Michael Nesmith Recovering From Quadruple Bypass Surgery

According to Rolling Stone Magazine, Michael Nesmith is recovering from quadruple bypass surgery after canceling the remaining June dates Mike & Micky Monkees shows.

Link: Rolling Stone – Michael Nesmith In Recovery

Quoting Nesmith from the article:

“I was using the words ‘heart attack’ for a while,” says Nesmith. “But I’m told now that I didn’t have one. It was congestive heart failure. It has taken me four weeks to climb out of it. If anybody ever comes up to you on the street and offers you [bypass surgery] for free, turn them down. It hurts.”

Andrew Sandoval commented on his Facebook page.

‘ A little added perspective from Andrew Sandoval:

The last month has been utter hell seeing my friend suffering. So many people were demanding answers, but it was simply a time for healing and privacy. The information age has caused too many to be pushy and inconsiderate – there I said it. This guy is a member of my extended family and I am so thrilled to hear the happiness in his voice now and the eagerness to play his beautiful songs for the people.”

Christian Nesmith’ Facebook update:

Nez’s surgery and clarifying the Rolling Stone article.

On the day of his surgery I was in LA and immediately made plans to go to Monterey. I was there first thing the next morning and I was with him as often as hospital policy and sleep needs would allow.

Here’s what RS got wrong. He did not spend a month in the hospital.

Nez was in ICU for 6 days, a little longer than average but well within the window. He spent another two and a half days in a regular room and then I drove him home. I’m sure it seemed like a month to him, though.

The first week at home he progressed from just being able to take a few steps to being fully autonomous – dressing, shower, bathroom. Every day he was stronger and clearer.

By the way, full anesthesia is some scary stuff and the most difficult thing for me was watching him climb out of that hole mentally. It’s like “is he ever going to be his old self again?”

Well, not only is he himself but, from where I stand, at 4 weeks after the surgery this last Monday, he’s healthier, more energetic, and clearer than when he went in.

AND he’s super excited to do these shows. I was with him for 17 days. Since I’ve been back in LA I talk to him every day on the phone and he is galvanized and enthusiastic. These shows and future ones are a driving goal and inspiration for him to get back to fighting weight. He actually went to the gym day before yesterday. Ha.

So you all have to come to these next shows because I have a feeling you’re going to see a Nez that’s on fire and rarin’ to go.

For anyone to go through open heart surgery is hard enough. But to do it at 75, well, let’s just say he’s a tough old buzzard. Lol.

I have to say a huge thank you to Jessica Kent, Circe Link, Robin Campbell and Melodie Akers. They we were absolutely instrumental and invaluable in their help with his needs after the surgery.

And it has been good to see all my siblings, Jessica Nesmith, Jonathan Nesmith, and Jason Nesmith rally to the cause. Nothing like family.

So, I NEVER wanna go through THAT again. But the upshot is that this surgery quite literally saved his life and to know I have many more days with him off and on stage couldn’t be regarded by me as any greater of a blessing.

Thanks to all of you for your support and understanding through this very heavy ordeal.

We’re coming to ya soon to show our gratitude.

Peace

The September First National Band Redux shows are still on with some additional dates to be announced.

Review: Michael Nesmith & The First National Band Redux Live At The Troubadour

By Fred Velez

“And just think, it’s only taken me a half a century to get back!”, Michael Nesmith says with an audible smile on his face early in his set with the First National Band Redux, on the stage of the world famous Troubadour Club in Los Angeles to a loud and appreciative crowd. This historic event is perfectly captured in the new 7a Records cd release ‘Michael Nesmith & The First National Band Redux Live At The Troubadour’, recorded January 25th, 2018.

When Nez announced that he would be doing a short tour featuring a new version of his second band after leaving The Monkees, performing songs from his first three RCA albums, the enthusiasm from fans guaranteed that all the dates would be sold out. The Troubadour, where Nesmith early in his career was the emcee and where the producers of the Monkees project discovered him, was the ideal setting for this concert, as this was where he debuted the original incarnation of FNB.

The concert opens with a blistering version of ‘Nevada Fighter’, a perfect song to launch with. Next are the trilogy of songs from the ‘Magnetic South’ album, followed by ‘The Crippled Lion’ and a poignant ‘Joanne’ with the audience singing along. Nesmith is in remarkably great voice and charmingly good humor throughout the concert and the FNBR offer spot on recreations of the songs, the band consisting of Nez’s sons Christian and Jonathan on guitar and vocals, Jason Chesney on bass, Jim Cox on keyboards, Christopher Allis on drums, Circe Link and Amy Spear on vocals and percussion, and Peter Finney on pedal steel guitar, doing an amazing job recreating the incredible arrangements of the late pedal steel master, Red Rhodes.

The sound of the cd was mixed and mastered by Christian Nesmith, which sounds wonderful coming through speakers or headphones. The lushness of the song ‘Lady Of The Valley’ really comes through in the mix. The background vocals of Circe and Amy are nicely reminiscent of the vocal stylings of Emmylou Harris. On the track ’50 Years’, Nez tells the story of when he performed these songs a half a century back on that same stage and the favorable reaction he got from the audience then. He then quietly plays and sings the most beautiful version of ‘Propinquity’ I’ve ever heard him perform that made my eyes misty. This is followed by ‘Different Drum’ (which he jokes that the TV producers didn’t see it as a “Monkees” song) which is then followed by a song that did make it into the Monkees first album, ‘Papa Gene’s Blue’, with the audience joining along on the verse, “For I love you, and I know you love me”, and one can tell from the recording that Nez must have been smiling appreciatively at that moment.

As mentioned earlier, Nesmith is in great voice at this show, even handling the high notes and his trademark yodel on the songs like ‘Keys To The Car’, ‘Mama Nantucket’ and a lovely rendition of ‘Silver Moon’, ably assisted by the background vocals of Christian, Jonathan, Circe and Amy. Many of the classic FNB songs were performed at The Troubadour like ‘Grand Ennui’, ‘Dedicated Friend’ and ‘Some Of Shelley’ Blues’.

The concert and the cd ends with ‘Thanx For The Ride’, Pete Finney recreating Red Rhodes classic pedal steel guitar arrangement to perfection. The standing ovation of the cheering audience can be felt as the sound of the cd fades.

7a Records always does a great job packaging their projects and this special cd is no exception. The lettering and cover design are raised giving the cover a nice texture to the touch. The cd booklet features wonderful photos of Nez and the band on the Troubadour stage. Nesmith wrote the liner notes where he recounts his early experience presenting these songs to the “powers that be” on The Monkees project who rejected them, leading to the origins of the original First National Band and the current incarnation of the FNB Redux. It’s a fascinating read that gives one another revealing insight into Nesmith’s career.

Michael Nesmith is considered one of the founding fathers of Country Rock alongside artists like Gram Parsons. The songs on this cd (the two disc vinyl version will include ‘Rio’, exclusive to that release), justifies Nesmith’s qualification. Executive Producers Glenn Gretlund and Iain Lee have produced another fine quality edition to the 7a Records catalog. Not only is this a release that Monkees and Nesmith fans must own, but also lovers of Country Rock should include ‘Michael Nesmith & The First National Band Redux Live At The Troubadour’ into their collections.

History never sounded better than this!

Thanx for the ride, Nez.

Link: 2 LP Troubadour Live

Link: CD Troubadour Live

United Kingdom:

2LP: http://keymailorder.com/live-at-the-troubadour-michael-nesmith-7a021?search=Nesmith

CD: http://keymailorder.com/live-at-the-troubadour-michael-nesmith-7a022?search=Nesmith

Fred Velez, 2018.

Fred Velez is the author of the book ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’

Fred Velez Book Link

Michael Nesmith May Expand First National Band Redux Tour

By Fred Velez

Nearing the eve of the First National Band Redux shows in California, Michael Nesmith announced on his Facebook page that depending how well the first shows go and fan demand, there is a possibility of the tour being expanded:

Link: Michael Nesmith Facebook Page

Here is the scoop on the future of FNBR — if the current dates are strong — i.e. sold out — then a second tour is possible and could be any place — anywhere.

I’m loving playing this music again — very inspiring to me — the band is a joy to work with and powerful — it could travel well if we had a public mandate — but it is too soon to tell — so I have to wait to see how these five shows play out. We are almost sold out with a week or more to go. Watch the skies!

I hope it flies!!!

Tickets for some of the extra FNB shows are still available. Links cans be found on the Video Ranch website:

Link: Video Ranch

Fred Velez, 2018.

Dolenz-Nesmith Tour In 2018

By Fred Velez

According to reports from Michael Nesmith’s appearance at the Chiller Theater Convention the weekend of October 27-29, there are apparent plans for not only a reunion and tour of the First National Band, but also a joint tour of Nesmith with Micky Dolenz.

Convention promoter Jodi Ritzen addressed the rumors on her Facebook page:

It is so much easier to address this rumor here. Is it true Nez told pretty much everyone at Chiller about two exciting events scheduled for 2018? The answer is YES!

Nez made no secret that we will see two shows come together.

First expect The First National Band to reform with two additional Nesmiths. Second was the combination of Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith somewhere close to summer.

If Nez told you, give me a hell yeah and your reaction.

Now I personally cannot help you with dates or cities. No need to send me your requests. I have no information on meet and greets and won’t until details are released.

Your best bet is to subscribe to my website for updates.

www.monkeemeetandgreets.com

They may be coming to your town.

Thanks Nez!!

Michael Nesmith tribute Monkee Business Part 5 of 6

Part 5 of 6 of a tribute by PJ Lennon on 10Radio to the genius that is Michael (Papa Nez) Nesmith, one of the Monkees. The PJ Lennon and Barry Show feat Dr Colin on 10Radio – www.10radio.org based in Wiveliscombe Somerset in the UK. The more that one learns about this giant among men, the more that one wants to learn.