 In June 2017, The Monkees Live Almanac reported about a new listing on Amazon for the long-awaited Monkees book by Gary Strobl, Henry Diltz, and Harvey Kubernik. Entitled The Monkees: From Reel to Real, the online retailer advertised a release date of September 18, 2017. When speaking with Omnibus Press (the publisher of Reel to Real) last summer after the book appeared on Amazon, the Live Almanac was able to attain more information, including that the publication date had actually been delayed to 2018. Unfortunately, one year later, it can now be reported that The Monkees: From Reel to Real is experiencing another postponement. Today I spoke with Matthew from Omnibus Press, and he was kind enough to take time to update fans about the book. "October 2019 is the current pub date," Matthew relayed to the Live Almanac. "The book is a mighty tome and we are putting in the work to make sure that this is the best book it can be. Rest assured it will be worth the wait when it arrives. We’re obviously very keen for the fans to know that we’re taking the book seriously and are determined to bring everyone a book about the Monkees that will stand as their definitive story." The Monkees Live Almanac will continue to report more information about this project as it becomes available. And a special thanks to Matthew at Omnibus Press for providing the latest updates on the publication of Reel to Real. UPDATE 7/23/2019: The Live Almanac exchanged emails today with the Commercial Director of Omnibus Press who now informs the site that Reel to Real is now expected to be published in late 2020. "I'm afraid we still don’t have a publication date, but we are getting closer!" UPDATE 11/20/2020: The Live Almanac spoke today via email with the editor of Omnibus Press who relayed that work continues on the book but that a publication date is still to be determined.
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Here's Ward Sylvester, Monkees collector and confidant Gary Strobl, Davy Jones, and Monkees photographer Michael G. Bush in early 1997 during filming of The Monkees' ABC television special, as photographed by the legendary Henry Diltz.  (Photo by Henry Diltz)  Earlier this week, The Monkees Live Almanac reported about a new listing on Amazon for the long-awaited Monkees book by Gary Strobl, Henry Diltz, and Harvey Kubernik. Entitled The Monkees: From Reel to Real, the online retailer advertised a release date of September 18, 2017. The Live Almanac can now confirm that the book has been delayed to 2018. Sophie, a representative from Omnibus Press (the publisher of Reel to Real) was highly enthused about the project while also explaining the postponement. "We're thrilled to be publishing this title," she told the Live Almanac. "The pub date is actually being put back so we can incorporate some new material. It's likely to be delayed until September of next year, though we may publish in the spring. It's going to be a truly beautiful thing, so I hope you'll forgive the new date!" Be sure to stay tuned to The Monkees Live Almanac for further updates. UPDATE 7/23/2019: The Live Almanac exchanged emails today with the Commercial Director of Omnibus Press who now informs the site that Reel to Real is now expected to be published in late 2020. "I'm afraid we still don’t have a publication date, but we are getting closer!" UPDATE 11/20/2020: The Live Almanac spoke today via email with the editor of Omnibus Press who relayed that work continues on the book but that a publication date is still to be determined.
Gary Strobl is a lifelong Monkees fan and collector who has been compiling a book on The Monkees since 1983, conducting research and amassing numerous amounts of interviews through the years. Strobl, in collaboration with noted rock and Monkees photographer Henry Diltz, and journalist Harvey Kubernik, announced in May 2013 that a deal had been signed to publish their work. And now, it looks like Gary and company's long-awaited book on The Monkees will become a reality! Amazon now shows a listing for The Monkees: From Reel to Real from Omnibus Press, with a release date of September 18, 2017. The online retailer provides the following description for the 496 page hardcover book: In 1965 America launched its assault on The Beatles - a blueprint boy band called The Monkees who against all the odds triumphed with their music, their personalities and their zany half-hour TV shows. The quartet of Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Mike Nesmith spent three years in a blazing spotlight before disintegrating into a mess of recriminations and ill-feeling. With contributions from all the major players in the Monkees' saga - including the four Monkees themselves - Reel To Real is an oral history of the group that follows their adventures through to their eventual split. Along the way we learn how they came together, the background to their movie Head! and the financial chaos that loomed with the realization that the only ones who didn't make any money out of The Monkees were The Monkees themselves. Thank you very much to Dan McKenzine for giving the heads-up to the Live Almanac about the Amazon listing. Stay tuned for more details! UPDATE 7/23/2019: The Live Almanac exchanged emails today with the Commercial Director of Omnibus Press who now informs the site that Reel to Real is now expected to be published in late 2020. "I'm afraid we still don’t have a publication date, but we are getting closer!" UPDATE 11/20/2020: The Live Almanac spoke today via email with the editor of Omnibus Press who relayed that work continues on the book but that a publication date is still to be determined.
Gary Strobl is a longtime Monkees collector and confidant of the group. Fans will remember his efforts in organizing Monkees conventions and, for a brief time in the '80s, contributing to the short-lived Monkees West fanzine. Gary has been compiling a book on The Monkees since 1983, conducting research and amassing numerous interviews through the years. Strobl, in collaboration with Henry Diltz and Harvey Kubernik, announced in 2013 that a deal had been signed to publish their work. This evening, Live Almanac reader Brian found the following listing on a Belgium-based website that specializes in illustrated books:  The publication date listed above (October 2015) could be an error, or perhaps the book was due to be released last fall and experienced a delay. All things considered, this could be a good sign that the book will finally see the light of day, and just in time for The Monkees' 50th Anniversary. Keep checking back with the Live Almanac for additional updates.
  Gary with Davy Jones in 2012 Gary Strobl is a longtime Monkees collector and confidant of the group. Fans will remember his efforts in organizing Monkees conventions and, for a brief time in the '80s, his contributions to the publication Monkees West. Gary has been compiling a book on The Monkees since 1983, conducting research and amassing numerous amounts of interviews through the years. Strobl, in collaboration with Henry Diltz and Harvey and Kenneth Kubernik, previously announced that a deal had been signed to publish their work. In this June 1988 interview on the Headquarters radio program, Gary speaks with hosts Paris Stachtiaris and John Di Maio about how he became a Monkees fan and reveals intricacies behind the work on his book.
I've been digging deep into my Monkees collection lately and turned up this old 1987 catalog from Gary Strobl. Does anyone else remember this? Gary is a longtime Monkees collector and confidant of the group, and for a brief time during Monkeemania in the '80s he published Monkees West. Gary also sold merchandise, and this particular catalog below offered everything from buttons to posters to pennants, and even Gene Ashman 8-button shirts. Note the front cover and its mention of Gary's book on The Monkees. Perhaps this will finally become a reality soon.
Micky to appear on 'Breakfast With The Beatles' on Sunday (12/15 at 9am PST) - UPDATED WITH VIDEO12/16/2013 UPDATE #1: Micky's appearance included discussions about the 2013 Monkees tour, the Headquarters and Head albums, The Monkees' confrontation with Don Kirshner at the Beverly Hills Hotel in 1967, as well as Micky's recollections about his attendance at a Beatles recording session for "Good Morning Good Morning," which ultimately appeared on Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. (Micky's version of the song was played at this point.) His Beatles song request was "Oh Darling" from Abbey Road, a favorite of Micky's and one that is often on the setlist at his solo shows. UPDATE #2: Here's video of the event. Check out Gary Strobl in the studio holding a camera and filming Micky's appearance. (The video below does work despite looking like it's empty!) In 2006, internet radio host Dave White celebrated The Monkees' 40 Anniversary on his Talking Television show. Along with Monkees fan, writer and publisher Bill Groves, they welcomed guests Steve Blauner, former partner of Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider; Monkees expert and collector Gary Strobl; and former New Monkees Marty Ross and Dino Kovas.
Fast forward to 30:40 for the formal start of the Monkees portion of the program (although there are other smaller Monkees bits before that point). A big thanks to Bill Groves himself who tracked down the archive of this program, edited it and converted it, as well as Dave White for allowing it to be streamed here on the Live Almanac. A couple of Bill's articles from his Television Chronicles magazine are also available on the site, including a look back at the television show, an interview with Henry Diltz, and a piece on The New Monkees.  Convention program The 3rd Annual Los Angeles Monkees Convention took place in Universal City, California on July 9 and 10, 1988. Among the guests were longtime Monkees associates, friends, and family members. Below are a few pictures from the event that come from my collection. You'll see Chip Douglas, who produced what are widely regarded as The Monkees' two best albums, Headquarters and Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd.; Coco Dolenz (Micky's sister) and Janelle Scott (Micky's mother); David Pearl (Peter's stand-in on the TV show and a friend and associate of the group); Julie Newmar (actress and guest star on The Monkees); longtime Monkees collector Gary Strobl and Monkees screenwriter Dave Evans; and finally, famous character actor Vito Scotti, who appeared in an episode of The Monkees and in the band's feature film, Head. (Click all photos to enlarge.)
The convention was dedicated to the late Gene Ashman, wardrobe designer on The Monkees television series and the man responsible for creating the 8-button shirts worn by the group.    Gary with Davy Jones in Feb. 2012 Longtime Monkees collector and expert Gary Strobl has apparently signed a deal to publish his long talked about book on The Monkees. Monkees and rock photographer Henry Diltz is part of the project. Strobl is also discussing the possibility of releasing live film footage from the 1997 UK tour.
This message appeared on the Forgotten Hits blog on Sunday: Hello Kent, How are you? Busy as a bee, I'm sure. Thank you for your amazing Forgotten Hits. I am reaching out to you and your readers to help me find the missing pieces of The Monkees puzzle. Henry Diltz and I along with Harvey and Kenneth Kubernik have recently signed a contract with Omnibus Press to put together a 500-page hardcover, full-color coffee table book on the original phenomenon of The Monkees. I am trying to track down anybody who may have been connected to or experienced the original Monkeemania. I am looking for interviews, original newspaper clippings, photos, radio station surveys, concert tickets, posters, etc. from the time frame of 1962 - 1973. Anybody who contributes to this project will get a proper credit in the book. I want to make this the most definitive book possible on The Monkees. I am sending you the PDF which defines the goal of this book. Our beloved David Jones told me on February 12, 2012, at the Burbank Marriott, "Gary, it's time to finish your book. I will help you get it done." We also talked about editing together the last seven concerts with all four Monkees that I shot in England in March, 1997. I want to fulfill these dreams for both David and me. I could sure use your help. Anyway, drop me a line when you have the chance. Here are a some photos from the last weekend I spent with David. David Keeler took these wonderful photos. I hope you and your family are in good health. Onward and upward! Cheers, Gary Strobl (There was no contact information provided in order to submit items to Gary.) Monkees West was a mini-magazine published by a variety of people including Gary Strobl (longtime Monkees collector) and Gene Ashman (wardrobe designer on The Monkees television series). There were only two issues ever released. Here is the second and final issue from the fall of 1987. It includes an excerpt from Davy's book, They Made a Monkee Out of Me, a great picture of The Monkees and the crew of their television series, an interview with Ashman (including a discussion about the origins of the Monkees 8-button shirts) and a spotlight on the pilot episode. The first issue can be found here. For easier reading, click on each image and then click on it again. 
 The cast and crew of The Monkees television series   "Dr. Duck's Super Secret All-Purpose Sauce" was one of Michael's follow-ups to "Television Parts." The home video release was a montage of sketch comedy with a variety of stars (including Bobcat Goldthwait, Ed Begley, Jr., Jimmy Buffett, Rosanne Cash, Whoopi Goldberg, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld and Garry Shandling). 
 Monkees West was a mini-magazine published by a variety of people including Gary Strobl (longtime Monkees collector) and Gene Ashman (wardrobe designer on The Monkees television series). There were only two issues ever released. Here is the first from the spring of 1987. It includes a recap of the 1986 Reunion Tour, an interview with rock photographer Henry Diltz, and a spotlight on the "Hitting the High Seas" episode. The second issue can be found here. For easier reading, click on each image and then click on it again.                |
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