The Monkees enchanted 1960s audiences with their special mix of music and mirth. Their combination of theatrical story-telling with a pop-music sensibility laid the groundwork for future favorites like “Glee.” Initially conceived for TV, unlike any other situation comedy of the time, the Monkees’ “actors” created music albums, mixing their ridiculous onscreen shenanigans with sonic artistry. One of their albums, "More of the Monkees," drew public criticism from band member Mike Nesmith, who famously labeled it "probably the worst album in the history of the world." For all the criticisms that were aimed at them, the Monkees ended up fulfilling a very real and specific cultural need. They took their cue from contemporaries such as The Beatles, the Beach Boys, the Four Seasons and Motown.
The sitcom centered around a far-fetched premise. It was prophetic that it showed a CBS network logo like symbol frying everyone’s brains from their televisions. The plot was driven by dynamic musical numbers from start to finish. It produced a brilliant mixture of music, comedy, and mischief that was something like a musical Marx Brothers movie. The show’s revolutionary style features dynamic camera work and the breaking of the fourth wall, with characters frequently speaking directly to the audience. Even with all of its imaginative container-busting format, “The Monkees” was cancelled in 1968 after two seasons. It went on to be a mainstay of children’s TV well into the 1970s. In 1986, it saw a revival on MTV, leading to an array of reunion appearances.
Former Monkee Micky Dolenz recently helped us understand the brilliance and mania that fueled their path. Looking back on his years with the outfit, Dolenz said they were a very theatrical act.
“He was very theatrical and the Monkees was a theatrical act.” – Micky Dolenz
Dolenz’s reflections are a perfect glimpse into the surreal mix of performance art and music that defined their craft. The Monkees’ fight to make it reflects timeless conflicts found in Hollywood films and Broadway musicals, revealing why their story remains so compelling.
The Monkees went through a lot of internal strife, too. Additionally, Peter Tork and Mike Nesmith eventually left the group. Tork’s exit was a major turning point for the band creatively, as they tried to move into more progressive territory, shedding their manufactured image. The Monkees’ film "Head," released in 1968 and co-written by Jack Nicholson allegedly under the influence of LSD, exemplified their desire to break from traditional molds.
“We were looking to move on: we didn’t want to make a film that was a feature-length Monkees episode where Davy falls in love and the girl’s uncle is a crook and we have to save him and we sing her some songs.” – Micky Dolenz
“Head” received mixed critical reception but in the years since has become a beloved cult classic for fans. Meanwhile, Micky Dolenz transitioned to England where he pursued a career as a producer and director, notably working on the children’s show "Metal Mickey."
“Nothing like that had ever happened before,” – Micky Dolenz
Dolenz’s post-Monkees career serves as an example of the variety expected in the careers of the band members following their first burst of notoriety. Later, the Monkees were attacked for not playing live on their studio recordings. Though bad enough to draw this backlash, it didn’t stop them from releasing singles the caliber of “Different Drum.”
The legacy of the Monkees’ original television show lives on through its wide distribution on streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon. Yet, its impact on later incarnations of the musical television show is inarguable. Although Davy Jones, Peter Tork, and Mike Nesmith have all passed away, their contributions alongside Micky Dolenz continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.