We’ve been sharing Monkee’s Fun Facts on the 48th anniversary of the TV Show, so here’s Part II of “Monkee-ing Around.”
Mike Nesmith was no stranger to music, having had moderate local success in garage bands before being signed to the TV show, and Davy Jones was an accomplished British stage star and singer as well. At some point the group drew a line in the sand about not performing, and in the 2nd seasons forced the executives to allow them to write and record the songs used in the show – which opened up touring and more money for the producers.
YES Michael Nesmith’s mother invented ‘Liquid Paper’ and left him a boatload of money upon her death, which is a significant reason why he chose not to join repeated reunion attempts in the 80s and 90s. Michael didn’t need the money, and touring is hard work.
R.E.M.s Michael Stipe once claimed that he would refuse induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame until the Monkees were inducted. He changed his mind of course.
The Monkees’ complete 58-episode television will be coming out on Blu-Ray.