Micky Dolenz Leads Tributes to Michael Nesmith: ‘I’m Heartbroken’
by Best Classic Bands Staff
The Monkees–Micky Dolenz (l.) and Michael Nesmith, September 2021 (Photo by Thomas K. Arnold; used with permission)
Micky Dolenz summed up his feelings about the passing of his longtime Monkees bandmate, Michael Nesmith, in two words. “I’m heartbroken,” he wrote, in his tribute of Nez. The popular and charismatic singer and drummer for the music group led the tributes to Nesmith, who died Friday (December 10, 2021) at age 78.
The pair had completed a farewell tour just weeks’ earlier, on November 14.
“I’ve lost a dear friend and partner,” Dolenz added on his social media pages. “I’m so grateful that we could spend the last couple of months together doing what we loved best – singing, laughing, and doing shtick.
“I’ll miss it all so much. Especially the shtick. Rest in peace, Nez.
“All my love,
Micky”
Here are a few others…
From Monkees manager and producer Andrew Sandoval…
That tour was a true blessing for so many. And in the end I know that Michael was at peace with his legacy which included songwriting, producing, acting, direction & so many innovative ideas and concepts.
— Andrew Sandoval (@cometothesun) December 10, 2021
I’m sorry to hear about Mike Nesmith. The Monkees had some great songs, those were fun days. Love & Mercy to Mike’s family and friends, Brian pic.twitter.com/bqJHBpb7il
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) December 10, 2021
Henry Diltz, who captured the ’60s and ’70s music scene with his photographs, wrote: “Our dear friend Michael Nesmith has walked into the next room…
What a wonderful songwriter, musician, and producer. Happy to have worked alongside him for many years and they were always amazing times. He’s on the next part of his journey now and I’m looking forward to seeing him on the other side!”
Michael Nesmith’s music was such a gift. I heard the wonderful Linda Ronstadt singing his song Different Drum in 1967 (the year this photo was taken) and never stopped singing it… pic.twitter.com/6P5kE8FnAg
— Susanna Hoffs (@SusannaHoffs) December 11, 2021
God bless Mike Nesmith peace and love to all his family. 😎✌️🌟❤️🎵🎶🌈☮️ pic.twitter.com/GYnokygcHG
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) December 11, 2021
“Michael Nesmith was an incredible talent as a singer and songwriter – for @TheMonkees, his solo work (I’ve often played “Joanne” on my show), and other artists such as Stoney Poneys; plus he was way ahead of his time as a music video producer too.”-Tommy James #RIPMikeNesmith pic.twitter.com/GChNdgrlqB
— Tommy James (@TJShondells) December 11, 2021
RIP Nez🕯️ #MichaelNesmith #TheMonkees pic.twitter.com/X220Z28ynF
— Al Jardine (@ALANJARDINE) December 11, 2021
So sad to hear of the passing of Michael Nesmith of the Monkees. Tony and I met him in 2019 and he was a very nice person. Such a talented singer, songwriter and guitarist who will be sorely missed. #Monkees #MichaelNesmith #MichaelNesmithRIP @TonyDowOfficial pic.twitter.com/DgaBadJW0v
— Jerry Mathers (@TheJerryMathers) December 10, 2021
Dolenz later told Rolling Stone, “He was our leader the whole time.”
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3 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationAs a 10 year old in 1966, I thought the Monkees were entertaining, and enjoyed their television show, but was never over the top with them, as even at that young age, I was more swayed by the Beatles “Revolver” and the Stones’ “December’s Children”, likely due to hanging around my older brother and his friends (likely to their chagrin)…..
The point if this message is that while I not a great fan of the Monkees as a musical unit (with no disrespect, either), after their initial break-up, I read and learned a lot more about Mike Nesmith, and started following his individual career, and I personally believe the “Monkees Moniker” held back many of the listening audience’s acceptance of Mr. Nesmith as a proficient musician, songwriter, and collaborator.
I just feel fortunate to look beyond the mid-60’s and discovered Mr. Nesmith’s extensive talent.
I fell in love with The Monkees in June 2021: Micky’s wonderful voice, the multi talented Peter Tork, the charismatic Davy Jones and Mike Nesmith`s country touch. I love them all.
Vale Mr. Nesmith
Monkees tribute to Mike Nesmith. RIP https://youtu.be/gS4LSFZtYRY