Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork performed as The Monkees at the NYCB Theatre at despite the absence of the ever-reclusive Mike Nesmith, who is perhaps better labeled as “The Monk”. For the concert, the band employed archival video and photographic projections in lieu of Nesmith, and for the late Davy Jones as well. That was then, and this is now. Dolenz was in fine voice, and Tork displayed superb guitar craftsmanship as the duo produced a generous thirty song set that still left the die-hard fans wanting more.
“Last Train to Clarksville” opened the proceedings, and the engine was percolating and right on time. Dolenz strummed his guitar, and handled the bulk of the vocals. The first half continued with Tork offering “Auntie Grizelda”, making a ‘Monkees uncle’ (sorry), out of anyone doubting Tork’s vocal abilities. They carried on with “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You”, “She”, “Mary, Mary”, and “The Girl I Knew Somewhere”. Most of the crowd was standing by the time “I’ll Be Back Up On My Feet” was offered. The first half concluded with “For Pete’s Sake”, an alternate “Randy Scouse Git”, “Words”, and “No Time”. The crowd was won over before a note had been played, and fond memories recalled acted as alchemy for a fine show.
After the intermission, a video of “Tear The Top Right Off My Head” started, and eventually the live musicians joined in to the music. It was a fine touch, as musical director/lead guitarist Wayne Avers was on track. Projected images of Mike Nesmith only made fans wish he was in attendance. Images of Davy Jones, however, produced more of an emotional sting than was expected.
A nice acoustic set of Unplugged Monkees was both intimate and fulfilling. Numbers highlighting the second half were a different version of “Last Train To Clarksville” (that Tork usually does when ‘sans Monkees’), “Take a Giant Step”, “The Porpoise Song” (Theme From the film ‘Head’), and “D.W. Washburn”. “Sugar, Sugar” slipped through the Monkees hands initially to the Archies, but they claimed it as their own on this evening. Dolenz handled “Daydream Believer” and the space where Davy would be shone like a beacon of emptiness.
Vance Brescia joined the group for “That Was Then, This Is Now”, which he penned for their reunion a ways back. The regular set ended with a rousing “I’m Not Your Stepping Stone”, originally done by Paul Revere and the Raiders. Coco Dolenz also provided some backup vocal support throughout the night, as she actually sang on some of the Monkees original recordings. She lent a charm throughout the evening, especially apparent in the close moments with her brother.
Encores were enthusiastically requested, and “Pleasant Valley Sunday” and “I’m A Believer” were served as choice strawberries for for a king.
Michael Nesmith is said to be waiting in the wings for the Monkees 50th Anniversary next year. In the interim, Dolenz and Tork did quite nicely, and the videos and photographs served as an exquisite scrapbook that was pored over communally by avid fans. The excitement for that one is already building among the believers.
Photos and words by Bob Wilson
