Hey, Hey They Are Still The Monkees
As Ovation Hall in Ocean Resort Casino began to fill
on Saturday, March 2, 2019 you could see the smiles
of anticipation on the faces of the attendees.
By Donald B. Kravitz
With the recent passing of Peter Tork there was speculation as to if this concert would even take place. Tork has not toured with the Monkees for a while due to illness.
“There are no words right now…heartbroken over the loss of my Monkee brother, Peter Tork,” said Mickey Dolenz. Nesmith initially posted “I am heartbroken” on Facebook, then issued a longer statement. “Peter Tork died this AM. I am told he slipped away peacefully. Yet, as I write this my tears are awash, and my heart is broken. Even though I am clinging to the idea that we all continue, the pain that attends these passings has no cure. It’s going to be a rough day.”
Mickey Dolenz and Mike Nesmith, original Monkees band members have more than fifty years popularity which has certainly taught the Monkees much about concerts. The one thing that is readily apparent is the fact that they know how to please their audience.
It wasn’t Pavarotti, it wasn’t a symphony performance, but then again it wasn’t designed to be, it was old time memories and feel good entertainment. It invoked fond feelings of the past, and for many who were too young to remember the Monkees, it was what their parents told them it would be, fun.
As Ovation Hall in Ocean Resort Casino began to fill on Saturday, March 2, 2019 you could see the smiles of anticipation on the faces of the attendees.
Spanning many generations from adolescence to the other end of the spectrum, no one seemed to be too young or too old to have a good time.
It was obvious from the energy that filled the room that the throngs of enthusiastic Monkees “groupies” from years ago, were still faithful to their group and was ready for a good time.
Playing their own instruments, Dolenz and Nesmith on guitar, they were joined on stage by a seven piece band and two back-up singers. Playing and singing one song after another, they performed some of their most popular hits that included, “Mary, Mary;”“Pleasant Valley Sunday”.
The group, formed in 1966 as part of a television show which ran for two years (1966-67), and was responsible for the Monkees first two hit songs, “I’m A Believer” and “The Last Train To Clarksville.” When the show ended the Monkees continued to record having a string of top 10 hits.
Those hits that created the Monkee fan base and one of the reasons the Monkees still draw a large audience and can still continue to tour. “A Monkees show is a look backward to a simpler time. People miss those times and I think the songs and the memories attached to those songs bring back good feelings to those who hear them.”
Donald B. Kravitz is an Entertainment & Special Events photographer for national publications including Getty Images & Miss America
