Welcome to The Official Monkees FAQs, your source for Monkees info! For more information about The Official Monkees FAQs, The Monkees 101 website, The Monkees Mailing List or Melhi, please visit the About page. On this page, also known as The Monkees General-info FAQ, you'll find answers to some of the most frequently asked Monkees Questions. In the left column, you'll find links to each of the FAQs. Seven of the nine FAQ files also have webbed text-only versions for fast loading and easy printing. You can navigate to these text-only FAQs, below or from the fast-loading Site Index. If you have a suggestion, submission, update or correction for any of the FAQs, please let me know.   Which FAQs are available and where? Monkees FAQ - HTML only. (This page) General Monkees info. Music FAQ - HTML, Text Frequently asked music questions, discography, etc. Music Solo Etc. FAQ - HTML, Text Solo, duo & other group discographies for each Monkee. Music Covers & Tributes FAQ - HTML Tribute albums/bands and covers of Monkees songs. Music Bootlegs FAQ - HTML, Text Discography of well known Monkees bootlegs. TV FAQ - HTML, Text Episode Guide and other Monkees screen appearances. Book FAQ - HTML, Text Books by and about the Monkees. TV References FAQ - HTML, Text Monkees mentions in film and broadcast media. Print References FAQ - HTML, Text Monkees mentions in print. Acknowledgements - HTML A big thanks to everyone who contributed to the FAQs. Distribution of this or any of the Monkees FAQs, in any form, is prohibited without permission.

General Monkees Info
Note: There are even more music-related question and answer sets in the Music FAQ

HOT TOPIC: Is it true there's going to be a new Monkees series on NBC? What can you tell me about it?

As of Oct 19, 2003, this is what we know and/or have surmised from press releases. Simon Fuller, who created The Spice Girls, S Club 7, Pop Stars and various other projects inspired by the Monkees has secured (according to BBC news, he's purchased) the rights to the Monkees name and concept and has a new "The Monkees" series in casting at NBC, for possible air in Fall 2003. It was not on the fall schedule, but rumor has it that the project is merely postponed, not scrapped. While the series will be scripted, the first few episodes will be reality programming and involve the auditions for and casting of the series and band. Yes, band. Several press releases have mentioned that the band will also be called "The Monkees." I do not know whether albums will be released as Monkees albums or as soundtrack albums for the series or whether the new band will tour, but I assume any albums and singles will be marketed as Monkees releases and that the new band will tour under both the name and the logo. One article mentioned the possibility of having the new band include covers of the original band's songs along with new material. We do not know the details of the rights, but if Simon purchased exclusive rights to all uses of the name and logo, it is possible that the original cast would never again be allowed to appear, tour or record as Monkees.

Yes, they can do this. Micky, Peter, Mike and/or Davy do not own any rights to the name and Time/Warner/AOL and Columbia/SONY are free to sell or license any or all of their rights to anyone, for any purpose. It is their property.

We do not know, yet, what the new series/band will or should mean for the owners of domains, sites, forums, fanzines, fan clubs, etc., serving the original Monkees' fan community.

 

1. Who are the Monkees?

A group of four actor/musicians originally from the 1960s comedy show The Monkees. But if you're reading this, you probably know that already. The Monkees television show was created by Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider (not the fictional Van Foreman as dramatized in the VH1 Biopic, "Daydream Believer") and aired for two seasons beginning in Sept. 1966.

2. Which Monkee is which?

Micky Dolenz: The funny one. Played the drums. Straightened hair first season, curly hair second. Often seen wearing a tablecloth.

Mike Nesmith: The straight man. The leader. Tall cool Texan - often mistaken for serious by those who don't catch his subtle deadpan humor. Played the guitar. Often seen in sideburns and wearing a green wool hat.

Peter Tork: The Dummy (not in real life.) Played the bass, but also played guitar, banjo, piano etc. Often seen in mocassin boots & wearing his belt buckle off to the side (so he wouldn't scratch his guitar!)

Davy Jones: The Face. The cute one. The short one. The British one. Played the tamborine and maracas. Fell in love at least once a day, always got the girl. Often seen with stars in his eyes.

3. What are the guys up to these days?

As the Monkees:

2004 - King Biscuit released the Uncut Monkees Live Summer Tour DVD, in very limited print run.

2003 - David Fishof has stated that, at this time, there are no plans for Davy & Micky to tour or record together, as The Monkees. The long awaited Monkees Season One DVD Box set is available. Season Two should follow, in the fall of 2003! New actors will don Monkee-suits in the fall of 2003, for Simon Fuller's planned remake of the series, to debut on NBC in the fall.

2002 - Davy and Micky continue to tour as the Monkees. Kicking off with a tour of the UK, they plan to play some smaller venues upon their return to the states. While it's not the same as packing stadiums, as the Monkees did in the late 60s, this is great news for fans who were hoping to be closer to the stage or perhaps get a chance to meet Davy or Micky! 2002 ended with the release of King Biscuit's "The Monkees Live Summer Tour" DVD.

2001 - The Monkees (except Nesmith) are touring again! That's right, they "may be coming to your town!" Please visit the Official Monkees 2001 Tour website for more information.     (Note as of Jan. 2003, the Monkees 2001 tour website has been taken down and popups delivered upon trying to visit the site are not suitable for viewing by minors.)

2000- renewed interest resulted in the syndicated version of the series being aired on the Screen Gems Network, a VH1 Behind the Music special, a VH1 Biopic in the Original Movies series, entitled "Daydream Believers" and Rhino Handmade's limited numbered release of the Headquarters sessions, available only from Rhino Handmade

1996/7 - all four reunited for a new album, "Justus", a tv special on ABC, a Disney Documentary and a short tour of the UK. Micky, Davy and Peter remained together through the summer to tour the US.

Individual Pursuits:

Micky's return to the States after a successful career directing television in England has included touring with the off-broadway musical Grease!, doing a short set of dates with Davy, various television appearances, and his first ever solo art exhibit. He has directed for television, including episodes for Pacific Blue and Boy Meets World and in 1999, he replaced Davy Jones on the Teen Idols Tour with Peter Noone (of Herman's Hermits) and Bobby Sherman, to rave reviews. In addition to touring with the Teen Idols, Micky and his sister Coco toured with a show for children in the summer of 2000. A successful voice actor, Micky has done voicework for "The Tick" and "The Secret Adventures of the SpyDogs" Micky has launched his own commercial website, http://www.mickydolenz.com a fun site with bios, pictures and merchandise. Hey, Hey, Micky became a newlywed in 2002! Congratulations Micky and Donna! Through July of 2003, Micky starred as Zoser with the national touring company of the Elton John - Tim Rice musical "AIDA." He assumed the role on Broadway January 6, 2004. January 10 - June 3, 2005 New York area fans were treated to hearing Micky host the WCBS 101.1 FM morning show from 6am to 10am, each weekday. In 2006, Micky hit the bookshelves with Gakky Two Feet and Micky Dolenz Rockin Rollin Trivia

Nez has been busy across many media. In addition to his post Monkees solo career and television program, he won the first ever music video grammy for "Elephant Parts" and is credited with the creation of MTV. In recent years, he's continued to produce and direct films, videos and television. His most recent solo album was an instrumental CD and booklet combination, "The Garden", for which he received a grammy nomination. He wrote and directed the Monkees special which aired on ABC and embarked on a short book signing tour to promote "The Long Sandy Hair of Neftoon Zamora," which began as an online effort. Nez was involved in a major lawsuit/countersuit with PBS through much of the 90s and made worldwide headlines upon his victory. He launched http://www.videoranch.com/ as a unique and artistic concept site to sell his albums, movies, etc. Log on to his site, find his webcam and you might even catch a glimpse of him. Nez is said to be expanding Video Ranch, writing another novel, working on bringing his long-awaited movie, "Fried Pies" to the big screen, working on his novel "American Gene" and has announced that his new album "Rays." will be offered on Videoranch via download (alternate method will be made available to those of us who do not do downloads.)

Peter has worn many hats since his days as a Monkee, many of them out of the limelight. However, he has made many guest appearances on television, including recurring appearances on both Boy Meets World and Seventh Heaven. In the early 80s, Peter formed The New Monks and, in the 90s, returned again to the music scene with his first solo album, "Stranger Things Have Happened" promoting the album on a clubs tour with friend and fellow acoustic guitar player James Lee Stanley. In December of 1996 he and James Lee released "Two Man Band" which was recorded live in studio. Two Man Band embarked on a tour of England and Norway in May and June of 2000. Also in 2000, Peter made guest appearances to promote VH1's biopic, popping up at both the open-call auditions and hosting the Monkees Marathon on VH1 which preceeded the movie. He toured as a member of The Monkees in 2001. He continues to tour and record with both his band, "The Shoe Suede Blues," and his friend, James Lee Stanley. In an interview, Peter disclosed that he is as happy playing for small audiences as for large, so long as he's playing.

Davy has made several guest appearances on television and held the role of Vince Fontaine in Grease! prior to Micky. He toured with Micky for several months in 1995, before heading off for a small solo tour of Japan. Davy achieved a lifetime goal of being a jockey by riding in several races in England (one resulted in a fractured leg during the 1996 tour!) Davy formed and toured with the Teen Idols through 1998 before leaving to pursue other interests. Davy toured, as a member of The Monkees in 2001 and 2002 and was the spokesperson for the Colonial Downs racing season in 2002. In Nov. 2002, he taped an episode of "Famous Homes and Hideaways" which is scheduled to air in 2003. Davy is currently hosting "Meet the Royals" on A&E, continues to tour and record as a solo artist, in addition to managing other bands, hosting infomercials and making guest appearances on TV. He also has and races his own race horses and has rescued an old church in Beavertown, PA where he plans to open a pop music museum and studio.

4. How old are the guys and how many kids do they have?

Don't believe everything you read! A lot of sources get this wrong because the studio faked the Monkees' birthyears to make Nez the oldest. The following dates are correct and have been verified!

Micky: March 8, 1945
married Samantha, - daughter Ami (1/8/69)
married Trina, - daughters, Charlotte (8/8/81), Emily (7/25/83), Georgia (9/3/84)
currently married to Donna, no children

Mike: December 30, 1942
married Phyllis, - children, Christian (1/31/65), Jonathan (2/4/68), Jessica (9/10/70)
affair with Nurit Wilde - son Jason (8/7/68)
married Kathryn, no children

Peter: February 13, 1942
married Jody, no children
married Reine, - daughter, Hallie (1/25/70)
married Barbara, - son, Ivan (12/22/75)
(details unknown) - daughter, Erica

Davy: December 30, 1945
married Linda, - daughters, Talia (10/2/68), Sarah (7/3/71)
married Anita, - daughters, Jessica (9/4/81), Annabelle (6/26/88)

5. Is the series still on the air? Can I get copies of the episodes?

SONY released the series to syndication in the late 90s. Initially, it aired on Nickelodeon. Various cable stations pick it up for short runs - just watch your TV listings! Be aware that SONY does not own the rights to air Rhino's fine quality remastered episodes and Rhino does not own the rights to release the remastered/restored versions to syndication. This is why there is such a huge quality difference between the videos/DVDs and the syndicated TV episodes. Why doesn't Sony remaster the syndicated version? It wouldn't be cost-effective.

The Season One DVD Box set was released May 13, 2003. The second season was released Nov. 18, 2003. (See ordering links, at top of this page.) Prefer VHS? A few years ago, Rhino Records re-released the video box set containing all the episodes, 33 1/3 RPM and the original pilot. The VHS video box is out of print, again, and extremely difficult to find. (If you do find a new box, expect to pay between 3 and 4 hundred dollars.) Your best bet is to keep checking used shops and E-bay. (Expect to pay between 2 and 3 hundred for a complete used VHX box set.) Several episodes are still readily available at retail on individual tapes that include 2 or more episodes per tape. HEAD, the Monkees movie, is available at retail on both VHS and DVD.

6. Is it true the Monkees didn't play their own instruments?

No. Nez, Peter and Micky had experience as working musicians prior to auditioning for the Monkees. (Nez and Davy both had solo releases prior to auditioning.) However, Don Kirshner preferred to record with studio musicians who were more seasoned and whose time wasn't taken up with shooting a series. Despite this, Peter Tork has a guitar credit on the very first album and all four were expected to perform as a group on tour. After ousting Kirshner and winning more musical control, the group continued to utilize session musicians, by choice. This was not unusual. Both the Beatles and the Beach Boys were highly respected and were making good use of outside musicians on their recordings. 30 years later, the Monkees reunited to record "Justus," so named because it is just them - writing, singing, playing, producing, arranging, etc.

7. If the Beatles came first and are the "fab four," why are the Monkees called the "pre-fab four?"

This is a play on words. "Fab" is short for "fabulous" while "pre-fab" is short for "pre-fabricated." This term served a double purpose, citing the Monkees origins as a manufactured group and the intended similarity of the group to the early Beatles. It was not meant as a compliment. However, it has lost its edge as fans have accepted the Monkees origins and adopted the nickname as a whimsical term of endearment.

8. I keep seeing Micky referred to as "higgs." Why?

Once upon a time, higgs137 was one of Micky's email accounts. There were several theories as to what this might mean before the first clues were found. It helps to know that Micky has more than a passing interest in physics and mentioned his belief that "the universe is godding" in his autobiography.

"Two scalar fields that are important for inflationary theories are sometimes called the *inflation field* and the *Higgs field*. These fields fill the universe and show their presence by affecting the properties of elementary particles." -- "Big Bang Bust" Wired, July 1995.

"There is, we believe, a wraithlike presence throughout the universe that is keeping us from understanding the true nature of matter. It's as if something, or someone, wants to prevent us from attaining the ultimate knowledge. This invisible barrier that keeps us from knowing the truth is called the Higgs field. Its icy tentacles reach into every corner of the universe, and its scientific and philosophical implications raise large goose bumps on the skin of a physicist. The Higgs field works its black magic through -- what else? -- a particle. This particle goes by the name of the Higgs boson. ...This boson is so central to the state of physics today, so crucial to our final understanding of the structure of matter, yet so elusive, that I have given it a nickname: the God Particle." -- "The God Particle: If the Universe Is the Answer, What Is the Question" by Leon Lederman with Dick Teresi, 1993.

(Dan submitted:) 137 is a reference to the "fine structure constant" of quantum electrodynamics, which takes a value of very nearly 1/137.

9. Why is Micky referred to as Mick3y?

In January 1995, Tami was trying to track down Micky for a Q&A session. She asked if anyone on AMM had an address for him. Shortly thereafter, an answer appeared: "higgs137@netcom.com" sent by someone identified in the sender line as Mickey Dolenz. AMMers immediately suspected a poser who didn't know how to spell Micky's name. Several sent him e-mails. The debate raged until Nez stepped in (about the same time Micky responded via e-mail)and told everyone that yes, it was REALLY Micky and he had signed Micky up to Netcom, himself. The mispelling was a mistake on Netcom's part. Nez couldn't resist joking that he'd told Micky to spell it Mick3y. The name stuck. Please note: Micky is no longer using Netcom.

10.I keep hearing everyone talk about Generation Fans, what exactly are they?

Your Generation identifies when you became a fan. Below is a guide to determining your generation. In parenthesis is the quick method more suited to those who became fans through hearing the music. The more detailed method is better suited to those who became fans through television appearances, reunions & reissue campaigns.

• 1 - (60's) Original run of the series.
• 1 1/2 - After the show was off the air but before the 70s reruns began
• 2 - (70s)the 70s reruns
• 2 1/2 After the 70s reruns but before the big 20th anniversary in the mid 80s. This does include the early airings of episodes around 81 and 82.
• 3 - (80s)20th anniversary tours/tv/Mtv marathon time/nickelodeon
• 3 1/2 anytime between the end of the 20th tours in 89 and before the Rhino reissues in 1994
• 4 - (90s)Rhino reissues, ABC Special, Justus and the 30th Anniversary tour.
• 5 - (00s)The VH1 Biopic or specials or the '01/'02 tour.

11. How can I get copies or bootlegs?

At your own risk. Pirating (copying of material which has been released, officially) and bootlegging (copying of material which has not been released, officially) are both illegal and people do get prosecuted for them. However, under specific circumstances, some musicians and copyright/license holders are OK with it and a very select few even encourage it as a means to increase the fanbase. The Bootlegs FAQ details a few of the known Monkees bootlegs. When asking for or offering dupes/boots, most Monkees forums have adopted the following guidelines:

1) Absolutely no asking for or offering copies of material still (or soon to be) available at retail, even if this material is officially out of print. Likewise for the copying of entire box sets or books, regardless of availability.

2) Most forums allow a trade-offer or trade-request for long out-of-print material or bootlegs of live shows, so long as the actual transaction is handled in private mail. Most forums do not allow on-forum transactions, posting MP3 or other huge audio files to the forum, selling ANYthing for profit or the posting of long trade lists. When in doubt, ask the forum owner, first.

12. What were the New Monkees?

The New Monkees was a failed attempt in the 80s to recreate the Monkees phenomenom with four new actors/musicians. There was one album, which, despite being long out of print, was still languishing unsold in cut-out bins through the mid to late 90s. Those who've heard it say it's surprisingly good.

13. Who were the New Monks?

This was a legitimate band put together by Peter Tork in late 1980 and with whom he recorded the famous "Peter's Back" single (featuring "Stepping Stone" and "Higher and Higher") in February 1981. Band lineup: Vince Barranco (drums), Nelson Bogart (guitar, trumpet), Paul Ill (bass, music director), Phil Simon (guitar), and of course, Peter Tork (guitar, lead vocals). They toured Japan in August 1981, and broke up while on the road in the USA in March 1982. (info from Torka)

14. What's up with that racoon reference in "Gonna Buy Me A Dog?"

Micky says "I'd buy a racoon but John already has one"
Davy replies "yeah 35 bucks"
John is none other than John London who was Nez' bandmate before and after the Monkees. (ie: Mike, John, & Bill and The First National Band). At the time, John owned a pet racoon which we are to presume cost him $35.00.

15. On The Monkees album cover, Micky, Peter and Davy are smiling, but Mike looks like he's is the middle of a frown/sentence, what's up with that?

According to Jordan Keller, son of Jack Keller, The photographer had been taking pictures all day and Mike was getting a bit temperamental and impatient. He told the photographer to wait until the count of three to take that photo, and he counted one . . . two . . . Thhrr (Snap) eeee. Of course, that's the shot they used. Isn't it nice to know that someone as talented and respected as Nez has about the same luck we have?

16. How do you pronounce "The Monkees Present...?"

The full title of the album is "The Monkees Present Micky, David & Michael" (as in, The Monkees introduce.) This is proven by listening to the radio promotion on the Rhino reissue CD. Originally this was to be a two album set with one side per Monkee, but when Peter left, it was condensed to one album. Some fans speculate that Nez also intended the other pronunciation as a play on words to indicate that at the present time there were only three Monkees.

17. The final episode is entitled Mijacogeo, does this mean something?

Yes. Micky named it for members of his family.
Mi = Micky
ja = Janelle (his mom)
co = Coco (his sister)
geo = George (his father)

18. Micky's song Randy Scouse Git had to be released in England as Alternate Title, why?

Micky heard these words in England and didn't realize what they mean. ("randy" - horny; "scouse" - slur against working-class Liverpudlians; "git," -idiot, short for illigitimate.) When asked to provide an alternate title, he did.

19. What song are Micky and Peter singing in "Hitting the High Seas?"

This is an acoustic version of "Tear the Top Right Off My Head". According to Rhino's Missing Links 3, the masters for this version no longer exist. Copies can be found only on various bootlegs.

20. During "Band Six" on Headquarters, is that Peter saying "that was a little too long"?

No. This was Chip Douglas, the album's producer.

21. What is everyone saying during "Zilch"?

Mike: It is of my opinion that the people are intending
Micky: Never mind the furthermore the plea is self defense (from the musical Oklahoma!
Davy: China Clipper calling Alameda* (probably from the 1936 Bogart film "China Clipper"
Peter: Mr. Dovalina, Mr Bob Dovalina (Monkees say they overheard this page in an airport)
* Hidden pun or coincidence? Pan American Airway's China Clipper was piloted by Captain Edwin C. Musick when it made the world's first transpacific airmail flight.

22. Where can I get sheet music or tab?

The Monkees: Greatest Hits Performed by The Monkees. For voice, piano and guitar chords. Format: piano/vocal/chords songbook. With vocal melody, piano accompaniment, lyrics, chord names, guitar chord diagrams and introductory text. Pop rock and 1960s. 96 pages. 9x12 inches. Published by Hal Leonard. (HL.306229) See more info...

Hey, Hey We're The Monkees - A Monkees Collection Arranged by Jason Nyberg. Pianosoft (Yamaha software for the Disklavier). Floppy disk only. Size 5x5.5 inches. Published by Hal Leonard. (503343) See more info...

Hey, Hey We're The Monkees Arranged by Michael Sweeney. Discovery Plus. Size 9x12 inches. Published by Hal Leonard. (8724632) See more info...

I'm A Believer Performed by The Monkees. Arranged by John Wasson. Contemporary Marching Band. Size 6.75x10.5 inches. Published by Hal Leonard. (3744413) See more info...

Songs Made Famous by The Mamas & Papas and The Monkees Performed by The Mamas and the Papas. Tune 1000 (General MIDI software). Floppy disk only. Size 5x7 inches. Published by Tune 1000. (631085) See more info...

23. What's the "We were born to love one another" song sometimes used as the closing theme?

This is "For Pete's Sake" written by Peter Tork and used as the closing theme in the second season. It was first released on Headquarters, the Monkees first album after the ousting of Kirshner.

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The Monkees FAQs were created by Hooloovoo Nov., 1994. All FAQs owned and maintained by Melhi since May, 2000, copyright Melhi. All graphics, site design, etc. are original Melhi creations, copyright Melhi. No portion of the FAQs or the Monkees 101 website may be used or distributed in any way without permission The word "Monkees" is the trademarked property of Rhino Entertainment Company