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The Monkees, on stage and on the big screen, make ‘Daydream Believers’ out of Keswick crowd
December 01, 2012|By Shaun Brady, For The Inquirer
‘Once upon a time” – as Peter Tork once succinctly narrated the Monkees’ story – “four lads got together, not entirely by their own choice.”
Over the course of nearly 50 years, the Monkees have evolved from a thrown-together sitcom cash-in on the mop-topped bands of the 1960s to pop icons on a par with those classic rockers.
The reunion of Tork, Micky Dolenz, and Michael Nesmith at the Keswick on Thursday marked Nesmith’s first U.S. tour with the band since 1969. Plans took shape after the sudden death of Davy Jones in February.
The diminutive Brit was not entirely absent, however. Clips of Jones singing “I Wanna Be Free” from the band’s TV series, and “Daddy’s Song” from their trippy 1968 film, Head, played on a large video screen behind the stage, prompting an audible “aww” from the sold-out audience.
This concert was phenominal!!! I hadn’t seen The Monkees in concert since the 80s (and I’ve never seen Mike Nesmith), but they knocked it out of the park!!! There were so many special moments, but two stand out in my mind: the tribute to Davy with the backup band playing as he danced to “Daddy’s Song,” on the screen; and Mike’s imitation of the Moog during “Daily Nightly.” I have no idea how they got through that song without hysterical laughter! I hope they tour some more in 2013!
I loved their concert at Keswick, they were amazing. I never thought I would get the chance to see Mr. Nesmith with the Monkees, but it was worth the wait. I had the distinct honor of seeing the 45th Anniversary show at Wolftrap and was blown away by how great they still sound and that proved no less true in 2012 at Keswick. It goes to show, it’s not about age, but about and artists commitment to his or her craft. Both concerts clearly demonstrated that the Monkees are true musical artists that should not be taken lightly.
THE MONKEES FOREVER
U Monkees r soo cool