The Monkees

The Monkees

Dubbed "The Pre-Fab Four", a snide reference to pre-fabricated culture for the masses, The Monkees were indeed a factory creation, a film/TV company plan to cash in on the immense popularity of their fab UK cousins The Beatles. Devised as a TV series about the adventures of a loveable and slightly wacky quartet (sound familiar?) the ersatz band actually contained a great deal of talent. Established country musician Michael Nesmith and folk singer Peter Tork generated fizzing chemistry with the two (former child) actors, Mickey Dolenz and Manchester born Davy Jones (not to be confused with David Jones, aka David Bowie). The TV show became hugely popular across the english-speaking world, with the music spots in each show propelling some marvellous songs high in the singles charts.

"Last Train To Clarksville" (written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart) and "I’m a Believer" (penned by Neil Diamond) were early hits. Gradually the fantasy band morphed into something more real, with albums and Monkees tours generating great excitement. The Monkees story is a fascinating one, and their musical legacy hugely enjoyable.

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