I am a HUGE second generation Monkees fan. Beyond producing classics like I'm A Believer (Micky is quick to point out that they sang it way before Shrek ever did!), The Monkees were the first to use improv-comedy techniques to create their television episodes in the 1960's. Sure, they were criticized for not playing their own instruments (NOBODY did in the 1960's -- it was all studio musicians!), but their phenomenon is no different than Glee today (a tv show with actors singing). Plus The Monkees do play their own instruments live. So there.
I've seen them live in Moline, IL (1996), Davenport, IA (1999, Davy Jones solo), Cleveland (2001), and Akron, OH (2006, Micky Dolenz solo). I've even devoted part of a chapter about them in my new book coming out next year. So when the news broke that the three surviving members of the band were reuniting for a select 12 city tour, Amber's parents got me tickets as a birthday/Christmas present and flew me out to the Philly show.
It was amazing, especially since this was the first U.S. tour since 1969 that included Michael Nesmith. Playing nine months to the day since Davy Jones passed away to a sold-out crowd, Micky, Peter, and Mike did not disappoint.
The Keswick Theater is situated in a beautiful neighborhood begging to become the backdrop of a John Cusack film. Very picturesque. We had seventh-row seats (!!) and were blown away by the precision of the back-up band. Here's a video highlights compilation I shot from my vantage point:
Sure Peter is 70, Mike is 69, and Micky is 67; but these guys did a two hour concert with no intermission. The epic playlist included all the hits, deep cuts from Headquarters and Head, and very touching, tastefully nods to Davy Jones through interspersed video presentations.
I loved Peter's whimsical, spry energy with the crowd and Micky definitely was the master of ceremonies. However, the crowd showered love and applause on Mike for taking the risk of rejoining the live touring after a 40+ year absence. I was delightfully surprised by the mischievous Monkee Mike he channeled throughout the evening. Mike was cutting it up with the boys and even improvised new lines on stage: When Peter forgot to intro a song, Mike grabbed the mic with a sing-song "We're waiting. Waiting. Waiting on you." The audience ate it up.
After the concert wrapped, we headed to the outside rear of the theatre to try catching a glimpse of the band leaving. We were surprised to see Penn Jillette of magic's Penn & Teller exiting. He's a TALL DUDE!
Micky snuck off with some band members across the street to a bar for a late night supper. We were very tempted to to stalk him We stalked him and waited around trying to meet him. But we got tired and went home.
Overall, it was a BLAST. Here's hoping they release a live album of the experience!
For what its worth, here's some videos I shot from my seventh-row vantage:
