The Monkees began back in 1965 with an idea by producers Bob Rafaelson and Burt Schneider. They wanted to create a television show about a music group based on The Beatles' movie A Hard Day's Night. Auditions were held, looking for young men between the ages of seventeen and twenty-one. Though over four hundred hopeful actors tried out for the parts, Micky Dolenz, David Jones, Mike Nesmith, and Peter Tork were eventually selected to become the Monkees.
With simple and fun music and wacky antics, the Monkees became a huge phenomenon. They rivaled the Beatles and the Rolling Stones on the music charts with hit songs like "Last Train to Clarkeville" and "I'm a Believer." While the Monkees were at their peak, they made five hit records and seven jot singles. However, with the political and social changed during 1967 and 1968, the Monkees soon began to loose popularity.
The television show ran for two years before it was cancelled. The Monkees then moved on to create their first full-length feature film, Head. It was written by, then unknown, Jack Nicholson and Monkee�s veteran Bob Rafaelson. The movie was not much of a success and became a cult classic to fans. The Monkees split up soon after the movie flop and a failed television special in 1969. Peter Tork was the first to leave. Mike Nesmith left after filling out a contract for two more albums.
Each Monkee pursued solo careers, until the coming of their 20th anniversary. They reformed and toured around the world. Peter, Davy, and Micky even released a new album providing them with the single �That was then, this is now.� The television show was re-run on MTV and Nickelodeon. Unfortunately, the time came for Peter, Micky and Davy to go their separate ways once more.
In 1996, the 30th anniversary of The Monkees came around and all four Monkees came together to made a brand new album, Justus. This album featured songs written, produced, and performed by only the four Monkees. They went on another tour, this time in the UK, with Mike Nesmith included. However, Mike declined to join the three other Monkees on the American leg of the tour.
At the end of the 30th anniversary tour, the Monkees each went their separate ways yet again. They pursued solo projects and did not unite again until March of 2001, when the Monkees decided to tour for their 35th anniversary. They scheduled to end the tour at the end of March, but because of the high demand and sell out shows, the Monkees continued throughout the summer. Check out the Pictures here.
There is no telling where the Monkees will be a few years now. Will they reunite again? I hope so, but right now, the Monkee Legacy will be something that will never be forgotten. They influenced society greatly with their fun loving songs and magical stage presence.