@arexec1 Yes, perfect, I knew there had to be one like this! I just needed the help finding it. That's very nice, thank you.

[@georgedobbs2860]

Great arrangement, but actually, he's done it a couple of different ways over the years. Acoustic duo on "And the Hits Just Keep on Comin'"" --and he tried with a full band a few years earlier for "Loose Salute" but I don't think it made the album. Check them out --they are also great versions! Band version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqHIfXlthdKjp6c Acoustic version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYO2oqp3lMakZ8k

[@silva7493]

@@georgedobbs2860 Yes indeed, they are both great versions. And I'm glad the comments weren't turned off on this video like they are on those two! Thank you, sir.

[@SamuelSanchez-dj6cb]

Powerful

[@blaws6684]

He could never tell a story without painting the scenery behind it first Word smith master and now he too is gone. Bless you Robert Michael. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.

[@rockinrobb4350]

So sad to hear of the passing of Michael Nesmith today! I was /am a fan of the Monkees since they came on the scene when i was a 15 year old teen. I can't say he was my favorite at first he seemed to be the opposite of the others as he always seemed to be the serious one. But he grew on me as the shows progressed mostly because of his writing and singing and to think he was a an established musician when he started the show. Great talent and me being from Texas always loved his Texas Drawl. RIP Mike join Peter and Davey and go reminisce about the good ol days! We will all miss you and your mischievous smile! Long Live The MONKEES!!

[@phogue1]

What a hero you have been to so many. Rest in peace.

[@stacyflood4319]

Simply breathtaking. RIP Nez💔😥

[@antonioruiz9461]

Great rendition. I see comments in here comparing this to Linda's. Two different vibes. Linda was singing a song, Mike was telling a story passionately.

[@alepryor]

Well said!!!

[@crabbypanda]

Well stated. It's a testament to his songwriting that this song has so many possibilities and layers depending on interpretation. Susannah Hoffs does a great cover of it. It's a great song.

[@joezop]

its the original not rendition, he wrote the song..

[@GetRidOfCivilAssetForfeiture]

Michael has performed this song differently at various times to show how universal it is. Linda Rondstadt sang it from a female perspective, telling a story at a time when women were finally being able to empower themselves. This song alone should have got him into the Rock and Roll HOF.

[@joeramirez7911]

Linda put the song on the entire map.

[@ivangranger8494]

Thank You Mike, for all the music you gave us and the smiles. You are on to your next journey, and those that loved you. God Bless. ✨🕊✨

[@1401minstrel]

Rest in peace, Mike Nesmith, and kudos for reimagining your own song.

[@spiritnme7772]

You close your eyes and listen to Mike he is ageless! His voice is just so wonderful! You need to sing again and again to keep it in good condition! Just Love You, Mike,!

[@johnmehaffey9953]

The writer of the song always sings it the way he heard it in his head before it hit the page

[@Hapi2B]

I’ve loved this song since I was little. After hearing his story I have a new love for this song. I’m glad I happened upon his video ❤️

[@allenandlucia]

My personal favorite musician, I have been listening to Michael Nesmith since 1967. I was fortunate to have seen him live five times, all with the Monkees, in Hampton in 2014 and then in Medford, Albany, Long Island, and New York City in 2019. I was also glad that he played both his Monkees hits and several of his FNB classics as well, including Some of Shelly's Blues, Joanne, and Different Drum. I also loved the story telling and the different arrangements. I could put the record on anytime, so it is always nice to hear a different rendition.

[@fredievinson7944]

Such a beautiful rendition.....

[@thetonyshiftonrockrollmorn5785]

Underrated, underestimated singer songwriter. I find myself listening to a lot of his Monkee Songs also

[@glennhfriedman4571]

bullshit .. Mike was highly respected and honored by millions .

[@in2livinit]

Amazing, you can close you eyes, and Michael's voice sounds exactly as he did in the 60's. Rest in Peace Nez

[@David-sk9vv]

R.I.P Papa Nez, we love you Michael. Thank you for everything... you made the difference. R.I.P

[@evis7]

Your beautiful song Joanne years later made me aware of your unmistakable talent. The more I dig the more I find just how thoughtful , funny and confident you present yourself enjoying the moment. Thanks for bringing me back to my own guitar and for making me want to write and share my own story. Terrific influence and love your voice and who you are

[@joanneliverani3311]

Thanks Michael for being a part of my youth. Rest In Peace!

[@MearasRex]

Two completely different songs and they're both beautiful.

[@anitakeeler2841]

I found a ticket on my phone that was for the Monkees concert that I saw at the Majestic Theater in Dallas on Thursday April 16th, 2020 at 8 pm. I got to see Mike Nesmith and Micky Dolenz :-)

[@Bruce-1956]

RIP Mike. Thanks for the music and the memories.

[@MrSpankee02]

I just learned now that Mike wrote this song. Just one more reason to love this guy.

[@thomasfoss9963]

Boyce and Hart, Carole King, and Neil Diamond wrote most of the Monkees hits, while Mike wrote the rest.... I personally love Linda Ronstadts version of Different Drum, even tho the Stone Poneys destroyed the music on the original version..... Don Kirshner of Colgems wouldn't allow half the Monkees originals on their albums....

[@devonrains6580]

Miss you already. Will never forget you, The Monkees, Different Drum or Joanne.

[@rickn.backer1087]

Amazing articulate man. I've been blessed to have known and worked with them on several occasions. Thanks Mr. N. God Bless!

[@douglaslippertindy]

Thank you, Mike for this song and for this unique twist on your song. Great job.

[@jonniiinferno9098]

Rest in Peace Michael - you are and will be missed....

[@gabrielmesquita5266]

Nice gift for Linda!!! I feeling good listening with him too ...

[@debrahubbard763]

Met him on the beach in Isle of Palms, SC. Ran smack into Mike, coming out of a restaurant, while I was running after my misbehaving daughter! I apologized, he was completely, charmingly gracious!

[@debrahubbard763]

He was with author Pat Conroy, and musician Jimmy Buffett!!!!! Three of my favorite people, and I was so busy getting my kid, that I only realized it afterwards!

[@alepryor]

wow what an amazing rendition of his song! love it. Michael Nesmith is such a talented man!

[@tanyagarcia2136]

I'm missin' Papa Nez and that wonderful smile. RIP love.

[@teachercharlesamericanengl2098]

Never heard the story behind the song. It makes a difference.

[@robertgandler3177]

Michael Nesmith was great composer and lyricist as well as good person!

[@alepryor]

Love the way he sets the scene of the song. Makes it much more relatable and gives it such a deeper meaning. You are missed Nez!

[@ianmcdougall1654]

He’s just the BEST!

[@tommytee8387]

Bless you Michael and Thank you…

[@tomberlied7260]

Thank you for just being you. R.I.P.

[@skymorning8249]

Thanks for the wonderful music Mike. You will be missed.

[@rockinrobb4350]

I have always loved two particular songs by Nez ever since I first heard them. One is this one ‘’Different Drum’’ and the other is ‘’Some of Shelley’s Blues’’. Now after hearing him tell the story of the couple sitting at a cafe and talking to each other I finally connected the two songs! Here’s my proposal for the connection. You have to know and understand the lyrics to connect them. I propose that Different Drum is the mans side of his feelings/story and Some of Shelley’s Blues is the woman’s side of her feelings/story. Like I said it’s jus my proposal. But I ask that you listen to Mike explain the mans side In Different Drum and you read the lyrics to Shelley’s Blues and see what you think. Once more this is some of the Nezs finest writings and I don’t know if he even thought this out but these are two of my all time classics!! I could listen to them all day long!! Thank you Robert Michael Nesmith ! RIP Nez and thank you for allowing and entertaining a 14 yo kid to grow up with you and your tv brothers! Long live the Monkees!

[@mikeschofield4319]

Can imagine Bob Dylan may have wrote this. That's a real compliment to Mr Nesmith and his song writing ability

[@anitakeeler2841]

I emailed Micky Dolenz in December and told him that I really enjoyed getting to see him and Mike Nesmith at the Texas Trust CU theater in October.

[@smrtazur2]

Miss him. Thank God for video

[@ThePandora622]

I loved him. I think it’s okay to say that Linda Ronstadt was gifted by MN by this song. She’s having a hard time in her health too. 💔😩. Ps. Neil Diamond (diagnosed with Alzheimer’s) wrote “I’m a Believer “.

[@artieedwards]

Absolutely beautiful! RIP, beautiful Mike Nesmith, and thank you for a wonderful life of music!

[@sarahperry7431]

Great singer and song writer

[@moniquethomas3610]

Nesmith sounds so much like a Texan crooner. Good stuff!

[@JaimeMesChiens]

Well, he kinda was 💔 Fine, fine gentle, generous, talented, humble man. He will be sadly missed.

[@alanbone5512]

The lyrics of this song mean so much to s o many people , for me its about real love , to be able to love and let go because you love that other person so much , its like loving a caged bird . The bird would be happy to stay sacrificing it's freedom because it loves you so much , but if you really love that bird then you must set it free , to live , love and be happy , that is real. Love , to be able to recognise when to let go , at great sacrifice to yourself ,love is for the other persons happiness not yours for selfish reasons ,,,real love , a higher form which will always be there for that other person , to love for the other persons happiness that they can possibly attain , real love god bless mike , well written song , and emotion , we all thank him with great love for this song ,

[@justsaying9483]

It's amazing how time changes a person

[@sgrant39]

Like any truly great song, it can be played by many artists in many ways. And they can all be good. My favorite comment by Mike on this polished gem (he added the third verse late) was that it was the original « It’s me not you »song.

[@eileenmaryomalley740]

Huge talent genius really .

[@57highland]

A world of respect and admiration to Mike for writing this gem but Linda Ronstadt did it more perfectly than anyone else could ever hope to.

[@stevewaterworth5176]

One of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard, God bless Mr Nesbitt❤❤❤❤❤.

[@patriciacurnutt8257]

I. love. all. his music. thanks. for. his. music. you. put. on. he's my. favorite. Monkee. now

[@jimstreff4336]

Linda Ronstadt was singing this on the radio and the girl I was in love with it was singing along and I know she was singing to me. It sounded a lot different.

[@DrVonChilla]

MIchael Nesmith LIVES...!!!!

[@charleskritz2417]

Very Touching

[@jimharkins6257]

Fantastic rendition, Nez. One of the best.

[@dizzypilots2639]

My favorite Monkee…RIP Michael

[@edwardwormuth7000]

Thank you, Michael Nesmith, I have a new respect for you

[@Longtack55]

He's a lovely man.

[@BeatlesGirlKaren]

Rest in peace dear Nez

[@bobbup]

To those bagging on this version, find the original he did with the Monkee's, you will see that she copied his arrangement and that he DOES know how to do it the way you prefer. It always was my favorite Monkee's song

[@st.charlesstreet9876]

Excellent song, didn’t realize what a great artist you really were. MGBY Michael ❤

[@elcidx25]

Michael Nesmith, best known as a member of the 1960s music group The Monkees. “Nez,” as he was affectionately known, died of a heart attack at his home in Carmel Valley. He was 78.

[@mikelast7918]

well done....its gorgeous

[@eileenlester4342]

RIP Mike 🙏💜🙏

[@brianboothby1376]

Cool,he wrote it for Lynda Ronstadt, (she's amazing) and the stone ponys, he does a good job with his own song.... Memories....

[@DavidEVogel]

"And the Hits Just Keep on Comin’ " from 1972 truly inspired.

[@joemedley195]

I found this vid a year ago and assumed he was covering this. I just learned that he wrote this. It’s the famous version that’s the cover.

[@charlescarney2857]

So lovely and touching. RIP Mike.

[@jonhart-dj7fn]

really was so talented Mike from the hey hey it's the Monkees I enjoyed as a kid ,,wonderful man Rip Micheal

[@scopex2749]

I adored the Monkees and each time we lose of them - to me - is like losing a brother. Truly heartbroken we have lost this wonderful singer songwriter and one of the loveliest people you can ever see. I expect Pete and Davey will be whooping it up there in paradise with ya'll bro. Mind you - they may all l have traveled to RIO!🥲👏👏👏 RIP Bless you Mikey.💔

[@robertkern9683]

Beautiful song

[@johnnyp8979]

Oh, WOW...! What a song, what a story. To me, beautiful ❤️ always but this by the originator... Amazing. !

[@sambradley1968]

Such a talented man.

[@creightonfreeman8059]

Wow! It was written as a waltz!

[@TGarai]

RIP Michael Nesmith.

[@jodieroberts7882]

I love the French flair in the song!

[@user-qe7ds2bm1f]

MICHAELがモンキーズ結成前の若い頃に書いた名曲。different ドラム❤

[@MrRTFirefly]

Wonderful........

[@jamesdamico9284]

Wow. Just recently found out he wrote his. Amazing totally different version

[@joannegee1650]

Papa Nez - I will always love you - never will I forget you my friend and songbird.

[@mikelopergolo7680]

Great version Mike. Really like it, very unique arrangement.

[@kings-bay-2902]

What an increadbile musician ! Those who listens to his music know , those who did not missed out

[@rickingamells1078]

Awesome thanks.

[@theexmann]

I wonder if Linda and Michael have discussed this song all these years later. Would love to be a fly on the wall if they did.

[@denisehoward177]

Me too! My 2 favorite singers.

[@scottshea4681]

Neat arrangement. My dream was always to hear him sing it in the Stone Poneys' arrangement but I knew he'd never do it. It's not his.

[@Mark-kj1lf]

Pure wonderfulness!!

[@michpackfan]

he's a good writer

[@scottbarker2737]

You kno he didn't write this, right ? It is an amazing cover though, I like it better than org. !

[@ursamajr]

@@scottbarker2737 please do your research, he did in fact write "Different Drum".

[@56rosewood]

Brilliant!

[@tomdomer]

I simply LOVE reading these memories of how Nez positively affected so many lives. I didn't know that he wrote this song until I watched a video about the group of musicians who lived in Laurel Canyon in the mid to late sixties. I don't think that Nez lived there, but Pete did (his roommate was Stephen Stills. Thank you all for commenting. RIP NEZ.

[@theexmann]

Kind of ironic or prescient that Linda Ronstadt ended up living her life by the ethos of this song to a great extent. I wonder if she knew that her first hit, Different Drum, would be her life ethos. She never married though she did adopt two kids late in life.

[@ianstewart-koster9982]

I know he wrote it, but I can't escape from hearing Linda Ronstadt's version to these words!

[@cosmicmauve]

I know what you mean, but I can separate the two now after a few listens, plus he has another verse that Linda doesn't sing, and it gives it a different twist. I like his arrangement, plus I hear the Michael voice from The Monkeys that I used to watch and love so much. Mike has a very unique kind of voice and phrasing.

[@debihofmann4741]

Ian Stewart-Koster Linda did an rendition of hie amazing song

[@FlamingoKicker]

Well, that's a different way to think about this song after listening to the Stone Ponys version for all these decades and the woman is rejecting the man. Since he wrote it I guess he knows better what he intended.