The Monkees: Rise & Fall Of The Prefab Four

[@AnnMarieSzpakowska]

i absolutely hate that they are called the "prefab four." i don't think some folks give them enough credit for what they had to deal with in the beginning...but they showed every one !!! i will love them forever !!!

[@RockessentialTim]

I love them too, prefab or not their music is undeniably great. But I honestly think that over the course of the past 50 some years, the term "prefab four" has become somewhat a term of endearment. Thanks for the brutally honest comment!

[@marccherry7409]

Well could have been worse how about the Concrete Sectional Four?!

[@Ianmackable]

I agree. Let's leave that word for Prefab Sprout. (A great band, btw.)

[@radiomindchatter7994]

The Monkees had more cool tunes than people knew. The Door Into Summer being one of the best.

[@sylvesterbestertester1013]

Loved them all, but Nez was my favorite. He wrote the best songs for the Monkees imo and had that great dead pan humor. But i really live much of his music and I'm not even a country, or country rock fan. But there was just something about Nez.

[@lexpeters735]

I've been into the so called cool music since I was a teen, hard rock, prog , jazz fusion etc . My guilty pleasure has always been the Monkees!

[@RockessentialTim]

Love it! Mine guilty pleasure has always been Neil Diamond so we're on the same page

[@kelvinhill5381]

The Monkees were one of my all time favorites and they were one of the best of the best !! I don't see them as ever falling.

[@maryroberts2099]

I loved the Monkees

[@RockessentialTim]

[@kreh1100]

I loved the Monkees as a kid and always will. They were a part of my life❤

[@iowa61]

Micky is one of the great lead singers of the Pop Music Era. Like his contemporaries Mark Lindsay and Burton Cummings, he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. As to the Monkees. They were an invented band that through the sheer will and talent of the members became a real band. And a great one. That’s how they should be remembered.

[@RockessentialTim]

I agree with everything you said, especially Mark Lindsay. I think he would have been a way bigger star had he not worn that silly costume.

[@iowa61]

@@RockessentialTim The costume may have been silly. But the music was great.

[@steveludwig4200]

Agree although Burton Cummings is far more talented than the other two.

[@bangzoom8180]

Nez's solo stuff is essential. He definitely performed to a "Different Drum".

[@mrsbluesky8415]

Davy Jones was my first crush as an 8 year old. I played Daydream Believer non-stop for weeks. Pre-Fab or not they were terrific to this girl.

[@oldermusiclover]

he was a cutie

[@davidm-1965tb]

@@oldermusicloverhe never lost sight of his roots and often returned to Manchester to visit family and friends and ALWAYS had time to chat and speak with people. A lovely and humble gentleman

[@drmusic3641]

Discovered them in 1966 when I was 7. Theyre still my favorite band to this day (I;m now 65). They are the reason I grew to like different genres of music from Davy's pop, Micky's rock and soul to Mike's country rock, they were a big influence on me.

[@albertwise6426]

I had the chance to visit Mickey Dolenz house in Laurel Canyon back in the 80s. I found two pictures in the attic of his house. Still have them to this day.

[@RockessentialTim]

I have never been inside but it looks super interesting. What were the pictures of?

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

It was the tone of Mickey's voice that really made them IMO

[@RockessentialTim]

So this is the first vid under the official new name, Rock Essentials. Hope you like it!

[@stargroves14]

Took me a minute to figure out what was going on ..Then i realized the name change of the channel..Hope you finally get out to the desert for that Gram Parsons video i've been pestering you about..As always love what you do brother.

[@RockessentialTim]

I've actually made the video but I'm going to wait til September to put it out cuz its the 50th anniversary.

[@stargroves14]

@@RockessentialTim How wonderful..Im going out to the Inn in September for the Anniversary..Been there many times but this year is special..Cant wait to see it.

[@RockessentialTim]

Outstanding. I got to stay in room 8 and it was spectacular!

[@cayogator]

very much so!

[@Cliffswanson]

Thanks Tim. I know I'm not the only boomer who made some scratch playing Monkees covers in bar bands in the 70s. Thanks for the good times guys.

[@RockessentialTim]

Hah! So true!

[@oursigns6318]

Yep! 'Stepping Stone' was always a hit in the clubs when we were still in the biz.

[@ZJ-ne9kn]

My first album was a monkees album as well ive been goin thru another monkees deep dive ive always been a fan others even tho im 23 ive always been a 50s and 60s guy and i just saw micky in concert last Saturday..

[@RockessentialTim]

I'm glad you discovered them!

[@mikedavis7925]

Excellent presentation and analysis. The Monkees were indeed pretty fabulous. Please do a video on the group Love.

[@ninja51ify]

And Michael Nesmith created MTv Which was The Monkees big come back

[@DarkCEclair]

I was 7 when the Monkees TV show premiered. My father did not like the direction the Beatles were headed and stopped buying their albums for us kids. We had the only color TV on our block at that time, so all the neighbors would come over to watch Star Trek, Batman and The Monkees at our house. We had all the albums, sung along to them and loved their music. This video is like a love letter to the Monkees and it is well deserved. Thank you for the props that this band has deserved for many years. And I absolutely love Headquarters. :)

[@RockessentialTim]

Like you I watched them every Monday, but in my case it was because of 4 female siblings who all seemed to love Davy Jones. In any event, I ended up loving them too. Still do!

[@RockessentialTim]

Happy Birthday to Davy and Mike. Here's to ya!

[@princegroove]

I grew up on The Monkees reruns and loved every moment.

[@RockessentialTim]

They hold up really well!

[@billhenderson511]

I was lucky to see the Monkees in Seattle before Mike's passing. A fantastic show. Thanks for such a beautiful tour! We'll done! Ben Franks❤

[@larry6795]

Good insight on the back story of the Monkey’s, another good job…funny note-earlier this morning I played “More Of The Monkeys” I haven’t played it in years, no BS ✌🏽

[@RockessentialTim]

Ha! One of life's beautiful ironies, right? That my friend was the first album I ever bought with my own money and as I'm sure you can agree, they were a really, really big deal at the time.

[@cbkitys]

Love the Monkees since the beginning when I was 10. Still love everything these guys did, although Peter was my favorite Monkee. Always takes me to my happy place! RIP Davy, Peter, Mike. Micky still keeping the legacy alive!!! ❤

[@RockessentialTim]

Love this!

[@emacwong]

Pretty Fabulous fab four! YES count me in. Saw Mike and Micky at Atlantic City and numerous times, solo and a group I just love the music the tv show and all! Oh yeah I was 10 when they hit the airways and I have been a fan ever since and I'm in my 60's now. Lol. Thank you for presenting them in a very positive light which they desreve.

[@RockessentialTim]

We're the same age so I know exactly what you mean!

[@oldermusiclover]

I was in Jr High

[@jongibson2205]

And speaking of the Wrecking Crew, methinks they more than deserve one of your fact-filled and well-researched segments. What say, Tim?

[@RockessentialTim]

Love em but Tommy Tedesco's son Dennis is about to put out another episode and I don't know if I could bring much more to that table. I'm working on making a trip up to San Francisco to see what we can find there!

[@bak-mariterry5180]

​@@RockessentialTim Looking into Quicksilver Messenger Service ?

[@MichaelBoyce-tm2vw]

Mike hired 50 of them to record The Wichita Train Whistle Sings in 1968.

[@oldermusiclover]

agree

[@oldermusiclover]

@@RockessentialTim it is sad that so many of them are now deceased love Hal Blaine

[@jaykay6387]

Thanks for the video. I have read in more than one place that Stephen Stills was rejected by the studio because he had "bad teeth" but told his friend Peter Tork about the gig. Your version of events sounds more plausible to me, however. In any event, it's fortunate for the world that Stills didn't get that job, because rock history would have been changed for the worse. No CSN or CSN&Y.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks much. I just did a video about Buffalo Springfield and in researching it, it brought to light how affected Stephen was by getting turned down by The Monkees. He was depressed for weeks but it made him really, really determined to make it big. Like you said, in hindsight its a good thing for all us music fans that he didn't get that part!

[@jaykay6387]

@@RockessentialTim Oh wow, never knew he was that bummed out by not getting the part. He's such an amazing, brilliant musician, it was always perplexing to me why he would have even auditioned for something like "The Monkees". In any event, this might be the best example of "blessing in disguise" in rock history.

[@warriorempathshealingfromn5625]

Thank you for this video. I was 11 when the TV show hit the air, I loved it and it started my love of music. Also, the Monkee's won 2 Emmy's, one for Best Comedy show and one for Best Director. Mike Nesmith had a very difficult time coming to terms with his Monkee success. The music community did a great job back then, taking away any joy the group could receive from their success. Mike, finally came to terms with this and took joy in touring with Micky. In 2019, I saw the Mike & Micky show and let me tell you, it was RHOF. Their creation of the music video should have been one big reason to induct them, let alone the number of albums sold. People bought the story that they didn't play their own music. They did, they had to as they were doing concerts in 1967. Most musicians used studio musicians but because they were a group that did not come together organically they were given a black mark, to not be taken seriously ever. When they were doing the show, they would be bouncing off the walls when they were not in front of the camera, so they built a big black box for them to hang out and smoke pot in. They had 4 colored lights , a color assigned to each Monkee that would light up when they needed them on set. So, in the movie Head. no mattered what they did, they were put back in their big black box.

[@RockessentialTim]

I couldn't agree with you more. The first album I ever bought was More Of The Monkees and it still holds up today! Unfortunately they were the scapegoats for the music industries greed and in hindsight it was so unfair--its why I called this vid the Tragical History Tour!

[@jenniferlynn73]

I really enjoyed this, especially seeing those legendary houses! I'm a Gen Xer who discovered them in their MTV years and I have been obsessed ever since. I am lucky enough to have seen them in concert in many different incarnations. It breaks my heart that Micky is the only one left. If you like the Monkees at all, and Micky is in your area, run, dont walk to see him. He puts on an amazing show and still sounds great! You will not be disappointed.❤❤❤❤

[@RockessentialTim]

Very cool! Have never seen Micky play but I would love to.

[@pamcornelius9122]

Joanne and Different Drum were my favorite Mike Nesmith songs. My favorite Monkey ❤️

[@dono4598]

These guys obviously don't get the credit they deserve! I remember watching the Monkees reruns as a kid, I was born in '66. I remember these guys as being he laughing stop of the entertainment world, but to say the least, so much credit is due, so much. Thanks for this one, it was truly a good one. Keep sharing.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks, Don. To say the least, it was an interesting vid to make. I didn't know that much about the band before and I came away with a real respect for what they had to deal with. I still turn up when I hear em!

[@cocoaorange1]

I was born a year later, a cute show and catchy songs. I feel the guys were foolish to disrespect Kirschner and playing a part in the show being cancelled but it was their lives.

[@LlingsworthMusic]

This is wonderful!!!! I was a kid in New York City when the Monkees were on NBC; this brings back many memories; thank you for the backstage view of their show!!

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks much! I was in 3rd grade when the show was on and it made Monday night very special.

[@robertmayer2071]

very good i was born in 62 and i remember watching the original tv series cant rememer what night it was on i want to say friday nights but i could be wrong that tv show must have influenced at least a 100 million kids it sure influenced me

[@RockessentialTim]

Monday night. It sure influenced me too!

[@101kmontgomery]

Great video! I used to watch the Monkee's in syndication from 1978-1983 on WGN or TBS.

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on and thanks! Their music was great and so was the show. I think its on AXS TV again right now.

[@ny2phillyholloway592]

I remember watching The Monkees as a young child. Years later I watched and enjoyed the music and their campy humor. Thanks for another video💖

[@RockessentialTim]

The first album I ever bought was More Of The Monkees. I was in 2nd grade.

[@lauramerchant743]

Tim, I’m writing a historical fiction novel about the Laurel Canyon scene (specifically the summer of 1970) and I just have to thank you for all your help. There’s some things I just won’t “get” because of my age and location (Texas). I’ve had a hard time connecting some of the dots, and the internet is only so helpful. It’s a bit of a rabbit hole, honestly, but I absolutely love it. Thank you! Thank you! ❤ You’re amazing!

[@RockessentialTim]

Thank you! Funny, I was just up there hiking today and was shooting above the old Neil Young Utica house. It was super hard to get to but it still looks exactly like the 1960's in that part. BTW: when I'm researching for these vids I prolly go down the same rabbit holes that you do. Its endless and I think the hardest thing about it is to know when you've got what you want and to move on. Best of luck on your writing endevours--I can't think of a better subject!

[@Cliffswanson]

I'd definitely be interested in reading your book, Laura. Best wishes in that endevour.

[@lauramerchant743]

@@Cliffswanson Thank you so much!

[@lauramerchant743]

@@RockessentialTim I’ve seen some videos where people use drones to get up there… It’s wild how many of these artists connect to each other’s work and livelihood. The tapestry of talent! The stories! It’s all just so inspiring! Looking forward to seeing more content in the future.

[@RockessentialTim]

@@lauramerchant743 Interesting about the drones. I'd prolly crash it into something so I'll have to stick to walking.

[@jorr1334]

Thank you for this refreshing perspective of the Monkees. Thoroughly enjoyed it. !

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on, thanks!

[@doctordetroit4339]

Wow....what a great video! I saw the Monkee's play twice, I saw them all, but never all together. Thanks!

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on, thanks!

[@bethhart7033]

Very cool! Love bios and have not heard much bio of the monkees they were my fav group at the time. Never could pick a fav cuz liked them all the same.

[@Lardfist0]

Man, I loved watching The Monkees in 1986. What an awesome video. Thank you!

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on, thanks!

[@debraodonnell]

Im a huge huge monkees fan saw them in perth 1988 they never failed and i take offence to that even the beatles liked them rip davy peter and mike

[@RockessentialTim]

I believe the photo in the video of Neil Diamond with the 2 other guys was taken in Perth. They are the morning DJ's and Neil was their guest on the show.

[@dry5555]

I just saw this. What an enjoyable video! Great tour and tidbits about the Monkees. Thank you.

[@RockessentialTim]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@louisefontaine6856]

And here I thought I knew everything about the Monkees! Your video really brought their history up close…different takes and thoroughly interesting. I was a teeny bopper among thousands deeply and passionately in love with Davey and, of course, a member of their fan club lol! Thanks for making my day 😊

[@RockessentialTim]

Thank you for making my day!

[@ernestturriziani2489]

The Monkees were an amazing and fantastic band.

[@lugginnuggins5798]

Another great video. I’ll be watching this one a few times. There is still something so magical about this area that draws me in. What a time in American history.

[@RockessentialTim]

It is amazing to me that when I'm filming how many times I find myself in the same place. The Peter Tork house is literally in every other LA rock story. Thanks for the comment!

[@c.syde65]

The fact that they are still being kept out of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is something that I find really aggravating. Especially given that there are other groups that have been inducted who have never written their own songs or played their own instruments. The Monkees did write some of their own songs and they did play some of their own instruments. They might not have written any of their biggest hits but still. Once the Monkees gained control of their music in 1967, I don't believe there were any tracks where Peter Tork had creative control that only featured session musicians on instruments. I am aware that he didn't play on the tracks 'Ditty Diego ─ War Chant', 'That Was Then, This is Now', 'Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere', 'Kicks', or 'Since You Went Away' which were all recorded after the Monkees gained control of their music. But I have yet to find evidence that he had creative control over any of those tracks. Which is why I haven't counted them. 'That Was Then, This is Now', 'Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere', and 'Kicks' were all pre-recorded tracks.

[@tomeberhardt-vv5qc]

They made an impact commercially in the teeny bop world and were built by execs and studio bots to do so.....and they did it well.....but I agree that they do Not deserve to be in the R&R Hall of fame. Duran Duran, Missey Elliott, Jay Z, and others should also not be there.....but they are for some strange reason. What sickens me is that band leaders such as John Mayall, and historic bands like Canned Heat, Lynyrd Skynyrd, plus guys like Richie Havens (folk), Buddy Guy (blues/rock), and so many others that propelled R&R and helped shape the actual sound of the times and are great live acts are ignored. IMHO R&R Hall of Fame needs a better philosophy and understanding of what R&R really is and so many roots to that foundation have been ignored while some of the coat tail riders, flash in the pans get inducted. Its not a good system they have.

[@sadesmercy8810]

Thank you for all the research you do to be able to share it all with us. I remember getting out first color tv & being able to watch The Monkees in color. Those were the days when life didn’t seem so serious!

[@RockessentialTim]

I have a similar memory but it was The Brady Bunch on our first Color TV. I agree with you about life not seeming as serious, but now I'm retired I'm feeling a little more that way again!

[@williamlangan5902]

Great video! The houses the Monkees lived in were awesome! Thanks for sharing! I look forward to seeing more of your videos, Tim! Yes, it is sad. They were 4 guys who though it was a job, they lived each other.

[@ChorusArtists]

Wow Tim, this was fantastic, and as a kid who discovered rock n' roll initially through Monkees reruns in the 70's I really enjoyed it. Your tours through history are the best thing on YT, imho. Thank you!!

[@RockessentialTim]

I remember watching them in 3rd grade on Monday nights.

[@robertgraves2321]

I remember watching "Head" and thouroughly enjoying it. It all made sense. Of course, it helped that I was totally off mine...

[@marccherry7409]

Loved the Monkees TV series but Head was just a confusing mess

[@RandyR]

Thanks. Excellent Documentary on one of my favorite American bands. Been to most of the locations shown. HEAD IS A MENTAL TRIP. Seen loaded and sober. A movie that takes you places. (Quite ironically, I got to meet, pose and hear Peter Tork, at a southern California, nightclub, during May 93. He was on the same bill as my friends Beatles tribute band. I was at the Monkees Star Ceremony. Wish I had a better camera, so I could have gotten the photos. Was a groovy day.

[@RockessentialTim]

Too cool! I need to watch HEAD again cuz I haven't seen it for years and I was loaded like everyone else at the NUART that night and don't remember hardly any details----I remember Victor Mature of all people.

[@joyofeverything]

Great meeting you tonight at The Troubadour. Thanks for engaging me & my viewers! I'm absolutely blown away by your storytelling. Amazing work.

[@RockessentialTim]

Great meeting you too! Its funny how having a camera makes people want to talk, right? I'm usually the guy pointing the camera but it was interesting being on the other end of it. You are an excellent interviewer.

[@joyofeverything]

@@RockessentialTim It is an interesting phenomena indeed. Thanks for the compliment. You have a gift, thanks for sharing it with us. 10 mins in to this video & instantly one of my fave channels! See ya around!

[@sassysue6472]

The Monkees were my first favorite group. Had all their albums and watched the show. Still love them!!

[@parlance.electricco]

❤🙏🏽 Yet again another loving upload of LA culture and memories, Tim, thank you so much man... my tip-top childhood TV memories of The Monkees, Brady Bunch, and My Favorite Martian still remain alive to me as faint, but ever present, scents of divinity.

[@RockessentialTim]

Funny, the Brady Bunch house is in my Studio City neighborhood and I pass it every few weeks. They redid it a couple years ago but it still looks the same.

[@parlance.electricco]

@@RockessentialTim I remember posting on FB all excited a few years back when it was put up for sale... but even if I had the money, it wouldn't be as sweet as my living memories of the TV show.

[@RockessentialTim]

@@parlance.electricco Right on!

[@unclerudy9797]

Great Stuff as always Tim ! Growing up watching the series was great fun ! These were the years that influenced and helped shape my love of music and guitars ! Thanks for posting ! Peace, Rudy

[@215rwg]

Ya know, if ya listen to what they recorded on 4 track, it still plays today. Kinda hard to imagine leaning on a Barris Custom and arguing about Kirshner producing when your coming up with that kinda stuff.

[@RockessentialTim]

The Beatles early stuff was on a 3 track and it still sounds awesome. The musicians, the engineer--it all made a difference, right?

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

Thanks Tim. Growing up here in Au The Monkeys was simply just a TV show no different to Gilligan's Island. Wasn't until decades later we learnt some of the story but this story is wild. Geez this a fabulous channel 🥰

[@RockessentialTim]

Its interesting cuz I always thought of them for their music first and the television show being somewhat of an afterthought, but the comments here have been overwhelmingly about the tv show. During their heyday my memories were more that they were on the radio constantly.

[@CliffMcAulay]

This was a very entertaining video, and must have taken lots of work to pack so much info and locations in. The Monkees story is yet another sixties example of hubris and drugs ruining a lovely idea. What we are finally left with is the music, a pure expression of the times.. Thank you for this Tim....Consider yourself subscribed!

[@RockessentialTim]

A pure expression of the times. Well said!

[@steveludwig4200]

"The Monkees story is yet another sixties example of hubris and drugs ruining a lovely idea." Not really. It was a purely COMMERICAL venture from the start and the fact that it EXPLODED into 4 #1 hits was so far beyond anyone's dreams was amazing. And anytime there are fireworks like that, the end is always nearer than when a simple candle is lit. They had a helluva run but in the end every shooting star doesnt fade away it just goes dark. And tey were extrememly lucky that MTV gave them a NEW career.........

[@RockessentialTim]

@@steveludwig4200 Perfectly put, Steve!

[@RightReverandJimmy]

You wouldn't think Richard Lester deserves much credit for the success of the Monkees but it wasn't until the reedit that was more in line with the way the film he made "A Hard Day's Night". Abrupt camera changes, particularly for quips, zooming in and out as well as up and down. Lester was selected to direct after having the same role creating "The Running, Jumping and Standing Still Film" with Peter Sellers in 1959. He then toured film festivals showing the movie across Europe and the United States for the next couple of years, including the festival at Ohio State University one year.

[@RockessentialTim]

Interesting. Without the Beatles there would have been no Hollywood greenlighting a series like The Monkees.

[@jbolf6]

The rearch you do for these videos must be overwhelming Tim. I look forward to every one of these that you put out. Well done my friend!

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks. the reasearch is actually my favorite part of doing the vids (besides the music). Its actually not that difficult---the hard part is what to leave out!

[@jeffthewhiff]

This video is very cool and I was fortunate enough to have met Micky, Davy and Peter at an autograph signing several years ago and I also saw their first reunion concert in Pittsburgh in 1986 and it was one of the best concerts I have ever seen. Great job on the video, Tim!

[@RockessentialTim]

Would have loved to have met them. I saw Peter waiting alone in a hotel lobby about 8 years ago and I wish now I had gone up to him and told him how much he and his band meant to me. I didn't want to bother him but I have heard since that he loved it when people engaged him.

[@jeffthewhiff]

@@RockessentialTim Yes, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the Monkees, but the only regret is that Mike Nesmith was not there as well.

[@robertowolfo2128]

Great video. I loved the monkees as a kid. It was super interesting to hear the entire story arc.

[@RockessentialTim]

The first album I ever bought (with Kathy) was More Of The Monkees with I'm a believer on it and Steppin' Stone. I remember staring at the back cover for hours and hours.

[@AlanMckenna-v7c]

Really interesting. Great presentation. Many thanks.

[@oursigns6318]

Grew up enjoying the tv show. The Monkees were a very successful revenue generating machine. Records, toys, lunch boxes, tv shows, movies, etc. - they made business management a fortune. Sadly, the band members were just a very small and insignificant cog in the machine. The contract the band signed left them with NOTHING. Ever see the Royalties? There was a sad reason why the band members got the heave ho - and management replaced them with the Archies. Cartoon characters can't talk back, or negotiate for legitimate salaries.

[@henrylombardozzi8254]

Loved their show and always thought they rocked

[@brainscott8198]

Love the inside info style you use and the locations...good stuff! THX!😅😅

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks, Brian.

[@henryfung6789]

Well produced and shot as always Tim.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks, Henry!

[@mikenoecker1]

You did it again I love it. Had a great time in LA last week using many of your videos as a guide. I also found the original Mr Tambourine cover location! Thanks for the warning about the snakes on the mountain. Look forward to your next video.

[@RockessentialTim]

Cool. Hey I'd love to know where was the Mr Tamourine cover location was?

[@RockessentialTim]

PS: Did you hike Wisdom Tree?

[@mikenoecker1]

I hiked to Hollywood sign using your Canyon Drive video… I was going to head over to the Wisdom tree but then turned around fearing I was wearing the wrong footwear. I didn’t want to roll an ankle. Lol… Mr Tambourine Man cover is right in Fern Dell. Took me about ten minutes to find. Right in the middle there is a curved railing in the path and a flat triangular rock (where I assume the photographer was) facing the railing…

[@mikenoecker1]

Definitely going back next year, can’t wait to extend the trip a day or two.. so much fun… The highlight was seeing the Vampire booth and the downer was I couldn’t find a way into the Lido which was a bummer. Thanks again for all the videos! Love the new series you started.

[@RockessentialTim]

@@mikenoecker1 That is awesome and I wish I had known! I love that place and the hike up to the Observatory from it.

[@pretorious700]

I loved the show as a teenager.

[@RockessentialTim]

I was still in Elementary but I had older siblings and I loved it too. I caught it the other day on AXS TV. It holds up really well.

[@philipjackson6882]

Hi Tim!! Well done ... you really have a knack for this ...!! Thank you

[@JimFothergill]

Almost missed this one! Glad it found me! Another outstanding job Tim!!!!!

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks Jim!

[@bethylawson480]

I like your style. I like the way you film (no harsh turns making the viewer sea sick, a lot of u tubers do this) I like your narration and of course, your content is awesome !!! Nice voice ....good job. You got somethin here.

[@RockessentialTim]

You obviously have great taste Many thanks!

[@robertmaybeth3434]

OP, thank you for the very interesting documentary complete with old "it happened here" tour as well! But lets face it, the show was often real stupid, but almost as often it was really funny. And their music was so great, it's easy to forgive them anything. They were obviously chosen as actors first and musicians second, since the creator Kirshner planned to use sessions artists anyway. Don Kirshner's multi-million dollar idea was absolutely brilliant: sell a weekly network comedy TV show about 4 musicians, during which two or more of their original songs aired before an audience of millions. He deserved the millions he received even if all the "Monkee - men" were bound to be full of grievances (many of them quite valid, such as questions of their salaries, that were really much too low!). In 2024, sadly only one Monkee is still with us, Mickey Dolenz I wish you a long and happy rest of your life!

[@patypala8268]

Inolvidables the monkees!!!❤ I love❤❤❤

[@eagleman1542]

Well done, sir; your insight and anecdotes are superb plus your innate knowledge of the business/instrumental aspects behind the Monkees is truly impressive.

[@RockessentialTim]

I've been collecting trivia on them for almost 60 years!

[@f1kwa399]

I look forward to each and every one of your videos Tim, they’re so darn good, thank you, I used to go to Mels diner regularly but had no idea of it’s previous life, next time I’m there I’ll see it differently, thanks again, Ken

[@RockessentialTim]

It still gets pretty damn hopping there after the bars close.

[@monkeedel6546]

This is a brilliant look at the landmark parts of LA that were part of Monkee history. It's on my bucket list to do this tour of LA and I will use your video for reference! Excellent mini documentary!

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks much. The Hollywood Blvd Star and the Peter Tork house were my faves to visit.

[@trysometruth]

Wow you are getting so damn *great* at these (actually they've all been wonderful). This channel needs to get into hundreds of thousands of subscribers. I think it's completely possible.

[@RockessentialTim]

Honestly, I'm amazed to have gotten as many as I have, its very gratifying. All's I can do is continue to crank them out and hope for the best. BTW: Your comment totally made my day, thanks!

[@jimhauer5165]

Thank you Tim. Love your vids, whether hiking with or now, essentials or any doc you do. You’re The quintessential curator of the living museum that is 60s/70s LA in regard to people places and things in LA. Music, culture and history. Whether Jim Ladd stories or Tim vids, I’m so glad there are people like you guys keeping the memories alive. Born 1959 in SFV and still a native.

[@RockessentialTim]

@@jimhauer5165 I would love to do some vids on newer rock bands but they don't seem to exist anymore. Honestly, I think part of the reason the rock scene left LA is it got too expensive for poor artists to live here. Thanks for the comment Jim, it is nice to know that people care about the history!

[@FAMEAcademyNY]

Thank you for this video.

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on!

[@jongibson2205]

I was never a Monkees fan (sorry, just too saccharine and formulaic for me as a 13 / 14-year-old kid at that time during the mid-1960s after painfully hearing my two younger sisters wear out their Monkees 45s back then), but I always enjoy your fact-filled and expertly-presented retrospective histories of the period in the Laurel Canyon area. Keep up the great work, Tim....

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks, Jon and I get you. I had 4 sisters myself and the younger ones were more Archies fans so I get it. For me, the first album I actually ever bought was a Monkees album with my twin sister. We were 8 so I guess I've always loved them!

[@loydkline]

❤️ monkey tv show: I hear the monkey outsold the Beatles one year

[@andreesisario6035]

Glad I found this channel

[@michaelmccollister7482]

Thanks Tim! Made my morning...

[@georgeshaw8925]

Tim, I love your channel. I’ve been watching your videos all day. Thank you so much for all the great information. Definitely subscribed.

[@RockessentialTim]

I love it! Thanks and thanks for the sub.

[@andreaberryhill6654]

That was nice. Thanks. Seems each video/documentary complier adds to the story some detail I'd not previously heard.

[@bebeandjohnnotsonomadiclif5287]

We are so glad we found you !

[@RockessentialTim]

I'm glad you found us too!

[@Roadieguru]

What a fantastic job you have done on this video! Thank you very much! Subscribed

[@RockessentialTim]

I love this band and it was a total pleasure working on the vid. Thanks for the sub!

[@markhernden9472]

New subscriber here. I just kind of stumbled on your channel and have been binging on these highly entertaining and informative videos. Talk about a kind of bittersweet nostalgia as I revisit all these great artists of my youth. To think all that great music was heard on Top 40 radio then. Compare it to most of the crap heard today and it's like "What happened?". Looking forward to your next upload. Cheers from Vancouver.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks much for the comment and the sub. Used to love the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver. Does it still exist?

[@markhernden9472]

@@RockessentialTim Yeah, The Commodore is still going strong and would be the closest thing to those legendary L.A. venues featured on your channel.

[@motita4436]

Great video! Really enjoyed it! I was recently watching a video on the band LOVE were guitarist Bryan MacLean mentions that he auditioned for The Monkees as well.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks. When you get right down to it, seems like Nesmith was the only Monkee that really came from that cold audition. Tork came on a recommendation from Stephen Stills, right?

[@mnbv990]

Nice homage sir.

[@UncleWayon]

Great episode. Thanks!!

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on, thanks!

[@jessieodawa]

Yes, for a made for TV Vander actually played they played admirably.

[@wbruzek]

Good stuff here picked up a few facts I was not aware of previously. Looking forward to what you have lined up for the future!

[@RockessentialTim]

I'm actually going out and shooting something today (its gorgeous here today)!

[@aceopinions]

(aceoinions = Tom) Well done and very interesting story packed full of great information (some of which I did not know) from a new subscriber! Anyway, loved the Monkees as a kid and still do. I still have the first four vinyl albums and a few of their singles. The negative press they endured over not playing their instruments was ridiculous, but that likely came from the era of the growing singer/songwriter/musician trend of the day, with the Beatles of course having set the bar to an impossible standard anyway... Their songs were great. I think the best songs were many of their songs: Mike's "You just may be the One", The "Girl I knew Somewhere" Mickey's "Randy Scouse Git". The Boyce/Hart songs are among my other favorites. Mickey was my favorite and I agree, was underrated as a singer. Davy had a great voice too. I knew Peter and Mickey lived in Laurel Canyon, but never knew where - great stories. I also did not know that "Ben Frank's" was a coffee shop - thanks! The music still holds up well. The show, not so much in my opinion - although I thought Mickey was the funniest..

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks for the cool comment. I would agree that the music still holds up. It seems that its taken the "critics" about 50 years to realize what the fans did all along---they made great music! I listen to Spotify and I'll usually hear them once every couple hours. Always brings a smile to my face!

[@gregw988]

Another great video. Almost fell off my chair at the Neil Diamond photo you used. It is with a 70s radio duo Martin & Watts from my hometown of Perth, Western Australia.

[@RockessentialTim]

WOW! I had no idea who those two other guys were. It was a Wikicommons pic and I loved it so I was able to use it. Too cool!

[@glennsiems7428]

Just found your videos..excellent is all I can say...

[@RockessentialTim]

I'm glad you made it. Thanks!

[@levistubbs8949]

Really love these videos, great to see all the famous places, fantastic history, keep up the good work Tim !

[@victorhawkins3461]

Another absolutely superb video, Tim! Ya' does yer homework, ya' gets the pi'tures, and ya' turn out one quality product! Seriously, thanks for what you do. Sunset Gower looks a WHOLE lot different now than it did when I was able to hang out on the EMPTY NEST. My late partner and I bought out cremation niche at Pierce Brothers Westwood Cemetery from a woman who had been Micky's assistant for a number of years, both during and after The Monkees. She was also a Wiccan high priestess. So, we bought our niche from a witch!

[@RockessentialTim]

Ha, that is too funny (in a slightly morbid way)! BTW: What is the Empty Nest?

[@victorhawkins3461]

@@RockessentialTim A sitcom from the mid-90s starring the late Richard Mulligan and the guy who played "Joe Isuzu" in the commercials. They shot on a soundstage at what was then Sunset-Gower Studios. Mulligan's then-wife was a "retired" porn actress who was learning to play upright bass from Ray Charles's bass player. You can't make this stuff up!

[@RockessentialTim]

@@victorhawkins3461 Too funny. A sitcom within a sitcom.

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

I've avoided this video for a week because I thought I had known and seen it all regarding The Monkees whom I became enamored with in 1974 when I was 10. I was wrong. Thank you for giving us something different instead of rehashing the same old same old. Head is the best of movie of the '60s and also the best looking movie. Say what you will about Easy Rider or any other Bob R. film, he never ever came close to topping Head. And Nicholson should have written more scripts.

[@RockessentialTim]

I heard a cool story from Matt Damon recently where he talks about acting with Nicholson and how he and Nicholson agreed that you can't become a really great actor until you've written a script yourself. Interesting stuff...

[@donnacarden4045]

MONKEE'S ALWAYS And Forever PEACE And Love CHERISH EVERY MOMENT TOGETHER

[@TheRealFamespear]

Love your videos, man! Thank you.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thank you!