Michael Nesmith
Nesmith…I am sad about this one…photo on Oct. 24th. 2021
Go listen to Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast w Nes as a guest. Or watch him on Letterman from the 80s…if somehow you never heard all the the music or don’t know his story.
These shows are more than nostalgia. For most I believe. This is about youth, energy, being connected, peace and love and for me it’s an emotional journey too. Especially the connected part. It’s about bonds that are beyond special and we’re built during and have stayed w me thru difficult times. The music is meaningful on so many levels. I am beyond grateful to see it and hear it. I just happen to love it too. I have the box set. It’s fabulous. BTW they were really f$&@in’ great…
I’ve been fortunate enough to see four Monkees shows over 20+ years with my good friend Walter, three of which Mike Nesmith played. While I knew the tour was being called the final one in essence, something else hit me this time.
I knew was the last show when I heard his voice.
Tonight was different. Solemn in a way. Mike did not stand and play like last time. His kids were in the last band which was very cool. Tonight there was a different energy.
3/4 thru Mike was on stage and began to wax poetic. And whoa!!!! My knowledge of this man has historically been that he has kept some distance from THIS legacy, talking about it and avoided shows, even walked out of a set of concerts in 1989 etc. and again, he is more than just this band.
Not tonight. Beatle fan that I am, Mike began to speak about the music they made and his relationship to it retelling a time he spoke w Lennon. You know, THAT Lennon, John Lennon.
Through this seemingly ten minute-plus soliloquy, which seemed pretty unrehearsed, and moreover emotional, wistful at times, serious and connected, Mike was tearful and he in essence recounted what John said. And clearly he admired John.
What I was certain of is that this was really a goodbye. I felt it going in and this heart filled semi-rant was quite the confirmation.
The essence to me was that Mike had begun to embrace the legacy the music and be grateful and connected to all it had brought him, the bonds of the members etc. as John had said he should.
John felt he should be proud of it, even then. That was my take as I watched a concert w a dear friend, not unaware we almost didn’t get to see this show or any. Mike was visibly moved and his tears fell. Clearly. Sh$&, I know I mine did. Like today.
Mike hugged Mickey a bunch of times during the show. He was in a different space like he knew on some level in my mind. The crowd was truly filled w joy.
I could have gone toward the stage at the end as Mike approached it waving to fans, but I did not. I chose to remember this w a photo from earlier in the night, not wanting to say goodbye so to speak, and knowing I was going to need to…Embrace the moment and the memory…
They were really good…
#themonkees
#michaelnesmith
#johnlennon
