 Read the full article by Steve Marinucci on Billboard.com at the link posted below: The Monkees' Micky Dolenz says he doesn't know the full details of the health problems that caused his fellow Monkee Mike Nesmith to call off their tour close to its end, but he says Nesmith felt very badly about having to end the trek, which got raves from fans. “Frankly, I don't know,” he says in a phone interview with Billboard when asked about further details. “But I talked to him the day he left. He sounded a little bit under the weather, a little weak. He was obviously apologizing profusely. And I said, 'Hey, buddy. Don't worry about it. We'll adjust.'” One thing that could likely come out of the already completed dates of The Mike & Micky Show tour is a live album. “We recorded a bunch of shows. I think every show. And these days, you know, that's pretty easy to do on your frigging laptop. So I do know that it's in hand. I was thrilled with the reviews and the reaction that we got. And the music sounded wonderful. And Nez was actually in very good voice. I was too, frankly, if I do say so myself. So hopefully it's going to sound pretty cool.”
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Hello everyone,
The Monkees Live Almanac is going on a two week vacation! I am currently at the beach enjoying some beautiful weather and sunshine. It's been a busy month around the site with the opening of "The Mike & Micky Show" back on June 1 in Chandler, Arizona. As we all know, the tour progressed through a dozen other cities before unfortunately coming to an early close in Philadelphia on June 21 as a result of Michael Nesmith falling ill before that evening's performance. All together, the final four dates of the tour were ultimately postponed. More importantly, I know I can speak for all Monkees fans in saying that we wish Nez a speedy recovery and some rest and relaxation. "The Mike & Micky Show" provided Monkees fans with one of the more unique concert events in the group's history. Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith delivered a wholly fresh show complete with a set list full of deep cuts that exceeded expectations, a crack band, and some fresh arrangements, too. If more information becomes available about rescheduled dates while I'm on vacation, or any other pertinent Monkees-related news arises, I will share all of those updates here on the blog.
If you are a SiriusXM subscriber, tune in tonight to hear Micky and Michael join Dwight Yoakam on his Greater Bakersfield show. This appearance was taped back in the spring, and Part 1 aired on June 20.
As we begin the summer months, a reminder that Micky Dolenz will be appearing at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 1 to sing the "Star Spangled Banner" before the start of the Phillies-Nationals game at 1:35pm. Tickets are now on sale, and Jodi Ritzen is offering a special package where you can spend the game with Micky and his family inside the Bill Giles suite, complete with food and drink and autograph opportunities. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I can say from many personal experiences that Citizens Bank is a great ballpark to enjoy a baseball game!
Micky will also be appearing at Northeast Comic & Collectibles Extravaganza in Boxboro, Massachusetts on July 6-8, while attending a special screening of Head in nearby Arlington on July 6. Micky doesn't have any solo concerts on the books until August. And a special congratulations to the Dolenz family as Micky's new grandson, Huxley Elliott Brenner, was born to parents Emily (Dolenz) Brenner and husband William. Have you checked out the wealth of bonus tracks on the new reissues of Michael Nesmith's RCA albums from the early 1970s? Brian Marchese wrote an essay to guide you through these gems! Don't forget about the trilogy of First National Band albums available on colored vinyl from Sundazed, too. And if you are looking to do some summer reading, Michael's Infinite Tuesday is now available in paperback. Peter Tork has maintained somewhat of a low profile lately, but his latest album with Shoe Suede Blues, Relax Your Mind, a tribute to Lead Belly, is now available on compact disc at CD Baby. You can also download Relax Your Mind on CDBaby, BandCamp, Amazon, and iTunes. The daughters of Davy Jones (all girls, as Davy was fond of joking), Talia Jones Roston, Sarah Jones McFadden, Jessica Cramer Jones, and Annabel Jones, recently announced the formation of Along Came Jones Media that will work to preserve Davy's legacy. Stop by the organization's website to sign up for exclusive news updates, and like their page on Facebook. And don't forget about the recent and future releases by our friends at 7a Records. Their current Davy Jones single, "Rainbows," is now available, and pre-orders are being accepted for Michael Nesmith & The First National Band Redux Live at The Troubadour. There's also Micky Dolenz & The Metropole Orchestra: Out of Nowhere on both compact disc and vinyl. Although things will be more quiet than usual around the blog over the next couple of weeks, the Live Almanac's Twitter and Facebook feeds will continue to be updated, so be sure to follow the site on those platforms! As always, thanks for supporting The Monkees Live Almanac. The latest release from 7a Records features two long lost tracks by Davy Jones. "Rainbows" was written and produced by Chip Douglas (who was also at the helm for The Monkees' Headquarters and Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. LPs along with singles like "The Girl I Knew Somewhere," "Pleasant Valley Sunday," "Daydream Believer," and "Goin' Down") and recorded by Davy in 1981. The song has long circulated in tape trading circles of Monkees/Davy fans, but this single marks its first official release. "You Don't Have To Be A Country Boy To Sing A Country Song" was written by Davy and Tommy Boyce (who co-wrote some of The Monkees' biggest hits with Bobby Hart) and appeared as the B-side to "(Hey Ra Ra Ra) Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse," the official theme song for the 50th birthday celebration of Mickey Mouse. That single was released by Warner Brothers in 1978 in England only, and neither side has ever been officially issued on compact disc or been made available digitally. 7a previously provided fans with a sneak preview of the A-side. This release is available as a 7" red vinyl single, and only 500 copies have been pressed. Of note, after speaking with 7a co-founder Glenn Gretlund earlier this week, only 50 copies remain in their stock. Deep Discount had the best pricing option, but they are currently sold out! (Check back later, however, for ordering options.) There are still limited quantities available from Amazon. And for UK customers, Amazon UK has the single listed but it's currently out of stock. Clearly this item is in demand, so be sure to get your copy soon! The ever dependable Ben Belmares has supplied the Live Almanac with scans of his copy of the single below. As always, Ben, thank you! And another thanks must go to both Iain Lee and Glenn Gretlund at 7a Records for working so hard to preserve the legacy of the works of the individual Monkees. Don't forget to follow 7a Records on Facebook and Twitter. And you can read more about 7a's past releases in the archives of the Live Almanac.         Essay examines previously unheard bonus tracks from new editions of Michael Nesmith's RCA albums6/23/2018 Earlier this month, Michael Nesmith's 1970s-era albums for RCA Records appeared suddenly on various platforms, and more surprisingly, each album was chock-full of bonus tracks. As we all send our best wishes to Nez, take a look at Brian Marchese's brand new essay that examines the bonus content on these latest issues of Michael's RCA output. 
The last four dates of “The Monkees Present: The Mike & Micky Show” tour have been officially postponed.
This afternoon at the Keswick Theatre in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, site of what was to be this evening's sold-out performance by Michael Nesmith and Micky Dolenz, tour manager Andrew Sandoval addressed approximately 40 pre-show VIP attendees a little after 5pm and announced Michael was ill and that he was returning to Monterey, California to see his personal physician. The remaining shows in Philadelphia, New York, New York, Huntington, New York, and Red Bank, New Jersey, according to Andrew, will be rescheduled for January 2019. I am leaving Philadelphia at the moment. More information later. The Monkees Live Almanac would like to extend well wishes to Nez for a speedy recovery!
UPDATE 6/21/2018 @ 7PM: Andrew Sandoval shared the following message on Facebook about the postponement of the remaining shows on the tour:
I was in the lobby at the Keswick Theatre this afternoon when Andrew addressed the fans gathered for the VIP soundcheck experience. Andrew handled what was obviously a very challenging situation with grace and poise. And the fans, while disappointed, were grateful to Andrew for coming to speak with everyone and vocally expressed their concern for Nez. A special thanks goes to the accommodating staff at the Keswick Theatre.
UPDATE #2 @ 8:30PM: Thank you to John Hughes of Rhino Records for submitting the following statement to The Monkees Live Almanac:
"Michael Nesmith had a minor health issue today in advance of his tour date in Philadelphia tonight. He visited a local medical facility and, although the issue was not serious, was advised to rest for the next week, so unfortunately the remaining four dates on The Monkees Present: The Mike & Micky Show tour have been postponed until a later date. Nesmith has been dismissed from the hospital and is traveling back to his home in Carmel Valley. He is in good spirits and thanks all the fans for their support and understanding. He looks forward to getting back on the stage again soon."
UPDATE #3 @ 9PM: Andrew Sandoval posted on Facebook for the second time this evening to dispute an article published by TMZ about Michael's condition:
TMZ later updated its original piece to clarify errors in their reporting.
UPDATE #4 @ 9:15PM: Various statements about the postponement of the final four shows have been shared on social media from Videoranch, the official Monkees Facebook page, and Peter Tork:
UPDATE #5 @ 9:40PM: Kyler Schwartz posted a photo on Facebook from inside the Keswick Theatre in Philadelphia after tonight's cancelation. VIP attendees were ultimately permitted to enter the theatre to use the restroom if needed. Band members John Billings and Rich Dart were mingling with fans inside. By the time I went to take a picture of the stage, the backdrop had already been removed and the stage was beginning to be cleared by the crew.
UPDATE #6 @ 10PM: The mainstream press are reporting about Michael's health issue and the postponement of the remaining dates on the tour:
UPDATE #7 on 6/25/2018:
UPDATE #8 on 6/26/2018: Micky Dolenz, in an interview with Billboard, speaks about Michael Nesmith, the postponement of the final four "Mike & Micky Show" dates, the potential for a live album from the tour, and more:
UPDATE #9 on 6/29/2018: Michael's daughter, Jessica, posted the following message on her Facebook page:
UPDATE #10 on 7/3/2018:
UPDATE #11 on 7/12/2018: Michael's oldest son, Christian, posted the latest information about Nez on Facebook while also confirming that the previously announced First National Band fall tour will still take place:
UPDATE #12 on 7/25/2018:
UPDATE #13 on 7/26/2018:
From Andy Greene's Rolling Stone interview with Michael:
Nesmith says he’ll definitely make up the four postponed Mike and Micky shows early next year, including a Red Bank, New Jersey show at Count Basie Theater on March 5th. The other three rescheduled dates should be announced in the near future. No plans are in place for additional Mick and Micky shows beyond the make-up dates, but Nesmith says he’s willing to book them should the market demand it. “I’m wide open in terms of what’s going to be,” he says. “I don’t have any reason to say no to anything.” Preview tonight's show in Philadelphia with a look back at Jerry Blavat and "Some Like It Lukewarm"6/21/2018 "The Mike & Micky Show" visited the Sony Center for the Performing Arts in Toronto on June 18:  (Photo by Teresa Kelley)  (Photo courtesy of Music Chick Art on Facebook) Micky, Nez, and the band performed at Centre in the Square in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada on June 19:  (Photo courtesy of Centre in the Square on Twitter)  (Photo courtesy of Centre in the Square on Twitter)  (Photo courtesy of Centre in the Square on Twitter)  (Photo by Catherine McNair)  (Photo courtesy of Music Chick on Twitter) It was announced today on Facebook that Davy's daughters, Talia Jones Roston, Sarah Jones McFadden, Jessica Cramer Jones, and Annabel Jones will be developing a wide variety of projects inspired by the archives he left to them after Davy's passing in 2012. Below is the press release as presented on Facebook:  The four daughters of The Monkees’ Davy Jones have announced that they have formed a production company. Along Came Jones Media is dedicated to honoring Jones’ legacy by developing projects that showcase his work as an actor, singer, songwriter, and artist.
Jones is best known for singing, playing tambourine, and falling in love on the ground-breaking musical sitcom The Monkees, which ran on NBC from 1966-68. Much more than a 1960s pop sensation however, Jones enjoyed success on radio, television, and the stage as a child in his native England. He also apprenticed as a jockey before coming to the United States to pursue opportunities as an actor. Arriving in New York City in 1963, Jones received rave reviews as the Artful Dodger in the original Broadway production of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! This success led to more stage work, and eventually a contract with Screen Gems, where he was ultimately cast in The Monkees in late 1965. His daughters say that they’re looking forward to sharing more with fans about their father’s depth as an artist through Along Came Jones. “Most people know Dad as a singer and actor, but he was also a very talented artist, writer, and photographer,” says his eldest daughter, Talia Jones Roston. Roston and her sisters, Sarah Jones McFadden, Jessica Cramer Jones, and Annabel Jones will be developing a wide variety of projects inspired by the archives he left to them after his passing in 2012. Sarah Jones McFadden says that her father’s archives are full of unexpected treasures. “He left behind a lot of surprises and gems that are going thrill his fans in the years to come,” she says. “The primary focus for us, however, is to develop projects in a way that does him justice as an artist, and that would make him proud.” The first project being developed by Along Came Jones Media is a book, expected to be available in the second half of 2018. Updates and information will be available on the company’s Facebook page, and on its website, alongcamejonesmedia.com. Thanks a lot to Sherri Hansen for the footage below, and look for more of Sherri's videos here on the blog shortly! Thanks a lot to Daniel Coston for sharing his great photos from the June 15 "Mike & Micky Show" concert in Huber Heights, Ohio.    
Tonight "The Mike & Micky Show" made its second stop in Canada with a performance at Centre in the Square in Kitchener, Ontario. This show, along with last night's in Toronto, Ontario, constitute Michael Nesmith's first appearances in Canada as a member of The Monkees since August 25, 1969, when Micky, Davy, and Nez played two shows at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto (videos below).
Also noteworthy in Kitchener tonight was the addition of "D.W. Washburn" to the set. This 1968 Monkees single peaked at #2 in Canada (while it stalled at #19 in the United States). "Sometime in the Morning" and "Propinquity," both of which have been soundchecked as of late, also made their debut in the set in Kitchener. "St. Matthew," "You Told Me," "You Just May Be the One," "Birth of an Accidental Hipster," and "The Door Into Summer" all took the night off. And for those keeping track, the regular set was played last night in Toronto sans "Steam Engine" and "Grand Ennui." Here is a copy of Michael's Kitchener set list, courtesy of Andrew Sandoval: 
And check out this silent footage of The Monkees performing on August 25, 1969 in Toronto at the Canadian National Exhibition:
"The Mike & Micky Show honored the band’s legacy and justified the love of its enduring audience"6/18/2018   (All photos by Steve Landes)  Thanks to Sherri Hansen for uploading this great rendition of a Nez classic!  The Monkees Live Almanac is happy to share the official press releases from 7a Records announcing their latest project: a live recording documenting Michael Nesmith's historic return to the Troubadour in Los Angeles with the First National Band Redux! Thank you very much to 7a co-founders Glenn Gretlund and Iain Lee for passing along all of the details. Don't forget to follow 7a Records on Facebook and Twitter. And you can read more about 7a's past releases in the archives of the Live Almanac. THE PRESS RELEASE2-LP GATEFOLD VINYL DETAILS COMPACT DISC DETAILS
OFFICIAL PREVIEW VIDEO Cleveland, Ohio (Photo by Derek Scott Thomas) Sherri Hansen is the premier photographer of Monkees concerts, and her photos from "The Mike & Micky Show" in Chicago on June 14 appear below. As always, thanks, Sherri! And a note to Live Almanac readers: more of Sherri's photos to come!  Wayne Avers, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and Christian Nesmith (Photo by Sherri Hansen) With a more robust band, fresh arrangements, Micky being Micky and a rejuvenated Nez, "The Mike and Micky Show" turned out to be the ultimate Monkees concert many have been waiting on for decades. The set list was perfect! Early/middle/late periods of the Monkees era were covered (and Good Times!, too). All of the Nez songs you wanted to hear were played. Songs that have been aired frequently during recent tours were dropped, while other warhorses were reinvented in ways that made them feel like new releases. The deep cuts were dynamic, rewarding, and ultimately delivered on pre-tour expectations. The band was tight. The addition of Paul Kramer's fiddle and Pete Finney's slide guitar breathed new life into the arrangements. Circe Link and Christian Nesmith added relative youth and energy. The re-worked arrangements of many of the songs on the set list added so much soul to nearly every song. Both Wayne Avers and Christian deserve accolades for their work in this department. The Monkees themselves were at the peak of their craft, which is quite an accomplishment considering their age. Micky and Mike's harmonies were beautiful, as always. Nez looked engaged and happy. His voice sounded as rich today as it did in 1968. That being said, it can never be forgotten that Micky is the consummate entertainer and a wonderful singer. There was so much energy in their performance, and if you closed your eyes, the whole show felt like 1968. Furthermore, the camaraderie between the band appeared authentic. It looked like everyone was having fun and enjoying themselves. Christian and Mike; Mike and Micky; each had special moments. A paragraph could be written about every song that was performed at the concert in Chicago. I will highlight just a few: The performances of "Listen to the Band," "You Told Me," "Sweet Young Thing," and "Sunny Girlfriend" were infinitely superior at these shows. The arrangements, background vocals, and Mike’s ability to hit higher notes made it truly special. I was so happy to see the return of "As We Go Along." This is Micky at his finest and one of the best songs in The Monkees' catalog. It was also gratifying to witness "Accidental Hipster" being played. A fully contemporary sounding song, and a great match for Micky and Mike. The Monkees as a whole have cemented their place as one of the greatest bands of all time. What other group with multiple #1 hits in the 1960s ever produced more pleasing, contemporary music 50 years later and achieved this type of longevity?
We can now all retire as happy and satisfied Monkees fans. |
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