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Artist News
Mike Nesmith dies
By Andy Malt | Published on Monday 13 December 2021
The Monkees’ Mike Nesmith has died, aged 78.
“With infinite love we announce that Michael Nesmith has passed away this morning in his home, surrounded by family, peacefully and of natural causes”, said his family in a statement. “We ask that you respect our privacy at this time and we thank you for the love and light that all of you have shown him and us”.
Originally a folk musician in LA, Nesmith auditioned for a new sitcom about a rock band in 1965, becoming the guitarist of The Monkees, alongside drummer Mickey Dolenz, singer Davy Jones and bassist Peter Tork. The group shot to fame, having hits with songs like ‘I’m A Believer’ and ‘Steppin Stone’.
Despite their success, the fact that The Monkees were a manufactured band meant they were often dismissed by critics, and their perceived lack of credibility bothered members of the group. Tork left in 1968, after the TV show was cancelled and their psychedelic film ‘Head’ flopped. The remaining members split two years later in 1970.
Nessmith continued his career in music, both on stage and behind the scenes. He formed two bands following the split of The Monkees – First National Band and Second National Band – with whom he had hits. He also performed as a solo artist, recording several albums – most recently ‘The Ocean’ in 2015.
For a time he had his own record label, Countryside, as an imprint of Elektra, working with artists including Garland Frady and Red Rhodes. He also founded media company Pacific Arts Corporation in 1974.
The Monkees reunited several times over the years, Nesmith not always taking part. In 2018, he and Dolenz – the two surviving members of the group – began touring under the name The Mike And Micky Show. The duo completed what was billed as ‘The Monkees Farewell Tour’ last month.
