It was about this time last summer when the The Monkees concert, scheduled for Labor Day weekend at The Scene Pavilion, was cancelled. It seems the promoters extended the tour but some of the band members didn't want to do it. They weren't getting along so well was the rumor.
So when it was announced last week that a new 12 date tour had been scheduled for this fall, and that there was a stop in Cleveland I was thrilled yet saddened. In between these tours Davy Jones had died. As I sat in the San Juan airport and learned the news I was a bit angry at how personality conflicts had prevented me from seeing Davy Jones and The Monkees. Now he was dead.
Michael Nesmith wasn't on that tour last year, but when he heard the news that Davy had passed away he must have thought about those perosnaility conflicts as well. A sense of mortality must have come over him. Jones' passing had brought the remaining members together. Out of it came an idea to tour. Saddly, a bit to late for a completely satisfying tour.
Still, part of me is thrilled with the chance to see my favorite Monkee, Michael Nesmith. It's quite arguable that his contributions to The Monkees were the beginning of country rock. His solo work after the breakup of the band is flat out brilliant and still mostly unavailable in the United States.
So when tickets go on sale this Friday I'll be buying mine with mixed emotions. Ultimately upset that it took the passing of a band mate to put aside petty differences in order to bring the joyous music they created.
