Michael Nesmith Q & A at Monkees Convention

Michael Nesmith does a Q & A during the 2014 Monkees Convention along with Rachel Rosenfelt Publisher and Editor of The New Inquiry magazine and another The New Inquiry editor Rob Horning.

[@lady8note]

All his mannerisms are still all there people - just watch. The facial expressions, the voice - of course -, the hand movements , eyes, the laughter. Age has not changed him in the least.

[@redsonja2291]

+Carolyn McCanna I know right! I wanna marry him so bad right now, and of course I would have signed that thing.. So then no one would need to worry. And I don't like being in the public either so I am no fame w*ore either.

[@lady8note]

I am not into the whole fame thing either. What celebrities go through now. Always having to be "on" all the time. No privacy at all. I can understand why he did not want to be in it.

[@redsonja2291]

Carolyn McCanna Yes it's very understandable. But I do like how he has been real, and not fake. Even though people mistake that for being arrogant. And even if it was arrogancy, he still isn't a bad guy. He is just awesome, hehe.

[@emmc9898]

Most people are unaware of how influential he was as an early pioneer of the country-rock sound. His First National Band material is criminally underrated. IMO.

[@AnnusMirabilus]

His quotes about The Eagles kill me. He was like, "I was combining rock and country before them--why didn't they notice me?"

[@brachio1000]

My gosh, is Mike Nesmith really this old? My God, does that mean I've gotten old? There must be some mistake.

[@Captainkeys88]

Settle down Mrs. Nesmith, eveything will be OK.

[@jedi1967]

when you let your self go you let yourself go

[@k.a.wippel131]

He may have gotten older. However he is STILL Papa Nez!!!😎

[@cherylhulting1301]

Guys, he's 78 now. We all age. He sounds great and I'm glad he's still with us.

[@Playitstraight44]

Fascinating man. Very enjoyable Q& A. It's so nice to see someone who rose to fame at an early age and managed it well throughout their life. Nicely grounded individual.

[@crankyerma]

Pretty sure Nez should be getting a residual every time a guy wears a ski cap in Los Angeles.

[@chevyblue10]

Mike said he doesn't know what it's like to be a Monkee fan. I do. It's the whole package. The fact that they were a manufactured band...the fact that they were belittled because of that...but the fact that the music was so great and the bond became true...The Monkees really were real! Its like believing in Santa Claus and at the same time knowing it's impossible for him to be real but then you and a large group of similar, seemingly insane ppl, (us fans), witnessing his existence in an undeniable way...and holding on to that truth, DEFENDING what you know is real through the years in spite of the never ending ridicule and seeing your group of like-minded believers, (us fans), grow and grow in direct proportion to the intensity of attacks. The Monkees were 4 boys who fell into something they never expected. 4 young ppl who didn't know each other, 4 unique, still untarnished young men who met for the purpose of pretending to be a band and then unexpectedly becoming the band they were pretending to be...and making great music that made that truth undeniable to us believers (fans?). Even if they themselves didn't believe, we did, and it turns out that we were the ones that were right! And along the way, The Monkees, maybe one by one, realized what we always knew...Mike being the last one to come to that realization. I don't know which Monkee said it, (but history proves they all felt the same), but one said, "The Monkees will always be these same 4 guys." And from beginning to now, (with only 1 Monkee left), no matter who quit, no matter who walked away, they never named a replacement. They never added a member, they never subtracted a member. The Monkees always were Peter, Mike, Davy and Micky. And now, it's for sure they always will be. The Monkees forever. They are really real. They really were all talented musicians. They really became one of the greatest bands in music history. It's undeniable now and yet there are still plenty of haters, still calling them a fake band, smh. The last truth I want to say, The Monkees, (no matter whose song they performed), gave us a deep longing for the fun in life like no other band could give. That's why, for me, deep within, The Monkees have been my favorite band for over 50 years now. I think that's true for a lot of us "Monkee fans". I think Mike died having finally understood what it means to be a fan. RIP Papa Nez. ML&R. Monkeemen forever!

[@spiritnme7772]

I believe you are correct and I believe in what Mike says about it being a spiritual reality for us to carry all of the emotions from then and to the now! ❤️😊💝

[@bluecarob]

Always liked Mike Nesmith always a class act.

[@csotack]

Who gives a rip about what Rachel and Rob think ?? -- this was supposed to be with Mike -- about Mike -- they took up WAY too much time talking about themselves!

[@megbenham]

Agreed!

[@linndaj65]

Coundn't agree more. I got so sick of both of them especially Rob. All I wanted to hear was Mike. The whole discussion was just stupid and a waste of Q&A time.

[@countrybombshell9009]

Still have a HUGE crush on Mike! Such an amazing man!

[@brachio1000]

People talk about the Monkees being socially insignificant. As a kid, though, seeing how the show affected my schoolmates, I thought its Marx Brothers-like anarchy was rather rebellious, and the song "Pleasant Valley Sunday" seemed quite subversive to me. I still think so. Any piece of art or entertainment's profundity lies to a large degree in the eye of the beholder.

[@koalasarah]

Thanks for posting this. I was at the convention Sat. & Sun. but not Friday. I missed Nesmith's Q&A, but I met him and got his autograph on Sat. Three hours in line!

[@davidgerard4369]

I realize these moderators are fans of Nesmith and the band, but their embarrassingly pathetic discourse on "HEAD" was one of the stupidest parts of this interview. They both sound like preteens, and not adults. I would've given her thesis a "D" based on her feeble observations. "HEAD" was a phantasmagoric mess - it was also light years ahead of its time: art and commerce, the packaging of celebrity, the immersion in popular culture to the detriment of what is going on around us (remember, this film was released during the Vietnam war)and the yearning for personal freedom and enlightenment ("Wanting to feel, to know what is real" - from "Porpoise Song"). It didn't merely lampoon and attempt to eviscerate the myth created by the tv series, it had a better grasp on the time in which the movie resided than most political analysts. Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson were counter-cultural terrorists, very socially conscious, and very pissed off with what their generation was witnessing. You can see their input in the kaleidoscopic editing and juxtaposition of imagery, the majestic beauty of "As We Go Along" against the hedonistic orgy of "Do I Have To Do This All Over Again?", etc etc. Nesmith is his usual irreverent but gracious self as guest, and manages to bring in some insights amidst all the star-struck fandom and sycophancy.

[@TheMjphoto45]

Thank you Michael for doing this interview.

[@ColonelMarcellus]

Do you know: Michael Nesmith's mother invented "Liquid Paper". She would cook it up in her kitchen and eventually sold it to some company for big bucks. She earned her pay!

[@rexmundi2237]

Great interview Mr Nesmith. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and humour.

[@wyattandjosie]

Could the interviewer ramble on any longer. I turned on the TV one day in the 60`s and the Monkees were on. I was hooked.

[@marilynanthony4727]

me too...my cousin and I had a field day making fun of Mike! We loved Davy

[@kinzmaven]

Highly clear minded thinking from a highly psychedelic era. Need to hear more from people like this, those who see what's possible.

[@bigdaddykewl1]

l love papa Nez!

[@bropous4265]

I just loved The Monkees' music before I saw the show, and I was a VERY wee lad when I did. It is a funny show, but lordy me, without the music, it would have gone nowhere. And then, later on, Mike's "Elephant Parts" made a huge impact. I had no idea until this very day that he was involved in the conceptualization of MTV (the REALLY good MTV of the early years, before wit went to utter and toal and unmitigated shit). The guy and girl on stage strike me as overly-affectuated snots. Blah, blah, blah, I am so important, blah blah blah. But Mike strikes me, and has ALWAYS struck me, as a total Mensch. Just a good guy with an incredible talent and just a decent fellow. So, thank you, Michael. THANK you.

[@dubuqueblues69]

Thanks for posting this video!!! My only complaint is that I wish the whole interview was Nez. I care less about what the other 2 think. Maybe I'm jealous because I'm a life long fan and I feel like I would have asked some important questions rather than analyzing Head....but it's all great. Nesmith is wonderful. What a guy.

[@FrankiesFancy]

Where are all the original Monkee's fans from the 60s? Am I the only one left? I'm glad to actually have the opportunity to hear from Mike in person (so to speak) rather than the PR "white washed" carefully edited interviews in Tiger Beat back in the day but all of this over evaluation does my head in. I just enjoyed the Monkee's as a group and the fun that the guys brought to my world.

[@michaelhampton9493]

Hi FrankiesFancy no you're not the only Monkees fan from the60's .I'm a fan from the 60's . I first saw them live at Wembley in 1967 and once again in 1997 at Bournemouth. I'm 64 now and still love listening to them. Regards Mike

[@Strawn149]

I was. It was in the 80,s when II was a little girl. I got to see them at Six Flag's NJ.

[@ldchappell1]

The Monkees TV show wasn't even on for 3 years. It first aired in December 1965 and was cancelled in April 1968. By the time The Beatles broke up nobody was listening to The Monkees anymore. I can't remember anybody ever mentioning The Monkees in the 1970s. My friends used to tease me because I was still listening to The Beatles in 1974. They used to say "Aw man get WITH it! Nobody cares about that love hippy dippy stuff anymore!. You need to listen to Santana or Chicago" I think The Beatles are 20 times more popular now than they were in the 70s. There is also probably more Monkees fans now then there were in the sixties. I don't remember anybody ever discussing them as anything other than a faux Beatles bubble gum group. I think they appealing these days because everything else is so crappy.

[@rowannadarkwolf]

I fell for them in the '70's at a time in my life where things were really hard and I needed hope more than anything at all. I found it in the form of a TV show about 4 friends who made music and looked out for each other the way a family was supposed to and a song called "Papa Gene's Blues". I've been a fan of the Monkees as a whole and Michael Nesmith in particular ever since.

[@marilynanthony4727]

My name is Joyce...I'm 62...born in 1956. Became a Monkee fan in fall of 1966 as a ten year old. Loved them till 1969 (then found out that Davy was married & cried & cried). Still love them after all these years.

[@MrUfojunkiedavid]

Mikes a riot

[@redsonja2291]

The way I got into the Monkees was kind of strange, but I was watching the I'm a Believer video, and I thought Davy's dancing or the way he moved were so weird to watch and I just had to see him in other videos, and then I found the TV-series, and I was like aw this is so cute and weird. I love weird stuff! At first it was Davy that caught my eye, but listening to Mike's lyrics just drew me to him, and I had to hear more, and that's how I got into his solo music, which is amazing, I just love it so much, and because of that I got into Michael watching him talk and things like that, and I just can't get enough, he is so interesting and he fascinates me on a whole other level.

[@jv-ep2tc]

+Zappa Victoria Ah...Mike's lyrics......and now with you as inspiration I look toward a destination sunny bright that once before was blue. I had no more than I did before but now I've got all that I need. For I love you and I know you love me.....Papa Gene's Blues I think its called.

[@ronshort968]

red

[@freyahauer3240]

he's still the same mike.

[@jamesbridgewater5582]

Michael Nesmith was not only a great songwriter but a wonderful, inteligent and insightful man.Though I miss him he will always be in my heart and mind.

[@olhole]

Nez rules.

[@buickmclean8163]

12/12/2021 Sad news Mr. Nesmith has passed. Being 60 years old , he has been there all my life. I would watch ' The Monkeys ' when I came from home School. For many of us we bonded with these T.V characters as our family , because without them , we did't have anybody

[@candaceserviss1825]

Still the handsome guy I remembered...

[@MidnightMinstrel]

I am more of a fan of the stuff he did after the Monkees tbh...I was a bit young when they came out and they kind of just passed me by...besides, here in the UK the Beatles were very Dominent. but I got into Nez's stuff in the 70's big time and I have followed him ever since, the likes of Magnetic South, Loose Salute and Nevada Fighter are my early life sound tracks, but my Fav. 2 albums are Tantamount to Treason...and..Pretty Much Your Standard Ranch Stash.

[@filmguymike]

What a shame, 33 minutes, and we barely get to hear Michael Nesmith. There is far too much rambling by a couple of people stealing the moment for self aggrandizement. I actually came to this post wanting to hear Michael answering questions asked to him.

[@filmguymike]

Etta James You're right, Sorry I was so negative, I was actually glad to be able to hear anything he had to say

[@janetcarlson31]

Etta James yeah, but filmguymike has a good point, he was even supposed to take some questions from the audience, and didn't even get too, every time he spoke, they seemed to feel the need to elaborate, especially the girl. Now my questions would probably be considered silly by many. But I would love to know if he still had his wool cap, and what his fav Monkee song was, and what he thought of todays music, and the prefabricated bands of today, like n'sync, backstreet boys, O town,et. But I did notice him look at his watch at the 30 minute mark, so don't know if he wanted outta there, or had another appointment.

[@entercontainment]

i loved the Beatles. But I became a guitarist because of Mike. I just loved how cool but normal he was

[@poverty57]

The screen test for The Monkees where he was asked what do you do and he answered," I'm a failure". That totally freed me as a kid. When I saw Repo Man as a film student, I left the theater with that same feeling...

[@jeffwilliams6633]

I LIKE MIKE!!!

[@wesleystewart896]

I watched the show to hear the music and to look at Mikes white 12 string guitar.loved hearing it being played.

[@TurnerLaraine]

In regards to the sign in the Monkees' fictional "rental," (their rental-beach house)--the sign, I believe, said "Money is the root of all evil." But to correct it, the Scripture actually says (in 1 Timothy 6:10) - "The LOVE of money is the root of all evil." Money is not a crime in itself. It is a necessity in this world. Even Jesus miraculously fetched a valuable coin from a fish to pay His taxes. But it's puttiing money first--ahead of God--that gets us into trouble. Putting money ahead of God creates greed and selfishness. To me, the Monkees characters were portrayed as humble, good folks. My favorite episode (which left a good impact on me also) was "The Devil and Peter Tork."

[@raw4868]

Mike was a musician before he was a Monkee. He as well as the rest of the Monkees gave something to America that it never had. His son has done well also. One should look at this as a historic event and enjoy.

[@larrywakeman4371]

WOW! THIS IS PURE GOLD! OH my GOD he is so WONDERFUL! LOVE Nez- he wrote me a letter and was SO kind and AMAZING! My mother and I almost fainted! 1986!!! Kim

[@LastTree]

Thanks for sharing. We missed this. Loved the teenager question, I got the experience of three of them at the convention. I never heard about the negative criticism of the Monkees as a child, and it didn't make a difference because as kids we didn't get caught up in the who played what, we didn't know that was even going on, each morning we turned onto their show, and grooved, because we loved the songs and the show, and that's what made them.

[@PoisonRockstar19]

Wool hat!!

[@Grogster2]

If that guy says "like" one more time!!!!!!!!!

[@adrianagallicchio526]

Grogster2 I know....🙄🤦‍♀️

[@TurnerLaraine]

I've seen members of the Monkees in the older years (like this) trying to explain what happened with their show--and their strong disagreements with the people who initially wrote their songs and had creative control. Which they seemingly greatly resented at first. When I listened to some of their interviews, they honestly seemed a little unthankful and spoiled. As if they didn't appreciate how the "Monkees" show, etc. catapulted and helped them to achieve their financial success, etc. But it's nice to see people like Michael Nesmith (super talented) show his appreciation for the show that "got him started" and speak affectionately about it. It's always good to appreciate when you get a good break. And the main thing I liked about the Monkees show was its positive, wholesome influence that it brought to myself. Thanks, Mr. Nesmith Also--nice to see what a great sense of humor he has. (It shown through on the Monkees show). ! John 3:16 - God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. verse 17 - For God didn't send His Son into the world to condemn the world--but that the world through Him might be saved.

[@chevyblue10]

Amen brother

[@candyboyer]

Love hearing his mind at work, even if not many questions were answered. It has made me look at how and why I watched & listened to the Monkees initially (as a young child) and compare that to how differently I thought about the whole production as I became an adult. Thanks so much for posting this Jennifer!

[@lindahart5837]

Enjoyed the Q& A session with Mike. He is really down to earth. The fairy tale episode was a real awesome show. Linda Hart

[@bropous4265]

I'm just really gonna be honest here. I sincerely dislike "Mr. Sweater". The guy over-thinks, and over-intellectualizes the entire experience. He may be the most-versed Monkees fan ever, but I honestly do not think that he actually GETS what Michael Nesmith is taking about. The girl, sure. I think she's okay. But baldy (I am bald too so I can say it) just tries to force his own perspective into the situation with FAR too much hubris.

[@TigsDenStudio]

I agree. He seemed to over analyze every tiny cog in the complex machine that was the show, then completely ignored the real reasons why it was so entertaining to watch. Michael kept talking about the true heart the show had, the bond the boys had, and the compassion and spirit that was in their world. Mr Sweater just doesn't get it because he thinks only with his mind and never with his heart.

[@cycologist7069]

Wow,. Mike is an A1 class guy. That is all.

[@gazzap6776]

It's nice to see Mike seeing life for what it is. He always seemed to be somewhat grounded, despite all the hype he had to deal with. But I have to say, it's strange how many people are so obsessed with their talent, compared to the Beatles' talent. Sure, each and every member of the Monkees were gifted & obviously developed their skills over the years. However, it seems that nostalgia can 'blind' people about those artists who have real depth and are real over a long period of time. - Just my opinion.

[@chevyblue10]

Mike said he doesn't know what it's like to be a Monkee fan. I do. It's the whole package. The fact that they were a manufactured band...the fact that they were belittled because of that...but the fact that the music was so great and the bond became true...The Monkees really were real! Its like believing in Santa Claus and at the same time knowing it's impossible for him to be real but then you and a large group of similar, seemingly insane ppl, (us fans), witnessing his existence in an undeniable way...and holding on to that truth, DEFENDING what you know is real through the years in spite of the never ending ridicule and seeing your group of like-minded believers, (us fans), grow and grow in direct proportion to the intensity of attacks. The Monkees were 4 boys who fell into something they never expected. 4 young ppl who didn't know each other, 4 unique, still untarnished young men who met for the purpose of pretending to be a band and then unexpectedly becoming the band they were pretending to be...and making great music that made that truth undeniable to us believers (fans?). Even if they themselves didn't believe, we did, and it turns out that we were the ones that were right! And along the way, The Monkees, maybe one by one, realized what we always knew...Mike being the last one to come to that realization. I don't know which Monkee said it, (but history proves they all felt the same), but one said, "The Monkees will always be these same 4 guys." And from beginning to now, (with only 1 Monkee left), no matter who quit, no matter who walked away, they never named a replacement. They never added a member, they never subtracted a member. The Monkees always were Peter, Mike, Davy and Micky. And now, it's for sure they always will be. The Monkees forever. They are really real. They really were all talented musicians. They really became one of the greatest bands in music history. It's undeniable now and yet there are still plenty of haters, still calling them a fake band, smh. The last truth I want to say, The Monkees, (no matter whose song they performed), gave us a deep longing for the fun in life like no other band could give. That's why, for me, deep within, The Monkees have been my favorite band for over 50 years now. I think that's true for a lot of us "Monkee fans". I think Mike died having finally understood what it means to be a fan. RIP Papa Nez. ML&R. Monkeemen forever! Addendum to address your comment: To many like me, even though The Monkees started as an American imitation of The Beatles, it's The Beatles who were the shallow, manufactured "Fab Four" band. Like The Monkees lots of their songs were given to them, much of their studio stuff was played by studio muscicians and MOST of their songs were shallow simple stuff. As The Monkees grew, so did their music.Their library of songs is probably bigger than The Beatles, most are deeper, more are uplifting, and the effect they had on music history cannot be denied. To millions of us, The Monkees are better than The Beatles. I've always been a Monkees fan, never a big Beatles fan, (although there a lot of Beatles songs I like). I suspect that a lot of Beatles fans are Monkees fans too.

[@straker454]

D-dammit! Stop getting old! You guys were supposed to stay like, in your 40's forever! I don't want to lose more of you!

[@bobdavis4848]

Robohon, I can relate, I've felt the same way. I felt that way about my parents I've lost both of, too. May your loved ones all last long!

[@chevyblue10]

And then there was one. RIP Mike, Peter and Davy. Hang in there Micky. ML&R for you all.

[@klpalmer52]

I saw him in concert in Lafayette, Louisiana in the early 70's. He was the lead act for Linda Ronstadt. He was great!

[@AnnusMirabilus]

Davy described Mike as "the fourth piece of the puzzle who never really fit." Possibly. Yet he is probably my favorite Monkee-- if not him, Micky. So I really loved those final years when they were just a duo. I'll miss the hell out of it.

[@avlisk]

Never heard that Davy quote, but Mike always struck me the same way. . .the odd man out. So much so that I enjoyed the Monkees concerts more when it was just the other 3 of them. But I loved Mike's solo work, too.

[@AiyanaWolfe]

As much as i love Michael Nesmith and this panel, ? they are analyzing way tooooo much!! The monkee's was "Pure Joy" it was light! Funny!! Simple!! and brought pure joy and entertainment to the living rooms of the common blue collar people at the end of a hard workin day...and we still need the re runs especially now in this day!!! Bottom line for me is ... The creation of The Monkee's? was a gift from God! and is still a gift for those of us who appreciate the show and the very talented guys who gave their time and talents.. There is no better healer than laughter and music to get us thru a day.. Thank you to The Monkees who's willing young hearts were open vessels to bring the world so much joy and laughter...even though you suffered thru alot of bad politics, The purpose in the big picture of life is there...thank you Thank you.... :)

[@AiyanaWolfe]

Sorry I didn't write that...my mom did XD

[@chevyblue10]

@@AiyanaWolfe I love your Mom lol

[@chevyblue10]

I agree with this 100%.

[@chevyblue10]

@@AiyanaWolfe tell your Mom to read my other comment...better yet, I will copy/paste it here...

[@chevyblue10]

Mike said he doesn't know what it's like to be a Monkee fan. I do. It's the whole package. The fact that they were a manufactured band...the fact that they were belittled because of that...but the fact that the music was so great and the bond became true...The Monkees really were real! Its like believing in Santa Claus and at the same time knowing it's impossible for him to be real but then you and a large group of similar, seemingly insane ppl, (us fans), witnessing his existence in an undeniable way...and holding on to that truth, DEFENDING what you know is real through the years in spite of the never ending ridicule and seeing your group of like-minded believers, (us fans), grow and grow in direct proportion to the intensity of attacks. The Monkees were 4 boys who fell into something they never expected. 4 young ppl who didn't know each other, 4 unique, still untarnished young men who met for the purpose of pretending to be a band and then unexpectedly becoming the band they were pretending to be...and making great music that made that truth undeniable to us believers (fans?). Even if they themselves didn't believe, we did, and it turns out that we were the ones that were right! And along the way, The Monkees, maybe one by one, realized what we always knew...Mike being the last one to come to that realization. I don't know which Monkee said it, (but history proves they all felt the same), but one said, "The Monkees will always be these same 4 guys." And from beginning to now, (with only 1 Monkee left), no matter who quit, no matter who walked away, they never named a replacement. They never added a member, they never subtracted a member. The Monkees always were Peter, Mike, Davy and Micky. And now, it's for sure they always will be. The Monkees forever. They are really real. They really were all talented musicians. They really became one of the greatest bands in music history. It's undeniable now and yet there are still plenty of haters, still calling them a fake band, smh. The last truth I want to say, The Monkees, (no matter whose song they performed), gave us a deep longing for the fun in life like no other band could give. That's why, for me, deep within, The Monkees have been my favorite band for over 50 years now. I think that's true for a lot of us "Monkee fans". I think Mike died having finally understood what it means to be a fan. RIP Papa Nez. ML&R. Monkeemen forever!

[@chevyblue10]

A fad in my time was wearing those hats...even in the summer. We called them "snoogies". (In memory of Roger Craig, my best friend)

[@elizabethtaylor3284]

cutest bean ever

[@katecriley1350]

Mike we never thought you left..we all get that Life happens . Before someone says "You Know he won't see this.yea I know. Just wanted to say that..cause who knows maybe he will... thanks for putting this up :)

[@farmbrough]

Thank you for uploading this. It's interesting to hear his unedited views.

[@brachio1000]

Horning's and Rosenfelt's explanations of why they love the Monkees couldn't be much more long-winded, trivial, and beside the point, and her explanation of HEAD is worse. She's the sort of supposed intellectual whose liking things I like makes me doubt my taste.

[@spiritnme7772]

Mike is so funny and smart!

[@Cml725]

My favorite Monkee! :-) thank you for posting. I like how he said he's never seen the Monkees, most people don't see themselves as others do.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

Excellent point, and very true! When the Beatles split up John Lennon asked, whats the big deal? We're just a band. You still have all of the music to listen to. Inside looking out I guess.

[@ldchappell1]

Michael Nesmith wasn't very comfortable with the way The Monkees were being portrayed by producers in the beginning. He felt like a fraud. They wanted to pass the Monkees off as a group of friends that formed a band and got good enough to land their own show. "This is a fraud!" He said when he read the liner notes in their first album which failed to give credit to a lot of people. "We're not actually this band. We're a TV show about a band." The producers told him to go along with it because it was all just fantasy anyway. The producers did back off after the others started complaining and by the time they recorded "Last Train To Clarksville." they had much more control and had practiced enough to become an actual band.

[@boykarulz2408]

wow,age is a bitch for all big and small!!

[@sejrec56]

Sorry mike asked them a question....

[@sejrec56]

Can't these people just answer the damn question instead of trying to sound so deep?

[@erndog64]

Man!! Mike has changed soooo much!!!

[@broncolady4ever]

I completely agree, and for some reason, it really bothers me. Yes, both Micky and Peter have also aged (I cannot believe that Peter is now 75!), but when you look at them, you can at least see traces of them as they were in the 60s (the twinkle in Peter's eyes and that gorgeous dimple, Micky's mischievous smile), but other than the voice, there is NO TRACE of Michael from back then; this is a completely different man, and it makes me sad.

[@Jameshatford1966]

He's always been one who is very progressive. Always liking to move on and do something new.

[@kansasbowling4825]

neztastic

[@patypala8268]

Lo recordam,os con su gorrito verde, inolvidables the monkees, porque a el le ponian ese gorrito,???

[@barbaravogel6293]

thanks Mike Nesmith

[@John42ification]

Thank you very much for sharing this! Wish that I could be at the "Mikees" show next week in La-La Land!

[@crankyerma]

There is a lot of interesting analysis going on here but I still believe the most important thing about the Monkees was always that they produced incredibly good songs.

[@willrobinson7578]

I'm so glad the Monkees happened during my young life. What a magical time- RIP, Michael Nesmith and thanks.

[@brucec43]

wow those hosts on stage can ramble with the best of them!

[@donnamiller5222]

Hey Mike

[@artdecadepoet5554]

'Michael Nesmith Q&A' mike: no u

[@jeffwilliams6633]

I'm only 10!!!!!

[@soonersciencenerd383]

they were in Tulsa a couple of months ago,for a small concert.

[@alfching2499]

It’s terrible how the years fly

[@stlrockn]

Go to 18:30 for the only brief mention of Jimi Hendrix (I was hoping for more)

[@cherylhulting1301]

If you read Mike's autobiography, he talks about Jimi with a LOT of affection and admiration, and at greater length. Mike considered Hendrix to be the greatest living rock guitarist of their time, and one of the kindest men he ever met. I got a kick out of Mike's stories about how, when they were on tour together, he used to slip out and hide someplace where the Monkee fans couldn't see him yet but where he could watch Jimi play. According to Mike, Micky was the Monkee who was actually responsible for hiring Jimi to tour with the Monkees. Micky hired him after hearing the Jimi Hendrix Experience play in London.

[@scorpio11bw]

Cant wait to see Mike and Mickey in Knoxville, Tennessee at Fan Boy Expo in July 2019 .I have some questions.

[@liten48]

omg heres a lesson for everyone ,look after yourself

[@Voirreydirector]

I think Home Free is breaking the fourth wall in entertainment in similar ways. Very dissimilar guys walking off script of what is country or pop, what you need to be a band, can you make liberal and well the kinds of jokes that make certain churches picket you and devoutly sing gospel, all kinds of things.

[@nancystone6044]

WITH THE MONKEES YOU NEVER GET OLD :>) YOU STAY THAT AGE (ME - 10) FOREVER.

[@Yahootie]

*< :-) Hi Mike. The music that you and your pals created and your tv show made my Monday nights very special when I was a kid and inspired me to become a musician. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@markwilliams98]

I became a fan of the monkees , on September the 12th 1966, I had just turned 6 years old, I have a first press of the first album with a lot of reverb on it , and some talking

[@tashaLuv1]

I fell they were fun silly guy's & this was after the show was over and re-runs & I was a kid and it held my attention,clean silly fun w great Music and Talent & I Luv Music...

[@megancordato9655]

Love this man

[@Skippy-up8hx]

Kind of frustrating. Want to know more about him but don't know what to ask. He seems naturally good at protecting his privacy.

[@cookecodd158]

Brilliant, thanks

[@bradreyes1122]

Is it just me ...he can pass for the Emperor in Star Wars???

[@rackinfrackin]

It's just you.

[@llongdong]

Why didn’t someone ask why Papa Genes Blues was not titled No More Than I Did Before?

[@sejrec56]

They sure could have asked Mike a few better questions, not trying to get so intellectual sounding.

[@rebeccapriepke2444]

Does anyone know where I can read her thesis on Head? I'd love to check it out. that movie is fascinating.

[@fellatianno]

There are a few parts from the Head soundtrack that contain back masking

[@sejrec56]

And is that Tina Fey up there? Sounds really California like, meaning annoying

[@sejrec56]

Yeah couldn't red sweater have just answered the question, over analyzing

[@northerly86]

I love the Monkees, Always have always wiil regardless of their critics, Have seen both docos on Fox and have come to dislike Mike "the person" who with much more wealth than the other 3 went his own way whilst the other 3 seemed to have struggled.

[@cherylhulting1301]

This is an old comment, but if you are talking about that dreadful E Hollywood documentary it really did an unfair hatchet job on Michael Nesmith. The information is slanted and presented out of context. It's too inaccurate to form a fair opinion about any of the Monkees. People move on in their lives and do other things. The production of the show was just a short period in all of their lives and it's unrealistic to expect such young men - all were still in their 20s when the show ended - to be doing the same thing with the rest of their lives. Mike went on to produce 12 solo albums, to help start the music video revolution and to be a music video and film producer, to run and host a short-lived but brilliant comedy show, "Television Parts" and to start his own arts and video production company. He also helps run two foundations started by his mother. That's quite a lot to accomplish in a lifetime. Mike is a seeker; he's never going to do just one thing in his life. Micky, Peter and Davy went in to other things in their lives too. Peter and Mike's leaving the group weren't the only reasons the Monkees folded for a while before the revivals in the 70s and the reunion tours. There were a lot of reasons that the show and their heyday eventually came to an end. As for money struggles, Mike had plenty of struggles with money in the 60s before becoming a Monkee and afterward in the 70s too. Peter and Davy experienced money struggles for other reasons but Micky had given his money to his parents for safekeeping so he was initially okay when the show ended. Mike's money troubles weren't really resolved until he inherited $25 million from his mother when she sold her Liquid Paper Corporation to Gillette. And that money came to him only because his mother died. They were close and her death was very difficult for him. He used some of the money to fund his creative projects but it came at a heavy cost. He's lucky that the money gave him a certain artistic freedom and he could concentrate on projects he wanted to do. Not everyone gets that freedom but that's not particularly Nesmith's fault.

[@MrCrispian]

hes interviewing them.....and there BORING

[@alexpelzl6148]

i wonder if any of the monkees listen to their own music or watch their own reruns please answer

[@butterfliesluvmewetzel2999]

mike & davy share a birthday, December 30.

[@marykatherinekarolewski97]

Love his song Joanne. How many knit hats did he have. Bless you Michael. 🌹🌹✌💜

[@chevyblue10]

A fad in my time was wearing those hats...even in the summer. We called them "snoogies". (In memory of Roger Craig, my best friend)

[@bobdavis4848]

I love the Monkees and Mike solo. An interesting watch here. Regarding "never didn't embrace the Monkees:" I think the questioner means Mike not joining the late 80s reunion and some later performances. Mike said the show ended and Peter quit in 1969,no, both were 1968. The lady mentioned "4 teen boys"…in an early episode end bit Mike said he was 24; they were not all teens during the show.

[@cherylhulting1301]

In fact Davy was the only teen who was recruited for the show, he was 19. Micky was 20 when he was hired and Mike and Peter were 22. The show was geared towards pre-teens but the Monkees themselves were not teenagers, though of course they were still quite young.

[@bobdavis4848]

@@cherylhulting1301 Glad to see your informative reply. :-) stay safe.

[@cherylhulting1301]

@@bobdavis4848 You too, Bob! I've actually been playing a lot of Monkees music and watching the show to stay cheerful. 😊

[@bobdavis4848]

@@cherylhulting1301 Yes, I have found that can help, too! :-) Even more "fun" than watching the Captain Crocodile show. Can you name the episodes these script lines came from..."Save the Texas prairie chicken," "Name is not 'not what' but 'nit wit.' "Peter! He's gone!" "He just may never make that plane!"

[@robertmaybeth3434]

dear mike, why did you stop that fucking money train and demand to get off

[@Ram44]

He doesn't need the money, it never was about money. He bought out his contract in the band in 1969-70. And he could easily have played the oldies circuit for decades to make money off The Monkees, but he's an artist first and wants to do his own music. That being said, his mother invented Liquid Paper, he invented MTV, and I am sure he's quite comfortable financially.

[@robertmaybeth3434]

Well if he invented MTV that's really something. But honestly how many hit singles did he have on his own...to me you get the money FIRST then you go artsy. But what do i know, nothing.

[@gregoryeatroff8608]

"JoAnne" and "Rio" were moderate hits, though neither got close to the #1 status the early Monkees singles managed.

[@scotty3034]

If you asked me who that was without already knowing it was Nesmith, I would never have guessed it was him.

[@habnots1]

almost 50yrs since his teevee daze..

[@alexpelzl6148]

+Mike Patton same here he changed so much davey jones i would have known and micky and peter

[@69zenos1]

Yes...We were ONLY a television show...