Issue 89

They call her …

Valerie Kairys Venet

The America Gene is now available.

Issue 89 Fall 2014 In this issue:

Happy Holidays!

 HEAD Review by Dr.

Rock My Two Cents Monkees Here hey Come They called her Valerie This Time. Monkees Do Peter News Micky News Mike News David News Davy Jones changed the life of one Valley Monkees fan  The Fabricated Four  The moment Mickey realized the success of the Monkees  And more…...         

Editor: Cindy Bryant With a little help from my friends, “the crazy lot!”

An Official Monkees Fan Club Monkeeing Around Since 1987

In this issue

you who have made this newsletter possible over the years. Special Letter from the Editor .................. 3 thanks to the core PFG road crew Monkees Here They Come ........... 4 ( Bonnie, Craig, and Hannah Borgh, My Two Cents ............................. 8 Dawn and Emily Hoffman, Colleen This Time Monkee Do ................. 9 Johnson and all the people who They Called Her Valerie ........... 12 joined us off and on) for more fun Peter’s News .............................. 20 that anyone has a right to enjoy!  Micky’s News............................ 21 And for a lifetime of memories!

David’s News ............................ 23 Thanks also to the members Davy Jones Changed The Life Of of David’s family who have contribValley Monkees’ Fan ................. 24 uted to the newsletter and treated us Mike News ................................ 27 with extraordinary kindness over the The Fabricated Four ................... 28 years. We love you all.

Review of Head ......................... 31 The Heart Pounding Moment ..... 33 Winter reading—Christmas List . 35 My sincerest thanks to all of

Becca Nelson usually puts together Micky and Peter news for us but she was a bit busy this time. Congratulations to Becca and her family on the birth of son Oliver on November 13. Best wishes to the family! Hope you will be back with us for the next issue.

Monkee Shines

Dear Gang, This is our first online only newsletter and we hope you will enjoy it. Those of you who prefer a paper copy can order one from issuu and still get it.

I have a lot of old news articles—mostly from the 80s and 90s– that I have dug up and I will try to share them with you as we time goes on. I had tried to share them with the gang on facebook but because some of them were so long I tried using a voice recognition program that made huge mistakes so I am ditching the program. Not that I won’t make typos,

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I know I will but they won’t be as monumental. LOL! Now that we are online and have less restrictions as to what we do and how we do it—like color photos instead of black and white— I want to invite anyone who has a story to tell or something to share to contact me at pfg@machlink.com. We love sharing people’s stories and everyone has a story.

Wishing everyone a holiday season filled with wonder, joy, friends, and love.

Cindy

Monkee Shines

MONKEES here they come “BUZZ: Newspaper Article: Jun 2011 (3-C) Posted on December 19, 2013 by mrzeros1@gmail.com

Here they come walking down the street…

star in a cutting edge TV show titled :”The Creeps” who would also record Folk/ Pop music for the show.

The Monkees Did in fact play their own instruments & Write Songs

“Davy” David Thomas Jones: (30 Dec 1945 Manchester, UK) Broadway star is already on board to do the new TV show. David has already released 1 Album & three 45 Singles prior to the TV show airing.

H

ow many times have you heard that in reference to the Monkees ? Unfortunately too many. I myself am sort of an original fan. I have documentation to back this bold statement up, (thanks for writing this down Mom). When I was a toddler, apparently I liked these shows, “Batman” “Lost in Space” & “The Monkees” They all came on about the same time of day back in 1966.

“Micky” George Michael Dolenz: (8 Mar 1945 Hollywood, Ca.) Former child star on the TV show “Circus Boy” 1956- 1957 for 2 seasons. Mickey is also lead singer & guitar player for a local cover band “The Missing Links” who recorded one 45 single.

He is brought in as the 2nd Monkee.

“Michael” Robert Michael Nesmith: (30 Dec 1942 Houston, TX) sees one of the ads for the casting call on his way to the laundry mat. Nesmith has The point of this particular article is to been playing folk music since 1960 dispel some myths about this televiand released 4 solo 45 singles prior to sion show that became a Pop Band of the Monkees TV show. the 60s.

Peter Halsten Torkleson: (13 Feb 1942 In Sep 1965 Producers Rafleson & Washington DC) Folk singer form the Schneider ran an ad in two local magGreenwich Village Folk Music Scene azines looking for four youngsters to 4

Monkee Shines & former member of “The Mugwumps” (early Mama’s & Papa’s) is referred by Stephen Stills to go down for the auditions. Tork plays many musical instruments: guitar, piano, banjo, bass & french horn.

band was down to a trio; Nesmith, Dolenz & Jones and release the LPs “Instant Replay” & “Present” come out as well as three more singles.

The final LP & Single came out in 1970 when the band was down to the duo of Dolenz & Jones.

Many people want to throw darts at the Monkees, saying that they didn’t play their own instruments or write their own songs. Well here’s the tally of who wrote what: Michael Nesmith: wrote 46 songs for the Monkees. Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart: wrote 26 songs. Gerry Goffin & Carole King: wrote 13 songs. David Jones with Bill Chadwick wrote 16 songs. Peter Tork: wrote 12 songs.

Micky Dolenz: wrote 6 songs. Neil Diamond: wrote 5 songs. & Harry Nilsson: wrote 5 songs for the Monkees. While it’s true not all of these songs were released while the Monkees were together from 1966 to 1970 and some have never been released at all, it does show that, at the bare minimum Michael Nesmith was quite prolific, and the other three especially Jones contributed to The Monkees canon.

One thing I find really peculiar is when The Monkees go out and tour every 5 to 10 years, since 1975, the public backlash “Well it’s only the three of them” The reality is The Monkees were only quartet from 1965 to 1968 when Peter Tork left the group in Dec 1968 because of artistic differences.

Tork: “The TV show had ended and we were not touring as much and we defiantly were not recording as a four piece band any more, each member was recording their own tunes, so I felt it was time for me to go and do my own band “Release” Then not even one year later Nesmith in Nov 1969 decides it is also time for his early exit, Nesmith: “I hung with it as long as I could, I had an opportunity to record my tunes. The TV show was over we had made a movie “Head” and a TV special “33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee” in ’68 then Peter left. I did the final tour in ’69. I just didn’t want to do it any more so I bought out the last year of my contract”

The Monkees released 9 studio LPS from 1966 to 1970 and 12 singles. In 1966 “The Monkees” and two singles.

In 1967 they released three LPs in one year “More of” “Headquarters” & “Pisces, Aquarius” and three singles.

In 1968 the LPs “Birds & Bees” & And then there were two…..In 1970 “Head” and three singles. In 1969 the 5

Monkee Shines The Monkees were down to Micky & Davy who being veteran actors and now musicians fulfilled their Screen Gem’s contracts to the end. Dolenz: “I was an actor hired to be a singer & a drummer as long as they were paying me and putting out my records I was ok with the job.” Jones: “I know which side of my bread the butter is on” The Monkees began touring in 1966 starting out with seven concerts at the end of the year. Then in 1967 the band embarked upon the unofficial “Summer of Love tour” performing 42 concerts across America. The band took some time off in 1968 only performing in Australia & Japan for 12 concerts and a one off show in America for the movie “Head” The final tour of 1969 saw the band as a trio for the first time. Nesmith, Dolenz & Jones had made many TV appearances on various television programs through out 1969 and played 21 concerts that same year.

The first unofficial Monkees reunion was in 1975 the “Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart Show” this new quartet toured through 1976 and released one LP and two singles during this period.

Micky and Davy continued as a duo again during 1977 & 1978 releasing oe soundtrack Lp of Harry Nilsson songs for “The Point” in 1978.

Moving forward in time Davy & Peter

are touring Australia in 1985 as “The Sounds of The Monkees” when Fischoff & MTV get Dolenz to join and reform The Monkees in 1986. The trio record and tour until 1989, when the three have decided they have had enough and go their separate ways in Eureka, Mo. Sep 1989. (yes, I was there) Nesmith did make an effort to appear at one concert in Sep 1986 and film a Christmas Video for MTV with the other three. Nesmith did perform most of a concert in Sep 1989 with the trio for their “Walk of Fame” induction.

In 1996 Micky Dolenz was working on a solo CD, when he asked Nesmith to produce the music for him. Nesmith came and asked “Do you keep in touch with Peter?” Dolenz replied “Yes” Nez said “Let’s bring him in” when Peter arrived to start work on the new music Tork suggested “As long as the three of us are here why not bring in David on this too” So they did “Justus” was released in 1997 a tour with the trio ensued, as well as the second Monkees: TV special & a made for VH-1 TV movie.

The quartet including Nesmith did a brief warm up tour of the UK of nine concerts in 1997. The press was not kind to the guys, as well as Nesmith decided for the final time he did not like working with a couple members of the band.

So a few years had passed and The

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Monkee Shines Monkees decide to go out for a “35th anniversary tour” Once again the trio of Dolenz, Jones & Tork. This time Tork’s band “Shoe Suede Blues” will be the opening act.

They tour throughout 2000 & 2001 for the 3rd time as a trio.

their 4th tour as the trio and on their “45th Anniversary Tour” The Monkees will be at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley 1& 2 July 2011 at 7:30pm.

So be there or be triangular…..

Bringing us to today………

Micky, David & Peter are now on

Dr. Rox aka Mr. Zero aka Rick Schwinden Monkee-ing around. Top L—with Davy Jones. Top R—with Peter Tork, Center—with Micky Dolenz, Bottom L—with Bill Chadwick, and Bottom Right—with Bobby Hart and Tommy Boyce

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Monkee Shines some interview questions for Valerie Kairys Venet who appeared on fourteen episodes of The Monkees. I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing Valerie’s appearances in the shows. Inquisitive minds want to know, and the questions came naturally. I thought, “Why didn’t we do this years ago? David would have loved it!” David may not be able to read this like You and I, but memories will bring him to life in our spirits.

I especially appreciated the following Words, i.e. “So there you have it. Is this my last time seeing any of the guys perform in person? Who knows?

The part that I am grateful for is I got a chance to experience it.”

My Two Cents’ Worth By: Bonnie Borgh

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ou can call this an un-paid Personal Ad or Editorial, but I just wanted to comment on Erin Jacobs’ “Monkees Tour 2014” article which appeared in Issue 88 (Summer 2014) of “Monkee Shines”.

It made me stop and smell the (purple) flowers. Our Motley Crue certainly did not know that November 05, 2011 was the last time we would ever see David again. The part that I am grateful for is that it was right here in Bettendorf and that we had a “chance to experience it”. It just gives pause for thought to enjoy every minute of every day and never take a single moment for granted.

Since I did not catch any of The Monkees’ (Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork) concerts, I just wanted to say “Thanks” for your meticulous re-cap. Perhaps I would be one of the “Twilight” kids who actually read the article from beginning to end. “For the guys that will never read this ever, butterflies, peace, and stay awesome.” I just want to say, “Au contraire.” David Jones would have read it.

Photo by Dawn Hoffman

Cindy Bryant just asked me to draft 8

Monkee Shines

Reprint USA Today Monday, November 18, 1996

This time, Monkees do New album does the ‘60s Prefab Four ‘Justus’ 30 years after TV debut, group finally invents itself

By Edna Gundersen USA TODAY

coffee table book, of titled ‘Hey, Hey We’re the Monkees. A Disney documentary is due in January.

And on Wednesday, the Monkees will perform at Billboard Live in Los Angeles, their first official show with all four original members since the group disbanded in 1969. But listen to the band riffling on their phantom reunion.

“The Monkees becoming a band is the equivalent of Leonard Nimoy becoming a Vulcan.” says Micky Dolenz, 51.

Or Laurence Olivier becoming the prince of Denmark,” says Michael Nesmith, 53.

“It’s like Roy Rogers becoming a real cowboy,” says Peter Tork, 54. “Or becoming Trigger. Think about that for a second.”

“No, I can’t do that,” Nesmith says.

Under all this Monkee business lies a real identity crisis. The Monkees were America’s Prefab Four, culled from 400 applicants an

Los Angeles – Pop quiz: Are the Monkees real, unreal, or surreal? The ‘60s pop quartet makes a case for all of the above while at the same time insisting the band never existed.

“The Monkees exist only in your imagination,” deadpans Davy Jones, 50.

Fans would quibble and point to loads of old and fresh evidence that place the Monkees in the pop culture hall of fame. During its heyday, the band sold 16,000,000 albums and 7.5 million singles in 30 months.

Like Beatlemania, Monkee fever is researching in 1996 with a newly released ‘Justus’ (as in “just us”), the first album written, performed, and produced entirely by the band. Rhino, which reissued all nine albums and 58 TV episodes after purchasing the Monkees canon in 1994, has also just released a CD-ROM and 9

Monkee Shines audition for a musical sitcom. Jones was a horse jockey and the thespian.

Dolenz had been a child actor in the series ‘Circus Boy.’ Tork was a Greenwich Village musician, Nesmith the country folk song writer from Texas.

They were hired to portray a fictional band yet weren’t assigned fake names. The Monkees provided vocals on hits like ‘Last Train to Clarksville’, ‘Daydream Believer’, and ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday’, but they weren’t allowed to play instruments or pen material.

Their songs, written by Carole King, Harry Nilsson, and Neil Diamond were performed by Stephen Stills, Leon Russell, Neil Young, and other uncredited musicians.

In their first year, the Monkees out sold the Beatles and the Rolling Stones combined, turning the band into a global phenomenon. The Monkee wrench: an image tarnished by dubious artistic credibility.

Tork recalls the bicoastal reactions:” the New York acting community saw us as four talentless actors plucked off the street for roles anyone could do- ‘but the music’s OK’. The L.A. Musicians call list for talentless musicians plucked off the street –‘but the TV shows OK.’” “We were responsible for more than anyone knew or gave us credit for,” Nesmith says. “At first, they wouldn’t let us to do anything. It was, ‘shut up and sit down.’ We fought. I kicked and screamed and got rid of two producers.”

The creative shutout was especially vexing for professional musicians Tork and Nesmith (composer of the Lynda Ronstadt hit ‘Different Drum’).

“All I wanted to do was to be the sidemen on our own damn records!” Tork says. “that’s all we asked for: Let the Monkees be musicians.”

Actors Dolenz and Jones, so eager to exercise their musical gifts, felt less violated.

“I was an actor hired to play the part of the drummer,” Dolenz says. “I was quite happy to be Sal Mineo in ‘The Gene Kruppa Story’. I did get a little bewildered when people started asking me, ‘So, how long have you been a drummer?’ Huh? The fantasy took over.”

Amid the rubble yells of ‘60s rock, the Monkees were a guilty pleasure. Their TV shows and records circulated in 128 countries and 35 languages. Jimi Hendrix was the band’s opening act on early shows.

John Lennon, who never missed a show, called them “the greatest comic talent since the Marx brothers.”

The planet divided into two camps: a hard-core Monkee fans and the Monkee conspiracy theorists. The latter were silenced a by the sounds of the Monkees playing their own guitars and drums on third album ‘Headquarters’, produced in 1967 by turtles bassist Chip Douglas.

Marking the 30th anniversary of the hit TV series, ‘Justus’ recalls the band’s original buoyant pop while overcoming the stigma attached to it.

Nesmith, who had declined it to join his bandmates on a 1986 reunion tour, was the catalyst for this year’s comeback.

The four decided against an old least four ws Oliver! ere outside help. They entered the studio last summer for the first time in 28 years and the merged with the first few are

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Monkee Shines Monkee – say, Monkee – should do product: 11 new tunes and a remake of Nesmith’s ‘Circle Sky’ from the Monkees’ little seen ‘Head’ movie (scripted by Jack Nicholson).

The reason homecoming has been a barrel o’ fun, largely because the Monkees had had time to recover from the intensity and trauma of overnight fame.

“People don’t want you to change, and you can’t get better about it,” says L.A. resident Dolenz, who in 1975 move to England and spent 15 years as a TV director.” After the Monkees, I go to acting auditions and be told, ‘why are you here? We don’t need any drummers.’ Fortunately, I was able to step outside of my past and have another life behind the cameras.”

Jones – “the true – blue Monkee icon who never let the banner trail in the dust,” according to Nesmith – continued to champion the band while earning raves for his roles in ‘Oliver!’ and ‘Godspell’ and writing books and scripts. He left L.A. For Santa Barbara and later Pennsylvania, but he never ducked fans.

He says, “People ask, ‘How can you still be so nice after talking about the Monkees for 30 years?’ It’s difficult when I’m running through an Airport and need to take a pee. They don’t see the angry little man who wants to scream. It’s not easy being me, but I’m the best man for the job.”

Nesmith, now settled in Santa Fe, released a solo albums, formed a video production company in 1977, executive produced ‘Repo Man’ and created the acclaimed ‘Elephant Parts’, considered an MTV blueprint “Coming to terms with the iconography of the Monkees took a

long time,” he says. “I finally decided there was zero down side. There was no reason to divorce myself from it. I played back to the Monkees, even the juvenilia, with some degree of pride, like your first prom tux.”

Tork admits he bought into the notion that the Monkees were ungifted frauds and had a tougher time coping with the aftermath.

“I’ve always been ambivalent,” he says. “Never mind that Sinatra had orchestras behind him. I wanted us to be a real live band. I call this my Pinocchio complex. As soon as the Monkees were over, I went to Marin County and became a street happy again.”

Tour, who keeps homes in San Francisco and Venice, California, worked as a waiter, than taught school in L.A., healthy departures that he says helped ease is a reentry into the Monkees spotlight.

“We’ve never gotten this deep before,” he says of the roundtable psychobabble.

Nesmith provokes howls with the crack, “You always jump into media as therapy!”

So the conversation returns to the existential question of the Monkees’ tangibility. No consensus is reached.

“There’s no Monkee philosophy, because therein is no Monkees,” Dolenz says.

Only Monkee shine.

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Monkee Shines

They Call Her… VALERIE KAIRYS VENET By: Bonnie Borgh

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ctress Valerie Kairys was born in Germany and is best known for her appearances in The Monkees (1966-1968), Batman (1966), and Vanishing Point (1971).

Valerie appeared in the following Monkees’ episodes: 1966 Monkee Vs. Machine (uncredited) [Valerie played the part of a girl waving for help on the top of a burning building. She was seen being rescued

by Monkee firefighters. In the Monkee Vs. Machine episode with commentary by Peter Tork, Peter said, “Is that Val Kairys?”]

Your Friendly Neighborhood Kidnappers (uncredited) [Valerie played the part of the girl dancing with Davy.

She was wearing a pale pink checked jacket and matching skirt with white go-go boots. Her lines were: “Hey, where are you two going?” “Well, I wanna come, too!” “Come on everybody, party at Davy’s place!” “Hey this dance is a gas! What do you call it?”]

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Monkee Shines The Spy Who Came In From The Cool (uncredited) [Valerie appeared briefly several times in the episode as a dancer. She was wearing a burgundy/purple sweater and off white pants with a brown beret hat.]

The Chaperone (uncredited) [Valerie appeared briefly several times in the episode as a party guest.

She was wearing a double laced ruffled short sleeve navy with white spots mid-drift with matching pants.]

I’ve Got A Little Song Here (uncredited) [Valerie appeared as a behind-the-scenes studio crew member. She was wearing a bright green top.]

Too Many Girls (uncredited) [Valerie played the difficult part of a girl staring at Davy. She was wearing a long sleeved white shirt over a dusty rose top with coordinated patterned rose colored pants. She also sported a red beret hat.]

1967 Case Of The Missing Monkeeb (uncredited) [Valerie played a girl in a rowing machine being serenaded by Mike on his guitar. She was wearing a red/white striped shirt with a white skirt complete with a straw hat with navy ribbon trim.]

dition of a red scarf over her head and a peach skirt instead of yellow. Her lines included: “You see what we want to do is show what you are and the way you live.” “Perhaps we should take a look outside.” “Why not?” “Look fellas, you don’t understand the magazine business. Rob Roy isn’t such a creep, and think of what that creep could do for your careers.”

“You know, Madame Q expects you at her office tomorrow at nine. Fellas, please, trust me.” Valerie then appeared wearing a dress which had peach checks on the top and a matching peach skirt and belt. She was also wearing a wide yellow headband.

Valerie’s lines included: “Madame, I got the story on The Monkees.” “Oh, I think it captures them just the way they are.” Next, Valerie appeared wearing a black and white striped jumper with a long sleeved white shirt and green headband. Her lines included: “Hi Davy.” “Hi guys. You mean you haven’t read it yet?” “The Monkees are the typical fun people.

The devoon madcap boys for whom every day is just one gay adventure.”

“Rob Roy to be exact.” “The boys are gourmets all. Their favorite delicacy being pheasant under glass.

Their favorite sports are polo and croquet. Their taste in music runs to chamber music and organ recitals.”

“I want you to know I quit my job today.” Valerie’s last appeared wearing an off white hat, white scarf, and purple, pink, and orange blazer. Her final lines included: “Retraction my foot!” “And why not? What’s so surprising about that? Well, I’ve got some of the best assistants in the business; right?”]

Monkees A La Mode (Toby Willis) [Valerie first appeared wearing a yellow top with a bright orange/red striped jacket with a yellow skirt. Her lines were: “Madame Q, I met a group of boys last week that were all that and more.” Valerie then appeared in the same outfit with the ad- The Card Carrying Red Shoes 13

Monkee Shines (uncredited) [Valerie briefly ap- wearing a short-sleeved orange mini peared wearing a peach leotard and dress with purple trim. She played tan tights.] the drummer. She was also wearing a spaghetti strapped black mini dress 1968 with black fringe, white frosted/ sparkly tights with pearl colored Monstrous Monkees Mash shoes. (uncredited) [Valerie played the girl summoned by (Micky’s) wolf howl. Mijacogeo (uncredited) [Valerie She was wearing a blue multi-colored appeared in this episode coming out of floral shift mini dress.] a door and alluring Micky, Mike, and Davy to follow her. She was wearing Monkees Race Again (uncredited) a long sleeved smokey-blue mini-dress [Valerie appeared as the girl wearing with dark pump shoes. In the Mijacoa yellow top, black and white checker- geo episode with commentary by board mini skirt, yellow tights, and Micky Dolenz, Micky said: “Ah yes, white patent leather go-go boots. She the pretty little blonde in the mini skirt walked by twice, and the second time shot.” Valerie is also seen again her skirt was ripped off to use as a walking with Peter.] flag to wave at the end of the car race.

Since the Monkeemobile won Valerie also appeared (uncredited) in (courtesy of Davy as the driver), she HEAD (1968) as a spectator in the awarded him a gold trophy cup, a scene with the bikini-clad girl attempthorse-shoe shaped wreath with red ing to jump off a tall building. Valerie roses, and gave him a gratulatory was wearing a blue checked dress kiss.] with a high white collar.

Monkees Mind Their Manor (uncredited) [Valerie appeared several times as a spectator at Ye Olde Fair. She was wearing a white jacket with a blue skirt. Later, she was wearing the same outfit but with a fall/ winter coat with brown boots. In the Monkees Mind Their Manor episode with commentary by Peter Tork, Peter said: “There’s Val Kairys in the background whom I really quite liked at one point. She’s on the left edge that time.”]

Some Like It Lukewarm (uncredited) [Valerie played the part of “Melody” in the all-girl group called “Westminster Abbey”. She was

Interview Questions: Valerie graciously granted our request to answer some questions for us. With all our Heart and Soul, thank you!

-----------------------Do you still have any of those mod iconic 1960’s outfits that you wore in the episodes? Which ones were your favorites?

No, I don't have any of the outfits that I wore on the Monkees show. Lots of them belonged to the studio and some were mine. There

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Monkee Shines were a few that I remember stood out-Gene, was a very talented costume designer and a really wonderful man. He chose the Toby Willis ones and I would say that they were favorites. I think that there was one dress that was actually mine that I wore in the scene when Toby's boss (Patrice) tears up her paperwork. Another favorite would be the famous polka dot outfit that was my roommates. But I would say that they were all great! Which ones were your favorites? :) {I loved them all. The white patent leather go-go boots were “fab”!}

me to accept such an honor from such a great team, Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. If you get a chance go see the documentary "The Guys Who Wrote Em." The Monkees recorded a song for their 20th Anniversary Tour in 1986 called: “That Was Then This Is Now”. Which “Monkee” were you closest to then (in the 1960’s)? Which “Monkee” are you closest to now?

The boys are and always will be equally special to me. We had fun working together and spent many hours together. I would like to say What was it like when “Valleri” be- that we were like a TV family-cast came a hit song for The Monkees? and crew. I loved all of them "then and now" they will always be in my Ah, the song "Valleri." I must say heart and I will love them forever. that a kinda funny feeling ran through me when I heard the guys What was it like being a recurring were recording a song called actress on the set with the hottest "Valleri." But of course I never group of young men on the planet? thought in my wildest dreams that the song would have anything to do I didn't realize that my part in this with me. Peter told me that of magnificent show was as notable as course they couldn't help but think it turned out to be. The work was of me when they were recording so much fun AND I was grateful it it. So, that was good enough for me. paid my rent. I was thrilled that Then about four years ago I was they had such a success and they doing a Q&A with a few people were and are loved by their audifrom the Monkees show at the ence.

Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. And of course the question Aside from our Motley Crue, do peocame up-was the song Valleri writ- ple still ask you about your appearancten about me. I said: Fortunately, es on The Monkees? we have Bobby Hart right here and he wrote it! So, I handed him the Yes. I'm shocked at how many peomic. I was waiting for him to tell ple remember me at all from the the story of how the song came show. I'm truly grateful and thank about. But, when he took the mic all of you for your kindness. and looked at me and said "of course it was" I just about fell off In Too Many Girls, how hard was it my chair! To this day it's hard for to stare hypnotically at David and still 15

Monkee Shines maintain a serious composure?

When they shoot something like me looking at Davy in "Too Many Girls" Davy isn't there. The director is telling me where to look and what kind of reaction he wants to see from me.

The infamous line in Monstrous Monkee Mash was: “What a kiss!

I’ve never felt this way before!” Describe what it was like in Monkees Race Again to be the recipient of such a beautiful natural smile and genuine kiss from Davy in the episode. If your friends were not jealous before, what did they think of that?

We always kissed and hugged when we'd see each other in the morning.

All the boys, the director and crew members. This is not unusual when one is working on the same series or feature. So, believe it or not ladies giving Davy a kiss in the Race episode was no different than a good morning or see you tomorrow kiss.

The director said "Valerie run up to him and give him a kiss." So that's what I did. No, my friends were not jealous as far as I know. Besides I am not sure if they saw that episode.

Don't forget that when the show aired on TV we were on the set shooting another episode. There were no DVR's or Netflix or anything like we have now. By the way, thank you for such great reminders of these episodes. I know so many of you are even more familiar with them than me and I appreciate it so much!

or, Peter said: “There’s Val Kairys in the background whom I really quite liked at one point. She’s on the left edge that time.” Did you meet Peter on the set of The Monkees or had you known each other before? How long were you two an item?

Peter and I were never an "item." If he had a little crush on me that I was unaware of, I would have been honored! Especially, as he had plenty of ladies that adored him. I met All of the boys when we filmed the pilot. No, I didn't know any of them before.

In Some Like It Lukewarm, another of your “Westminster Abbey” bandmates was Deana Martin who played “Daphne”. Do you remember who the other two young ladies in the group were?

I knew one of them. Her name is Diane Smith. She was the guitar player and I think I was the drummer. Originally the director wanted me to be the guitar player. But, I gave it to Diane because I knew she handled it more comfortably than I knew how to at that time.

Did you enjoy your appearances in The Monkees, Batman, or Vanishing Point the most?

I'm always glad to have work. I'm of course especially fond of The Monkees, but I loved being a part of all the shows I worked on.

Did you do any other acting after those three performances?

In The Monkees Mind Their Man- Yes, for which I am grateful for. I 16

Monkee Shines can't believe I have been in The In- loved to watch the filming, but undustry since 1964. fortunately I was busy working on other projects.

There is an addition to your name, i.e. It’s been said, “A picture paints a Venet. Are you currently married? thousand words.” (Imagine that; wrong group!) When and where was this photo taken? How long had it Tell everyone I'm available!! :) been since you had last seen David?

During concerts, David often talked What was it like seeing him again? about his children (and grandchildren) The photo that you have there was watching episodes of The Monkees. taken by Gary Strobl two weeks He said when they saw him they before Davy’s death.

Our last would say, “That’s my other Daddy words to each other were "I love (Grandpa).” If you have children you. {Oh My My} and/or grandchildren, how do they react when they see you in the original Do you still keep in touch with Peter, Monkees’ series?

Micky, and/or Mike?

My kids enjoy the show.

Yes, I still see the guys here and there.

Do you have any of the original props from the set of The Monkees?

Do you have any comments you would like to share?

I have no props.

Yes, I'm shocked at how many peoWas there an episode of The Monkees ple remember me at all from the that you wish you had appeared in? show. I'm truly grateful and thank all of you for your kindness.

I would have loved to have done many more, but I am thankful that Please send my love to everyone and I was in as many as I was in. tell them that I adore Undoubtedly, you crossed paths with them. xoxoxo!! some very notable musical celebrities during The Monkees. Who were you -----------------------most impressed with?

Ideally, it would have been nice if this interview had been written when David was still with us. There The Monkees, of course! :) are some individuals who take our What was it like being on the movie “forms” very seriously, and I am exset of “HEAD”? Were you there just tremely impressed at how expediently for your appearance or were you al- and professionally Valerie returned lowed to watch the filming? the interview questions sent to her.

Thanks for taking us on a wonderful Working on Head was like working trip down Memory Lane. on the Monkees-same cast and lots -Bonnie Borgh of the same crew. Yes, I would have 17

Monkee Shines

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Monkee Shines

Valerie with Davy Jones shortly before his death, Valerie with Peter Tork on the Monkees set in the ‘60s.

You can find Valerie on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valerie.kairysvenet?fref=ts

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Monkee Shines

HEAT sponsoring dinner and an Uncle Floyd show

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EST MILFORD — A dinner fundraiser, featuring television personality Uncle Floyd, is scheduled at Greenwood Lake Airport on Nov. 23 to help support the Highlands Economic Development and Tourism Corp's (HEAT) Christmas light contest.

The fundraiser dinner will be served

by Passport Café, located at the airport, 126 Airport Road, West Milford.

Floyd Vivino, aka "Uncle Floyd," was born in Paterson and is known for his comedy/variety TV show "The Uncle Floyd Show," which ran from 1974 to 1998. The show, which featured a puppet sidekick named Oogie, included performances by many musical artists, including The Smithereens, The Ramones, Bon Jovi,

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Peter Tork, and Cyndi Lauper.

Tickets for the Uncle Floyd performance, which includes dinner from the Passport Café, are $60 per person, $50 for senior citizens, and may be purchased at the airport or from any HEAT member. Dinner is served at 5:30 p.m., then Uncle Floyd takes the stage. Seating is limited.

Uncle Floyd

Monkee Shines

Micky has, arguably , been the busiest Monkee with his furniture business, Comedy Is Hard, his honor on Broadway, and concerts. Here are a few highlights.

Rockers On Broadway to Honor Micky Dolenz & Frankie Valli, 11/17

star! When their songs came on the radio our hearts skipped a beat. We tacked their photos to our bedroom http://www.broadwayworld.com/ walls faithfully watched their TV cabaret/article/Rockers-On-Broadway shows and bought their records --and -to-Honor-Micky-Dolenz-Frankiewe might have even written some of Valli-1117-20141111# them a love note or two."

We all had one...who's ith one week left yours? (show on Monday, November 17) - Special Performances by: Micky Rockers On Broadway Dolenz (The Monkees); Courtney will honor two of America's teen icons Reed (Aladdin); Megan Hilty Micky Dolenz and Frankie Valli with (Smash); Titus Burgess (Little Lifetime Achievement Awards and Mermaid) Nick Cordero (Bullets Over legendary DJ 'Cousin' Brucie Morrow Broadway); Mitchell Jarvis (Rock Of with the Ambassador of Rock Award. Ages); Jarrod Spector (Beautiful); Says Rockers On Broad- and, Donnie Kehr (Jersey Boys) and, way's Donnie Kehr, "Teen Idols, have special guest Peter Tork (The always been a special kind of rock Monkees).

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MICKY DOLENZ & JOYCE DEWITT IN 'COMEDY IS HARD' Sunday, September 28, 2014 THE GLORIOUS CORNER Story By: G. H. HARDING HARD COMEDY WITH DOLENZ --- There’s a time honored tradition in theater-speak of trying the show out on the road; mostly trying it outside of New York, where one dreadful review, from one dreadful critic, could close it on opening night.

Theaters like the Goodspeed in Connecticut and the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey, are two such examples, where new plays get a proper jump start and some even make the leap to Broadway.

Friday, I journeyed to Ivoryton, Connecticut, to see the premiere of a new play, Comedy Is Hard, starring Monkee-Micky Dolenz with Joyce DeWitt (Three’s Company) and we just adored it. Penned by Simp-

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Monkee Shines sons-writer Mike Reiss, the two-act play is chock full of current facts and references and, spot-on funny, poignant and bittersweet.

Dolenz (Lou) and Dewitt (Kay) play two inhabitants of an assisted living facility for show business people. The director of play, Jacqueline Hubbard (who does a standout job) says it’s about "about life, love, show business, and the importance of growing old disgracefully."

Dolenz, who’s been in show business for almost his entire life (his bio in the playbill references some pre -natal work coming out soon!) is scintillating good; and, to me, instantly drawing a parallel to Billy Crystal’s character in 1992’s Mr. Saturday Night.

His comic timing is infectious and perfect, and to me, he totally pulled it off. It’s funny, as I watched him intently; some of his affectations reminding me his antics of when he was on the Monkees-TV show.

Dolenz’s forays into theater have been uniformly excellent and chosen with great care (I’m thinking about his run in Disney’s Aida on Broadway back in 2004) and his fans, who were out there in force Friday, loved it. It’s a totally different role for him, but he acquits himself handsomely.

Dolenz said to Connecticut's The Day daily: "I receive a lot of scripts ... You can usually tell by about 10 pages in whether you want to do it at all," he says, "10 pages in, I

was crying with laughter. The humor just struck a chord. I've always loved that kind of Catskills (humor). I wasn't around for the 30's and 40's, obviously" - he laughs - "But, even by the 50's and my early exposure to comedy, I was a big Red Skelton fan and then Art Carney ... that kind of old-school comedy."

In fact, he and Dewitt, who more than adequately pulls off her role of Kay, make for a formidable pair.

One dream sequence (or, at least that’s how I took it), with Dolenz looking sharp in a tux and DeWitt in a fabulous gown is rendered with an emotional punch that for me, was the real highlight of the show. It's how they remember it to be. Very moving.

Reiss, who I was honored to meet that night, is a four-time Emmy winner and Peabody Award winner for his 25-years writing for The Simpsons is the real deal. His other credits include It’s Garry Shandling’s Show, Alf, and The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. His perceptive and hilarious script is a total home run.

In a curtain call speech, Reiss said he was “sitting in the audience wishing I had written that.” Reiss is one of these guys that everything he says is funny. I've become a total fan.

There’s no question that this play deserves to be imported to Broadway; Broadway would well benefit from its appearance there. Spot on brilliant. Bravo!

Don’t forget to stop by http://www.dolenzanddaughters.com/ while Christmas shopping for you favorite Monkee fan!

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D

avid’s home in Beavertown, PA went on sale this summer along with the church he had hoped to turn into a museum. We knew it had to happen eventually. In an attempt to show the world that his dream of a museum would not die easily we made a symbolic attempt to raise the funds to purchase the properties and turn his house into a bed and breakfast that would hopefully support the museum.

We knew there was little or no chance to make this a reality but wanted to show the world we hadn’t forgotten him. Of course, we gave up the dream reluctantly. The house is still on sale, having been reduced from the original asking price of just under $400,000 to just under $350,000.

I have such a lovely memory of David inviting Bonnie and I to tea one Spring day and of the tour of the house he took us on. I will never forget him standing at the top of the stairs in the attic with his arms open wide Yes! It’s back!

They Made A Monkee Out of Me is once again available’ Let’s hope Daydream Believin’ is not far behind!

and a hug smile on his face, surrounded by stacks of letters, banners, gifts, etc. from fans, drinking in the love.

No doubt these were things he intended to go in the museum when it was done.

I remember a phone call. He was sitting in the attic rereading our newsletters, mistakes and all, and wanted us to know they “did not go without thought.”

The house may soon be gone and another piece of David slips away but the memories will live on.

Spruce Lawn, David’s Beavertown home

The Written In proceeds go to Our Hearts Cook- DJEMF. book is still available on amazon.com and would make a great Christmas present for the cook on your Christmas list.

Remember all

Don’t’ forget to visit DJEMF.com and vidoeranch3d.com for other great gift ideas for the fans on your list or to make a donation.

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Monkee Shines David Jones spirit lives on in the amazing acts of kindness he did for so many.

Davy Jones changed the life of Valley Monkees' fan 1960s accident victim mourns loss of Monkees star and lifelong friend

by Ed Masley - Mar. 19, 2012 02:17 But for Rhonda Cook, the PM loss was much more than that.

The Republic | azcentral.com It's two weeks after Jones' death (on Feb. 29), and Cook can't he death of Davy Jones may keep from crying as she talks about have felt like the end of an her memories of a man she came to era for a lot of fans who think of as her knight in shining argrew up on the Monkees' hit mor.

TV show in the '60s.

The two met in 1968 in the wake of a

T

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Monkee Shines traffic accident on Cave Creek Road that resulted in the amputation of one of Cook's legs. Local DJ Pat McMahon got word to Jones' people, and, to the 11-year-old's surprise, her favorite singer turned up in the doorway of her room at John C. Lincoln Hospital in Phoenix.

"I couldn't believe my eyes when he popped in," says Cook, who now lives in Glendale. "I looked at him and started crying. I had a big smile on my face. I couldn't believe my eyes.

"He couldn't find anything to autograph, so he digs his driver's license out of his wallet, and he autographs the back of it and hands it over to me."

A picture that ran back then in The Arizona Republic shows the Monkee looking through his wallet for something to sign.

In the accompanying article, Cook was said to beam as she reported, "And the first thing he did was to give me a kiss. And it was right on the mouth, too. And it was nice. It was like nothing else."

Cook still has that cherished picture, only now it's autographed.

"About 10 years ago," she explains, "I saw him in Missouri, and I had him autograph it for me."

Birthday nightmare Cook and 7-year-old Patti Smith were crossing Cave Creek Road at Sweetwater Avenue on May 8, 1968, Rhonda's 11th birthday, to retrieve a record player that had been repaired for her birthday party when both girls were struck by a pickup truck.

"I lost my left leg at the knee," she says. "And the right one

was broken in the femur. The knee was damaged. The foot was severely fractured. ...

And the other girl, the only thing that saved her leg was the main artery, where mine was severed off at an angle. But at least we're both still alive. And we both still love Davy."

Cook was holding a new Monkees album as she stepped into the intersection.

"When I found out about Rhonda going to this birthday party and her Monkees records," McMahon recalls, "I thought, 'My God, I've got to find out more about this.' I believe I called the family at the hospital to find out how she was doing and what she needed, and they were talking about, 'Would there be any way to get in touch with Davy?' " So McMahon reached out to the label.

"We were always in touch with those people since we were the ones that broke the records," he says.

"So the next thing I heard was that Davy had gotten the message. The record label called and said that he was coming over on his own but didn't want anybody to do anything about it on the air. He was adamant about that.

And, of course, it made me that much more respectful of him.

"He was just a lovely, lovely human being."

That visit also left young Rhonda's father, Roy Cook, reconsidering celebrities. As he told The Republic in 1968, "I've seen a lot of celebrities from time to time. And I never figured that most of them were anything special, as people go. But this boy Davy, well, there's no way to say how wonderful he is. This visit is something she'll never forget. Never."

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Monkee Shines Cook and Smith, the other girl hit by the truck, have stayed in touch, and there has been talk of them going to California together to attend a public memorial service for Jones.

"We've been together since '68, and I think we're gonna stay together," Cook says. "She's a good friend to me."

Jones visited with both girls more than once.

"He'd always bring me something when he'd come out here," Cook says. "He bought me a Masterwork record player and autographed the top of it for me. He bought me a bunch of albums. He bought me some head scarves. He just kept bringing me stuff."

The best gift may have been his phone number so that they could stay in touch.

The Republic story quoted Jones explaining, "I don't know what I'll ever be able to do for her. But if she ever needs me or if she just wants to say hello, all she has to do is to call me collect."

me. And that's the way my life has always been."

That last part makes her cry.

Then she says, "The last time I talked to him was right before he passed. I said, 'I love you as a big brother.' And he said, 'I love you, too, Rhonda.'

"And right after that last call is when he passed. It tore me up big time. I mean, I couldn't believe it when I heard it. I was like Micky (Dolenz). I thought, 'No. Not him,' you know? It was just too much."

She felt as though she'd lost not just an idol but a friend: "He's always been so close to me. You wouldn't think that a celebrity would stay in contact with somebody for so long. Maybe one or two visits and goodbye. But not David. He would send me postcards. Christmas cards. ...

"I never did call him collect, but he was just so sweet to me. He was my idol. And he still is. I still can't believe that dream came true."

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/ arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/ articles/2012/03/13/20120313davyLike a brother Now 54, Cook says, "From jones-monkees-rhonda-cook-phoenixMay of 1968 until he passed away, we cave-creek.html#ixzz3ID9NNhpV had stayed in touch with each other.

He has always been like a brother to

"When Davy passed, it was traumatic. I'm not sure I'm still over it (sic). It's like a family member, a very close family member, like a brother, but the music is so powerful, the music it does sorta (sic) see you through." The Monkees star Micky Dolenz is still struggling to come to terms with the loss of his bandmate and longtime friend Davy Jones, following his death from a heart attack in 2012. http://www.hollywood.com/news/brief/58514043/the-things-they-say 26

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he UK portion of Michael’s “Movies of The Mind “ Tour planned for September was canceled. No rescheduling has been planned.

tails his observation that "at a certain time, the America Gene wakes up in the life of all Americans, and starts to drive you to your own personal Las Vegas. And of course, by the time Michael has just you're completely grown up, you're a released his lat- moron." est book ( anothYou can visit Video Ranch at er great Christmas gift idea)! http://www.videoranch3d.com/ The index.php to purchase The America America Gene, Gene as well as many other great Nez Michael items, like The Long Sandy Hair of Nesmith's sec- Neftoon Zamora and Elephant Parts, ond novel, de- CDs and tee shirts.

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Monkee Shines A scathing review of “Hey, Hey, We’re the Monkees’ by a hack “po music critic” (from 1996)

The Fabricated Four

By Jim Walsh, pop music critic St. Paul Pioneer Press Showtime A daily guide to what’s new in Arts &Entertainment

I

n the current year and the issue of Rolling Stone, the reader’s poll votes the Monkees as “worst comeback” of 1996. Harsh but hard to argue with. When the fabricated for hit town this past summer on their umpteenth reunion tour, I couldn’t talk any of my alter egos (Curiosity Seeker, Dedicated Reporter, Music Historian) into checking out the show.

Still, one part was intrigued: the Inner Teeny-bopper.

I was seven years old when the Monkees’ TV show first aired in 1966. I have only a vague memory, and that is of being absolutely wild for Mickey, Davy, Peter, and Mike. My brothers and sisters and I gathered around the tube every week to watch them; I bought their records and religiously read Flip and Tiger Beat magazines. But it wasn’t until this past weekend, while previewing the Disney channel’s “Hey, Hey, We’re The Monkees” rockumentary, that it occurred to me exactly why the Monkees were my first love.

I’d always chalked it up to their irresistible bubble gum pop, or to the fact that I probably had as much of a crush on cute-as-a bug Davy Jones as did my sisters, or that the Monkees

provided the best cathode-ray drug experience for a kid to this side of “H.R Puffnstuff.” But it was simpler than that. They were four older guys with long hair, living on their own, and they never had jobs. All grownups I knew had jobs, but these guys just had… capers.

My father was an employment counselor, so, early on, we learned about unemployment –and compensation –from him. Every night at the dinner table, he’d tell us about who had come into his office that day.

Once in awhile, they were pro athletes whose heyday had come and gone.

Sometimes they were people we knew. They were out of work, and my dad talked to them about what they wanted to do with their lives. Even after TV’s “Lunch With Casey” was canceled, Roger “Casey Jones” Awsumb talked with my dad.

As for the Monkees, looking for jobs seemed like a lark. They woke up every morning, practiced a little bit, then got around to figuring out how they were going to pay the rent on their Malibu Beach playhouse. They looked at the want ads, then went out on some zany interview at a doughnut factory, theater, or bowling alley. They met beautiful women, and it was all set against the backdrop of sun, oranges, and plum trees. What a life. What a bunch of fakes.

Which, of course, has always been the rap against the Monkees. As “Hey, Hey” shows, the band was put

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Monkee Shines together by a team of producers who wanted to capitalize on the success of the Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night.”

Jones with a precocious Manchester, English born child star who was appearing on Broadway as the Artful Dodger in “Oliver!” Mike Nesmith was the Texas troubadour who moved to Los Angeles when he was 20. Mickey Dolenz grew up in a showbiz family, and starred as “Circus Boy” in the early ‘60s. And Peter Tork was a college dropout who played briefly keyboards with Stephen stills in a band called Buffalo Fish.

They all answered a cattle call ad, became Monkees, and the rest is history. But, in retrospect and knowing exactly how much they were patterned after the Beatles, the TV show comes off as hugely contrived, especially for the “wacky” interview segments and live performances, which the Beatles did with such organic elan.

What’s more, my former crush, Jones, is easily the most annoying Monkee, thanks to a canned voiceover that sounds as if he’s a reading from a script. Sigh.

That said, “Hey, Hey” is 70 minutes worth of terrific pop songs, and a gas for anyone whose young heart leapt once a week at the opening drum roll that led into the whispered lyric, “Here we come. . .” It’s also revealing portrait of the man behind the curtain, entertainment mogul Don Kirshner, whose stable of songwriters included Carole King, Neil Diamond, Neil Sedaka, and Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, all of whom wrote material for the Monkees. Those songs include “Daydream Believer,” “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” “Mary Mary,” “Steppin’ Stone,” and their first single, “Last Train To Clarksville.”

The real value of “Hey, Hey,” Is that, if nothing else, it offers an interesting glimpse into the marketing machine that surrounded the previously

segregated enterprises of rock and television in the ‘60s. And what “Hey, Hey” almost accidentally provides is a preview of today’s music business, from the cynicism of fans and critics to the influence that of the all powerful MTV. It also tells one of the flat-out strangest stories in the annals of pop music history. Despite its light tone, throughout the film, the albatross of the Monkees’ Frankenstein-like beginnings hangs around the four men’s necks. Early on, one headline declares the band to be “A Disgrace To The Pop World” –the first of many charges that ridiculed the Monkees for not playing their own instruments or writing their own songs. As a result, the foursome would spend the rest of their lives proving they were not the ‘60s equivalent of Milli Vanilli.

“Hey, Hey” is the evidence for the defense of the Monkees’ legitimacy. It constantly seeks to justify what the band did, constantly brings up the Beatles’ supposed admiration, constantly searches for credibility. But at the core is a decided vulnerability, and a subtle desperation. Which is why “Hey, Hey” is, besides a toe tapping blast from the past, more than a little sad.

I was 10 when I got over the Monkees. That’s why I didn’t go see Tork when he played at the old Duffy’s in Minneapolis the early ‘80s. It is why, when I saw the Dolenz walking through motel lobby in 1986, my heart, which once upon a time skipped at the sound of his voice, barely flinched. It is also why I didn’t take up a publicist’s offer when he brought Dolenz through town a couple of years ago on a book tour. I couldn’t have cared less. Maybe the publicist was pitching the story to the wrong person. He asked for the music editor, when he should have asked for the music editor’s Inner Teeny Bopper.

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Monkee Shines So many “new” fans have expressed confusion over HEAD lately that we are rerunning this article.

Dr. Rock Reviews HEAD The Monkees: " Head"1968 Columbia Pictures

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k fans, as you may have heard David Jones just passed away on 29 Feb 2012 of a fatal heart at-

Rick “Dr. Rock” Schwinden and David

tack.

In tribute to David I am reviewing "Head" The Opening: I met David many times from 1990 to 2011, and in the 90s David asked me to do a research project for David on his music he wrote & produced for "The Monkees" and so I became an acquaintance of his. I was reminded of this when I was at Concert of his in Wisconsin, Jul 2003. I was with my friend 'Doc' when she was talking to David, then David looked at me and said "Hey, man how have you been? I haven't seen you in a while..." I responded "Well that's because you haven't been around in awhile" David asked "So how've you been ? You two wanna come backstage" we answered "Sure" as we were walking back Doc said to me "You know everybody in the world knows who David is, but David Knows Who You Are !!!" I joked with David more than once I appreciated him because "He knew which side his bread was buttered on" meaning he was good to his fans because he knew they paid the bills !!!

So let the journey begin: First of all the film was originally titled "Changes" and a Theme song of the same name was written by David Jones and recorded by the Monkees in 1968, before release the title was changed to "Head" as in 'Head Trip' The 4 Monkees, Bob Rafelson & Jack Nicholson went to a cabin in Ojai, CA. got high and wrote the basis for this movie MOST of the ideas used in the film were written by the 4 Monkees & Rafelson. Nicholson, just compiled them and assembled it into a screen play.

The Premise; The 4 Monkees had become disillusioned with the whole made for TV Pop Band situation and decided to

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Monkee Shines make a film and poke fun at themselves !!! Prime examples are: The band are dandruff in Victor Mature's hair as a TV commercial. Frank Zappa makes his 2nd Monkees appearance as a critic telling David "Your song's pretty white" Micky gets fed up and explodes a 'Coke' machine with a tank (aimed at corporate sponsorship) Nesmith's bitter attitude towards his birthday and Christmas. Micky's fed up with Hollywood and all it's fakery in his scene with the lovely Teri Garr.

Peter's stance on wasting food and lending money. David expresses he just wants to dance and sing with Toni Basil (Oh, "Mickey" fame) who was David's dance partner on more than this occasion. The famous boxer Sonny Liston (who had the 'Phantom Punch' with Ali) fights David, then Micky proclaims to be the dummy, but corrected by Peter that in fact he, Peter is the Dummy. In the 70s reruns of the film, the Viet Nam War footage was cut out for being deemed to controversial.

actually used in place of "Daddy's Song" until the last minute when Nesmith produced the replacement Nilsson song for David. This is Tork's shining moment, as he has 2 songs and great ones at that "Can You Dig It" & "Long Title" on this LP, as apposed to the 2 he had over 6 LPs before this. To prove a point the Monkees perform "Circle Sky" live in concert. Rhino Handmade CDs released a 3 CD Boxset of the soundtrack last year.

There is a soundtrack for this film with songs and dialog, upon my research this was a common thing to do in 1968 for film soundtracks. However there are only 7 songs for the hour and half film. There were many recorded and not used such as "Changes" "Down the Highway" "War Games" "Merry Go Round" "Look Down" "Hollywood" "Ceiling in My Room" & "If You Have the Time" was

* Richard @ "Mr. Zero's" Est. 2009 http://www.mrzeros.com 1744 Lexington Ave N Roseville/ St. Paul, MN. 55113 651-489-0207

In Conclusion: "Head" is the a typical 60s Psychedelic film, full of imagery, humor, sights, sounds & color. If you love this stuff as much as I do this is a film for you. I am biased so I will give it 5 out of 5 'Peace Signs' Until the next time..........

R.L.Schwinden aka MrZero

P.S. The name "Mr. Zero" came from The Monkees Episode # 52 "Devil and My personal favorite movie Peter Tork" from 5 Feb 1968 where quote "You mean to tell me you don't Peter goes to Mr. Zero's Pawn Shop to see the connection between the Gov- buy harp and accidentally sells his ernment and laughing at people?" soul to the Devil who is "Mr. Zero" who was played by: Monte Landis.

The Music:

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Monkee Shines http://fremonttribune.com/entertainment/smokey-joe-s-cafe-features-familiarmusic/article_0706e9c6-47c2-56aa-939f-e1e7132f8987.html

The Heart-Pounding Moment Micky Dolenz Realized The Success Of The Monkees Posted: 11/11/2014 8:51 am that I was playing, and I still EST Updated: 11/11/2014 8:59 look at it like that. Now, the am EST other guys may not agree or not look at it the same way, but hen Micky that's always the way that I've Dolenz was cast looked at it." as the drummer During the time that and a lead sing- "The Monkees" was on the air, er in the television show "The Dolenz and his bandmates were Monkees," he had no idea how so busy with work that they successful -- or unsuccessful -- didn't realize how quickly the the show would be. "The Mon- nation was falling in love. What kees" may have only aired for if the show didn't work out? two seasons, but its fictional Watch Dolenz open up about band quickly burst out from the his original career plans. small screen and became a real"You're in a bubble," world phenomenon that sold Dolenz says. "You have no clue more than 50 million records. what's going on outside your Yet, even with those incredible bubble. You're in the eye of the musical accomplishments, hurricane."

Dolenz tells "Oprah: Where But that changed in DeAre They Now?" that he still cember of 1966. It was the first doesn't view The Monkees as a break that the group had since band.

"The Monkees" premiered, and "It wasn't a rock 'n' roll Dolenz planned to do some band. It was a television show Christmas shopping as he'd about a rock 'n' roll band," he done in the years prior. clarifies. "That was a character "I ran down to the local

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Monkee Shines

mall here in the Valley, where I'd been shopping every year since I was a child," he says.

"All of a sudden, I hear people screaming and running at me, and I thought it was a fire!"

Dolenz tried to keep his cool and help usher the mallgoers outside to safety.

"I turned around and I hold the door open and I'm going, 'Don't panic! This way!

This way! Don't panic!'" Dolenz says. "They come running at me, all these kids, and I realized, 'Oh my God, they're running at me.'

That was the first time I realized that something was going on."

It's a realization that has stuck with Dolenz nearly 50 years later.

"No matter what I do in my career, in life, nothing will get close to that recognition factor or the power of that inertia that was created by that television show and

that music," he says.

The Monkees were so popular as a band that they've embarked on several reunion tours over the years, continuing to perform even after the sudden passing of lead singer Davy Jones in 2012.

"When Davy passed, it was traumatic. I'm not sure I'm still over it. It's like [losing] a family member... like a brother," Dolenz says. "But, you know, the music is so powerful that the music does sort of see you through."

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Winter reading—Christmas musts!

They Made A Monkee Out Of Me http://www.amazon.com/They-Made-Monkee-Out-Me/ dp/1939828082/ref=sr_1_1? s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415901831&sr=11&keywords=they+made+a+monkee+out+of+me

Written In Our Hearts Vegetarian Cookbook http://www.amazon.com/Written-In-Our-Hearts-Vegetarian/ dp/0692221018/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y

The America Gene http://www.amazon.com/America-Gene-Michael-Nesmith/ dp/1561110000/ref=sr_1_1? s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415902962&sr=11&keywords=the+america+gene Or from Video Ranch http://www.videoranch3d.com/

The Monkees: The Day-By-Day Story of the 60s TV Pop Sensation http://www.amazon.com/Monkees-Day---Day-Story-Sensation/ dp/1592233724/ref=sr_1_1? s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415903067&sr=11&keywords=monkees

Total Control http://www.amazon.com/Total-Control-Monkees-MichaelNesmith/dp/0965821846/ref=sr_1_16? s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415904933&sr=116&keywords=monkees

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Monkee Shines Monkees Magic http://www.amazon.com/Monkee-Magic-Book-about-Show/ dp/1493544314/ref=sr_1_4? s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415903067&sr=14&keywords=monkees

Monkee Business http://www.amazon.com/Monkee-Business-RevolutionaryMade---TV/dp/0943249007/ref=sr_1_5? s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415903067&sr=15&keywords=monkees

The Monkees Greatest Hits http://www.amazon.com/Monkees-Greatest-Hits/ dp/0793593433/ref=sr_1_10? s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415903067&sr=110&keywords=monkees

Hey Hey We’re The Monkees http://www.amazon.com/Hey-Were-Monkees-HaroldBronson/dp/1575440121/ref=sr_1_12? s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415903067&sr=112&keywords=monkees

A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You http://www.amazon.com/Little-Bit-Me-You-Perspective/ dp/1496112288/ref=sr_1_8? s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415903067&sr=18&keywords=monkees

And many more…….

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