In 1986 the Monkees celebrated their 20th anniversary with the release of "That was Then, This is Now", a hit single that went to #20 on US pop charts. That was my introduction to the group, as well as the TV series which I was never as impressed with. When I got a little older I started collecting their albums and really enjoyed them--especially the songs they wrote. In 1991 or so I saw the film "HEAD" which I in turn showed to friends, family, teachers, and classmates (not kidding). Over the years my cassette collection turned into one composed of CDs and my interest in the Monkees never waned.
However, it wasn't until June 24, 2011 that I was able to see them in concert (minus Michael Nesmith who chose not to participate). Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Peter Tork didn't disappoint. They burst on the stage full of energy and immediately went into "I'm a Believer". As I sang along with the audience I got a little choked up--how many times have I sung along with the recordings, now I was singing with the Monkees, albeit a few dozen feet away.
There were several highlights. One occurred when Peter picked up his banjo and started singing the Nesmith-penned ditty "Papa Gene's Blues". I thought it was amazing, especially since in the old days Mike and Peter had very different artistic and leadership differences. Eventually Peter left the group in late 1968 and Mike assumed full control. Peter's rendition of "Papa Gene's Blues" made it seem as though all has been forgiven.
Davy very touchingly introduced the song "I Wanna Be Free". He mentioned that in the show they weren't allowed to talk about war, race relations, or other hot topics. He joked: "Fortunately, all that's behind us now and we don't have any of that stuff to worry about anymore", after the audience laughed he continued, "I think this song means more to me now than it did then."
When they performed "That was Then, This is Now" the screen behind them showcased photographs of Peter, Micky, and Davy when they were babies and children. I thought that was a great way to connect with the audience; these were personal pictures from their own family collections, not publicity shots or footage from the series or films.
They told some stories and shared a few perspectives, but mostly they gave the audience most everything they wanted from the evening; 35 of their most memorable songs.
It will be an evening I remember for a long time.
Active Topics
- by Beanthatrabbit Fri Feb 16, 2024 11:13 am Do you consider The Animated Series canon? View the latest post Replies 41 Views 67833
- by uonlylivetwice Sat Feb 10, 2024 4:35 pm Large Collection of ALF stuff for sale View the latest post Replies 1 Views 1551
- by Adeline McQuack Tue Jan 02, 2024 12:53 pm In which episode can i find the following quote View the latest post Replies 2 Views 82680
- by ALFicionado Sun Dec 24, 2023 2:55 am Merry Christmas, folks! View the latest post Replies 15 Views 306502
- by Nickwpearce Mon Dec 18, 2023 1:27 am Complete Episodes All Uncut ?? View the latest post Replies 5 Views 155303
- by Nickwpearce Mon Dec 18, 2023 1:19 am Uncut Episodes Coming to DVD!! View the latest post Replies 7 Views 179994
- by petroben Tue Dec 05, 2023 8:13 am So, does Sony actually own ALF now? View the latest post Replies 8 Views 295294
- by cooper243 Thu Nov 09, 2023 6:46 pm What returning jokes/scenes do you want to see? View the latest post Replies 18 Views 218211
- by ALF Sat Nov 04, 2023 1:17 am Entertainment Weekly magazine with ALF dated October 29, 2023? View the latest post Replies 1 Views 137722
- by ALF Sat Nov 04, 2023 12:09 am Anne Schedeen interview 2015 View the latest post Replies 6 Views 161118
The Monkees Live in Concert
Moderator: Administration Team
-
- RIP, 1974-2011
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Sat Feb 11, 2006 11:24 am
- ALF Fan Since: 1986
- Location: Lancaster OH
Re: The Monkees Live in Concert
That sounds great! The Monkees has got some really good songs.