Peter Tork Situation: The Empire Strikes Back!

Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”; format=flowed
Return-Path: brad@flexquarters.com
X-OriginalArrivalTime: 06 Sep 2001 09:55:04.0389 (UTC) FILETIME=[00892750:01C136BA]
From: Brad Waddell

Welcome to the Monkees.Net Alert Newsletter!

Monkee Business Fanzine Monkees News Update
updated September 5, 2001

* * * SPECIAL ALERT * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Peter Tork will NOT be appearing at the Monkees’ September 7 & 8
shows in Bensenville & Grand Prairie. Peter received a phone call from
tour producer David Fishof on September 2 saying that Micky and Davy
did not want him showing up at the two remaining dates. In fact they
were insistent on it, saying that if Peter showed up for those two shows,
THEY WOULD NOT!!! (Previously it had been announced that Peter
planned to honor his commitments to the remaining dates on the tour,
through September 8, even though he resigned from the tour in mid-July.)

Once the news of his resignation was made public in late August, many
fans had asked if Peter would be at the September 7 & 8 shows, and Peter
had told me to reassure everyone that he would be, but this is a dramatic
new turn of events. Peter wanted everyone who expected to see him at
those shows to be warned in advance that he would not be there—AT
THE INSISTENCE OF THE OTHER GUYS.

So, now, on September 8, instead of performing with the Monkees in Texas,
you can find Peter performing with James Lee Stanley at Tanglewood Park,
Clemmons, NC. For tickets and schedule, please consult www.thelaac.com.
And, as previously announced, Peter and James Lee will perform at
Brew-Ha-Ha’s in Winston-Salem, NC, on September 9—tickets also
available through www.thelaac.com.

Word of Peter’s “firing” from the last two tour dates has stirred up much
discussion in the Monkees online community. In their defense, Micky Dolenz
and tour producer David Fishof have written open letters to the fans:

From Micky:
Dear Monkee Fans,
Approximately six weeks ago, in the middle of our very successful tour,
Peter informed me that he was “handing in his resignation” and quitting
the Monkees. again.
At the same time, I was informed that he had rejected, out of hand, a
development deal for a major motion picture, starring The Monkees,
that I had negotiated.
In addition, a number of other exciting projects that had been in the works
had to be either cancelled or postponed. The amount of damage done was
considerable.
It’s my opinion that when someone quits a group, or a company, it’s not
up to them to decide when they are going to leave, it’s up to the other
members of that group or the executives of that company.
For a number of reasons, personal, logistical and practical, I felt it best
for Peter to be officially dismissed at the end of August. I shared my
feelings with the other principles in our organization and they concurred.
As far as Peter’s reasons for making the decisions he did, you will have
to ask him directly. I, personally, found them utterly unjustifiable and
without merit.
I regret this turn of affairs but I had little or no control over its
outcome.
Once Peter quit, the die was cast. All I can do is to promise to give you
the best show that I can in gratitude for your ongoing loyalty, support
and friendship.
Micky Dolenz
Los Angeles, CA
September 5th, 2001

From David Fishof:
Dear Fan,
I appreciate your concern regarding The Monkees and Peter Tork’s recent
departure from the band. I’m hoping this letter will clear up some apparent
misconceptions.
The fact remains that Peter Tork made the decision mid-tour to resign from
the band due to personal conflicts (as he reported to Monkee Business
Fanzine). Simultaneously, Micky Dolenz and I were working on securing a
film project for The Monkees and received an offer for a “Monkee Movie.”
Peter declined to be a part of this project.
I personally approached Peter numerous times during the tour to try to get
him to reconsider leaving the band. I was unsuccessful and felt totally
rejected.
As a long time professional in this business, I feel that Davy Jones and
Micky Dolenz have been put their best efforts forward in performing each
concert on this tour. Their energy and chemistry on stage is truly
remarkable.
My opinion is Peter’s decision was driven by his ambition to further pursue
his other projects. He was unconcerned about the effect his departure
would have on Davy, Micky the other band members, the crew—not
to mention the fans.
The fact that Davy and Micky elected to terminate Peter a few shows
before the end of their US dates was because they need establish a
new show with a new format and layout.
Please remember, Peter chose to leave. Davy and Micky are still dedicated
to their fans and look forward to bringing all of you the best show they’ve
ever done.
Warm regards,
David Fishof
September 5, 2001

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Micky and Davy concerts:

September 7, Redmond Recreation Complex, Bensenville, IL,
630-594-1190, www.bensenville.il.us/MUSICPK.HTM
September 8, Lone Star Park, Grand Prairie, TX, part of KLUV
radio’s Oldies Festival. Listen to KLUV 98.7 FM in
Dallas to find out where you can get your FREE
tickets to the Oldies Fesitval, or check their website
www.kluv.com. If you want to attend the concert
but don’t live in the area (and won’t be around for
any of the ticket giveaways), you can send a long
SASE with a note stating how many tickets you
are requesting to: KLUV, 4131 N. Central Expressway,
Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75204. Also appearing at the
Oldies Festival are B.J. Thomas and Mary Wilson of
the Supremes.
September 15, Franklin Field, Philadelphia, PA, the Monkees
will do a 30-45 minute set at a Temple Owls football
game at Franklin Field. The game is at noon, and
tickets are available NOW via Ticketmaster. You
won’t find it listed under “Monkees”—it’s listed
as “Temple Owls vs. Connecticut Huskies”. Before
you buy your tickets, you should know that the
stage will face the South Side of the stadium. Those
seated on the North Side or in the endzone will be
allowed to move to the second level of the South
Side for the concert. Tickets range from $20 for
premium 50-yard-line reserved seating down to $5
general admission endzone seating. No one will be
allowed on the field during the performance. (The
first 2500 kids 14 and under receive the Hooter The
Owl mascot bobbing-head figure!)
Oct. 20, Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow, SCOTLAND
Oct. 22, Manchester Evening News Arena, Manchester, ENGLAND
Oct. 23, Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, ENGLAND
Oct. 24, Telewest Arena, Newcastle, ENGLAND
Oct. 25, NEC, Birmingham, ENGLAND
Oct. 26, Wembley Arena, London, ENGLAND

Natural, the Monkees’ tourmates through most of the spring and
summer dates, have left the tour as of the end of July. You can
keep up with their endeavors via their website,
www.NaturalOfficialSite.com.
Look for the July 2001 issue of “Pop Star!” magazine, which
features Natural and includes a full-page article on Natural’s
experiences on the Monkees tour.

MICKY DOLENZ
————————-
Micky has several irons in the fire this year professionally—he directed a
movie in January and will be directing a pilot for the Disney Channel
later this year—but he still finds time to tour with the Monkees and
in his own solo rock’n’roll show of Monkees hits and rock classics, backed
by his band and his sister Coco on vocals:
Nov. 21-28, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, sailing Nov. 18 and Nov. 25
Jan. 13-20, Costa Victoria cruise ship, sailing from Ft. Lauderdale, FL,
with Peter Noone and Paul Revere & The Raiders

MICHAEL NESMITH
—————————–
Michael Nesmith is working on a new album, “Rays”, due out in 2002,
his movie, “Fried Pies”, a second novel, The America Gene, and he
has moved his company Videoranch to Monterey, California.
Anchor Bay Entertainment is releasing some of Nez’s films on DVD for the
first time—“Tapeheads” and his concert video “Live at the Britt” are already
available, and “Timerider” is expected in 2002.
Nez’s company Videoranch has reissued his “Live at the Palais” concert album
on CD, complete with bonus tracks.
Check out www.videoranch.com for details and updates.

RHINO RECORDS
—————————-
Rhino Video has pencilled in a release date for a DVD box set of all 58
Monkees episodes for May 2002.
Rhino Handmade’s newest project, released May 9 by mail order only, is a
collection of live concert recordings from the Monkees’ 1967 tour—
check it out now at www.rhinohandmade.com.
Last year, Rhino Handmade released a 3-CD set, “Headquarters
Sessions”, chronicling the making of the Monkees’ album “Headquarters”.
The compilation makes use of unreleased demos, backing tracks, studio chatter,
song fragments, and early versions of tracks.
On Feb. 13, 2001, Rhino retired the “Listen To The Band” Monkees 4-CD
boxed set and replaced it with “The Monkees Music Box”, an updated 4-CD
set which includes some unreleased alternate versions of Monkees
tunes from tapes which have surfaced since the release of the previous box
set. See www.rhino.com for a detailed track listing.

MONKEE BUSINESS FANZINE
Maggie McManus (monkeebiz@prodigy.net)
2770 South Broad Street
Trenton, New Jersey 08610-3622
Four issues per year, $14 per year.
Make check/money order payable to Maggie McManus.
http://pages.prodigy.net/monkeebiz

Want to try an issue first before subscribing?
A selection of MBF back issues are available for purchase at:
http://pages.prodigy.net/monkeebiz/backish.html

+++++++++++++++++++++

From: Deidre

Boy Meets World
Band on the Run
30 min.
Cory and Shawn form a bogus band to impress some girls. Norm: Micky Dolenz.
Larry: Billy Vera. Gordy: Rick Nielsen.

Cast: Jhoanna Trias, Jewelie Hull, Micky Dolenz, Billy Vera, Rick Nielsen,
Betsy Randle, William Russ, Anthony Tyler Quinn, Ben Savage, Rider Strong,
William Daniels
Category: Comedy

Show times
DateTimeChannel
Friday, 7 6:30 PM EDT DISNEY

Adam-12
Dirt Duel
30 min.
A community-relations assignment turns into a motorcycle duel between
Malloy and a purse
snatcher (Edd Byrnes). Oiler: Micky Dolenz. Mouse: Keith Taylor. Malloy:
Martin Milner.
Mrs. McKay: Virginia Gregg.

Category: Crime Drama

Show times
DateTimeChannel
Sunday, 9 12:30 AM EDT TVLAND

+++++++++++++++++++

From: GVentola

The Orlando oldies station, Cool 100.3 FM, recently had a Labor Day weekend
countdown of the top 500 oldies, based on a survey of listeners. Here’s how
the Monkees fared:

495-Pleasant Valley Sunday
448-A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You
201-Daydream Believer
135-Last Train to Clarksville
36-I’m a Believer

Also of interest is 393: Boyce and Hart with “I Wonder What She’s Doing
Tonite”.

I remember on the old oldies station “Daydream Believer” came in #1 one year!
What happened? I would think all the coverage it’s been getting on those
AmSouth bank ads would’ve increased it’s popularity!

Gina

+++++++++++++++

Here is a website article ranking the top 100 power-pop songs of all time,
it includes The Monkees.

http://www.rocksbackpages.com/features/powerpop/index.html

++++++++++++++++

From: chris coyle

Rhino has just annouced a Monkees DVD box of the TV shows due in May 2002.
No other details at this time…

Chris

++++++++++++++++++

From: “bqrco”

I had written earlier to say you could find the model in some Walmarts.
Just last week I purchased one for my daughters birthday. It was the only
one on the shelf in Alamosa, CO. My husband is into cars and models, etc,
and when he went to Denver the following day he spoke with a friend at a
model store and learned that we should either not open this one or grab up
any that we see. He said yes, they were on the Walmart shelves, but, no,
when those were gone, they would be GONE. So Monkee fans should check and
recheck the model isle at your local walmart. Alamosa had none, then there
was a gal out restocking and rearranging the shelves while we were there
and suddenly one appeared. We asked about more but she didn’t seem to even
know what they were and said that one was mixed in with a box of old stock
they were putting out to fill the shelves. My husband is on the lookoutand
asking questions in his travels now, so I will keep you updated with any
more model or Monkee Mobile info I get.
Tonya
San Acacio, CO

++++++++++++++++++++

From: Deidre

Brady Bunch
Getting Davy Jones
30 min.
Hey! Hey! She’s a Brady—Marcia, that is, and she’s the president of the
local Davy Jones fan club in this episode (originally telecast Dec. 10,
1971, and named by TV Guide among the 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time).
Marcia brashly promises to get the singer to perform at her prom and is
panicked when it looks like Jones won’t be able to appear. But with the
help of her siblings, Marcia finally gets her man. The unstated joke, of
course, is the show’s choice of teen idols. The Monkees split up two years
before the episode was shot, and Jones was trying to jump-start a solo
career. But that terminal unhipness is precisely why we love The Brady Bunch.

Cast: Robert Reed, Kimberly Beck, Florence Henderson, Ann B. Davis, Maureen
McCormick, Eve Plumb, Susan Olsen, Barry Williams, Christopher Knight, Mike
Lookinland, Marcia Wallace, Tina Andrews
Category: Comedy

Show times
DateTimeChannel
Wednesday, 5 9:00 PM EDT NICK
Thursday, 6 12:00 AM EDT NICK
Saturday, 8 10:00 PM EDT NICK
Saturday, 15 10:00 PM EDT TVLAND
Saturday, 15 10:30 PM EDT NICK

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Reviews:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: “Sally Carpenter”

Just thought you’d like to know that the Anaheim show was professionally
videotaped! The lady at the merchandise stand said the concert would be
aired on the King Biscuit Flower Hour on cable TV. Other people said it
would be on put on DVD. Hopefully someone will alert us whenever the show
is available. There certainly were plenty of cameras, including an
overhead camera on a huge crane. At one point, a cameraman walked by my
row with a handheld camera; fortunately, I was clapping and yelling at the
time. Several cameramen with handheld cameras were on the stage, right by
the guys, for tight closeups. The Sun Theatre has huge video screens on
either side of the stage, so we got to see the camera close ups as
well. All I can say is I hope I look as good as the guys do when I’m their
age!

Since the show was being recorded, the guys were in top form. I liked the
set arragment, as the solo numbers were broken up with group songs instead
of having all the solo songs in one endless stretch. At the last minute,
Davy changed one of his solo numbers to “It’s So Nice To Be With You.” He
said that since this was being recorded, he wanted to do another Monkees
song. He also insisted that the camera crew record the band members doing
their Archie and Edith routine (which the audience loved).

When Micky introduced “Since I Fell For You”, he mentioned that two of his
daughters were here and asked, “Where are they?” I was sitting 4th row,
last seat on the right, and the girls were standing a couple of feet from
me! They had come out to watch their dad sing, and they went backstage
after the song. Micky quipped, “Teenage daughters are God’s punishment for
having sex.”

During “Girl”, one middle aged woman near the front stood up and
danced. Davy finally dropped to one knee and kissed her. During another
one of his solos, a group of women along the right hand wall stood up,
waved at him and screamed. He noticed and waved back at them. Also during
one of Davy’s songs, one of the theatre’s security guards walked by the
stage. Davy yelled at him, “Hey! Where are you going! Are you lost!”

Peter had one quip that I hadn’t heard before. He introduced a song by
saying to the other two, “Let’s get started before you have to shave
again.” Early in the show, Micky pretended the show was over and started
to leave. The other two told him he had to stay and do more. When he
protested, Davy said, “You’re already a week late,” a reference to last
week’s cancellation. Naturally this got a big laugh from the
audience. The audience also cheered when Micky said he grew up in Los
Angeles. It was a wonderful show and don’t miss it when it airs on TV.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: CCWATPROD

Dear Brad:
Went to the concert on August 30th. It was 2 1/2 hours long. They sang
all the old favorites Had 2nd row seats right in the middle. Great view.
Micky looks like he lost some weight. Was wearing tight silky pants. Wore
his cow boy hat some of the time. Sold out house of 2,900 people. Everyone
enjoying them. Peter also looks great. And Davy was happy he got 2nd place
in the race the day before. 2 of the band members did Archie and Edith
Bunker, pretty funny. Well, that’s all for now. Hope they come back for the
40th.

Bye for now.
Cecilia Goodbody
San Diego, CA

To purchase Monkees CD’s, Videos and Collectable rare items, visit
www.monkees.net

The Monkees Alert list is moderated, meaning you cannot post directly to
the list yourself. To submit an item for the list, send to:
bradpager@monkees.net

For info on posting to, subscribing, or removing yourself from this list,
send an e-mail to: alert@monkees.net for an automatic response. Thanks!