Michael Nesmith's last hurrah as a Monkee?

8/19/2016

The Monkees' current 50th Anniversary Tour will make its way to Los Angeles on September 16 for a performance at the historic Pantages Theatre, and today on Facebook, Michael Nesmith confirmed that he will be joining his bandmates for this homecoming show.

Michael's message also seemingly hints that his future activities with The Monkees are coming to a conclusion. "I expect it will be fun, and a great way for me to sign out," Nez wrote. "I see the specter of the multiple Sinatra retirement/farewells — and this seems like the perfect time for me to step off, sit down and shut up. Hope I see you there. No, I don’t have any tickets. What a long strange trip, it’s been said...and it looks like I’ve made it to the end."

The Monkees' 50th Anniversary Tour commenced on May 18 but has featured only Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork. Nesmith, however, has joined both Dolenz and Tork this year at various other events, including an interview for CBS Sunday Morning, a SiriusXM Town Hall, and a radio guest spot in Louisville, Kentucky. He also "appeared" with Micky and Peter in New York City on June 1 via Skype, performing "Papa Gene's Blues," and joined the duo during the encore performance in Monterey, California on August 5. And of course, The Monkees' first album of all new material since 1996, Good Times!, features all three surviving members of the group.

Michael explained to fans earlier this year that a commitment to deliver his upcoming book, Infinite Tuesday: An Autobiographical Riff, prevented him from going on the road. Nez, however, has publicly kept the door open to playing with The Monkees. Micky and Peter have already performed 30 concerts in North America to positive reviews and enthusiastic audiences, and are currently on a break until September 4 when the tour resumes in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at the Pacific National Exhibition.

Michael's Facebook message also confirmed that he will not be joining Micky and Peter later this year for their tour of Australia and New Zealand, but did promise a busy 2017. "I...will be starting my Infinite Tuesday book tour in the first quarter of 2017, as well as some solo concerts, and other projects that will make it not possible to be with them on that tour [of Australia and New Zealand]."

Additional Coverage of Michael Nesmith's Announcement

The Monkees at a dress rehearsal show in Escondido, California before the start of the 2012 Tour (Photo by Don Bartletti)

22 Comments

rob

8/19/2016 22:07:35

Wow, what a post. Many emotions many uncertainties a head

Chris N

8/19/2016 22:12:03

I wonder what happened to that Monkee festival Mike was hoping for?

B. Sherman

8/19/2016 23:11:14

I wonder if after his book tour and solo tour, Nez might retire from personal appearances, i.e. last Monkees concert, last solo tours.

Michael

8/20/2016 01:31:26

I just hope that they film this for a future DVD/Blu-Ray release.

Rob

8/20/2016 07:58:05

Hi Chris, yes your correct in reminding us of the "Monkees Fest " idea that was hatched in the spring. With presumingly the Nez led Monkees headlining along with current and maybe past jangle bands..

8/20/2016 09:26:51

Rob,
Thanks for reminding me exactly what it was....i couldn't remember all the details. Anyways, if Nez is going to "retire" from the group, a "Monkees Fest" would've been the perfect way to do that.

8/20/2016 09:44:06

Totally agree Chris, regarding a proper send off. I kind of remember reading.." a couple of regional fest's" for late summer fall maybe, the idea was great.. kinda of giving us a chance to buy tickets and make travel plans.. at least that was my plan

8/20/2016 14:37:20

Which makes me wonder if there was some falling out behind the scenes. Earlier in the year Nez seemed happy about the 50th anniversary and the new album....now it seems he's done with it all. I know he'll be busy with the book and whatnot, but I'm just wondering if there's more to this story.

Suzanne

8/21/2016 01:59:50

I wonder why he felt the need to imply that this is the last time he'll appear with the Monkees? Performers announce farewell concerts for the attention/sales. The LA concert will be a sellout without the announcement. If he doesn't want to have a series of farewell concerts like Sinatra, then he shouldn't (impliedly) announce that this is the farewell concert. What if he changes his mind?

BMann

8/22/2016 08:01:41

Or maybe this is Mike's way of saying "stop asking me about touring with the Monkees - this is it!" And it seems considerate to announce it ahead of time so fans who do want to see him perform with M&P one more time will have the opportunity to do so.

Had I known ahead of time that the '97 UK tour would've been my last opportunity to see all four of them together, you bet I'd have been on a plane to see them.

Sunny Nestork

8/21/2016 08:02:19

Will Michael be performing the full concert with this seemingly last appearance as a Monkee?

Monkees Live Almanac

8/21/2016 09:03:55

Sunny, waiting for confirmation about this...please stay tuned!

Bill Allen

8/27/2016 23:25:46

Any conformation yet?

8/21/2016 12:23:15

Well,.. there' may be more to it or frankly it is what it is.. seems like our emotional roller coaster has come to the final lap. Let's keep our powder dry as they say and see what happens next year. Nez can still obviously sing and play. His mention of Solo shows is encouraging. Maybe, just maybe.. with proper head's up and planning Andrew can pull of a few "Monkees Fest's with the Nez driven band.. a few dates no long bus tours ect.. just a thought.. remember I think Davy said in the early 2000's they the Monkees would never play again as a band.

8/21/2016 17:57:09

It just seems strange that he went from being excited about the 50th Anniversary to one "last" performance as a Monkee. Now I will say that some articles I've read made it seem it's just his last appearance on the "50th anniversary tour" and not sure about the future. Regarding the rumored festivals he wanted, wonder if Andrew veoted that idea?

Cynthia

8/21/2016 20:34:01

I'm not always sure what Mike means, but music and performing is in his blood. Anyway, I'd be happy to see him solo or with The Monkees, it doesn't matter to me; Mike's my favorite Monkee by far. And I would dearly love to see him on his book tour and show him the hat I knitted. :)

John

8/22/2016 22:55:08

Who knows what the future holds, the guys aren't spring chickens, but the Monkees have had more rebirths than a phoenix . Somehow I believe Mike will interact with Micky and Peter in the future. His want to tour was miniscule even before the Facebook announcement, but I truly believe he is not done with Monkee business by any means

Mike

8/25/2016 00:45:34

A bit strange. I also heard Mike enthusiastically talk about a possible festival happening. I was hoping for one big final show of the tour with Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher, Ben Gibbard, Andy Partridge etc Would have been surreal to see The Monkees up on stage with those guys.
One big final F-U to all the doubters and old time critics who derided them.
Monkees should destroy their instruments, Who style, for their final show. lol I'm yearning for that one big live moment to go along with that fantastic album
I think if the Monkees make the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame,.we'll see Mike back up there, I used to think the RRHF was a pipe dream(I still do mostly) but there does seem to be legit movement on it.
Rolling Stone mag seems to have done a complete 180" and critics have finally wised up.. Although Jann is still in charge and from what I hear..the voters are a pretty nasty elitist bunch. So who knows.
Either way...The Monkees have cemented their legacy with the success and quality of Good Times. Everything from here on out is just topping on the cake!

8/25/2016 01:32:18

Great post Mike! Between you and Chris N I'm regaining my sanity (I think?) .. regarding Nez and the "Monkees Fest's" complete with contributors from Good Times!.. BMann has also raised a interesting thought that Nez could be just worn out Everytime he goes out in public
having to answer if he's joining the 50th sometime soon. ..it's got to be debilitating after a while ..
I guess to pull off a "fest" on a scale Nez mentioned with logistics and planning can be daunting considering this year's baked on tour schedule. Hopefully (the hardest working man in show business) Andrew Sandoval or the Nez kids are looking to 2017.

scott catton

8/29/2016 14:34:42

Yes,it would be really great if I can manage to get a ticket,airfare & a hotel stay etc for this historic concert.As it will take place just 5 days prior to my big 50th birthday,if I can make it happen,it will be a really GREAT 50th birthday present to myself.!!!

9/6/2016 12:00:21

Hopefully Rhino will record this historic show for a future dvd/ cd release as MANY fans will not be able to attend in person & they won't drop the ball on this!!!

9/9/2016 12:07:06

***Anyone looking to roomshare to save expenses at a hotel/motel friday/saturday nights???..if so,please contact me at:crazycatt66@yahoo.com.It would be myself & my brother.*We could sleep on the floor if needed.Post under:Monkees roomshare. Thanks!:)

Michael Nesmith's last hurrah as a Monkee?

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