REVIEW: PETER TORK – ‘THIS STUFF NEVER GETS OLD’ 7A RECORDS EP

Peter Tork always had a special place in my heart. He was the first member of The Monkees that I got to know when he reemerged onto the music scene in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, playing small clubs, including the infamous CBGB’s in 1977. Peter was making appearances on local cable TV shows, including the local UHF New Jersey television Uncle Floyd Show where he made about 6-7 appearances in which he always had a great time.

I first got to see Peter perform at his old stomping grounds of Greenwich Village in New York City when he played dates at the very intimate Speakeasy Club whose capacity was nearly 200, one of the shows that I attended was a memorable New Year’s Eve show. At these shows Peter performed a variety of different styles of music, from his beloved Folk and Blues to 50’s-60’s Rock including some Monkees tunes, and hard core/Heavy Metal Rock. He at times performed alone or with a band of like-minded musicians who swung to his groove. Three songs from those memorable Speakeasy performances have finally been officially issued on the new 7a Records EP release ‘This Stuff Never Gets Old’.

The title song was written by Michael A. Levine, who wrote the EP’s liner notes, and was originally submitted for The Monkees 2016 album ‘Good Times!’ but was passed over by the late producer Adam Schlesinger. The demo is a rollicking Rock & Roll number which has a George Harrison-like groove to it with a very tasty guitar solo, fine instrumentation and nice vocal harmonies. It’s too bad it didn’t make ‘Good Times!’ or was a bonus track, it’s a fun number and you can hear Peter really enjoying himself on it.

The next three tracks were recorded live during Peter Tork’s residency at Speakeasy’s from November 25-27 1988, shows which I personally attended. Peter appeared with his band which consisted of members Michael A. Levine on electric violin, Mal Stein on drums, the late Jerry Renino on bass and Peter on piano, banjo, keyboards and electric guitar. The first Speakeasy track is ‘Sea Change’ that starts with a playful intro before launching straight into the song that has a great rolling, rhythm beat with an excellent electric violin solo by by Michael Levine.

The next Speakeasy track ‘Vagabond John’ has always been a personal favorite of mine and for the fans who were fortunate enough to hear Peter perform it. Written by Derek Lord, it’s a cautionary tale of a friend who tries to be the life of the party and ends up a lonely loser. I’ve always felt that Peter referenced people he knew as the song’s protagonist like Keith Moon, John Bonham and Peter himself who at the time was a recovering alcoholic. ‘Vagabond John’ has an epic feel to it with excellent musicianship, harmonies and solos which elevates the song’s message, especially with Peter’s poignant, heartfelt vocals. For me this is the best song on the collection, hearing it again brings back memories of sitting in the darkness of the Speakeasy Club watching Peter Tork on stage performing it with great emotion. While it’s a pity this song was never released during Peter’s lifetime, I’m so grateful that it’s finally officially available for many fans to hear and enjoy.

The final live Speakeasy track is ‘Miracle’ with Peter on electric guitar and the band giving it a Hard Rock edge that really hits the sweet spot. Peter was an incredible lead guitar player and he really shines on this track with the band giving him great support. On all the songs Peter is in very good voice, he Rocks on the harder songs and is quite emotive on the slightly slower ones. The performances bring back great memories of magical evenings sitting with the fans in the intimacy of the Speakeasy Club in Greenwich Village where Peter earned his chops as a gifted musician.

The 7a Records EP is a limited edition of 500 CD’s and 800 in 10″ Blue vinyl. The EP will be available digitally as a download and on streaming services like Apple Music/iTunes, Amazon Music and Spotify on December 9th, 2022.

For fan’s of Peter Tork, ‘This Stuff Never Gets Old’ is a nice little sampler of Tork’s multi-instrumental talents as a musician and performer. For the fortunate fans like myself who had the rare pleasure of attending one of Peter’s legendary Speakeasy shows, I dare say fond memories will come flooding back. Hopefully, a complete Speakeasy performance will turn up in the near future. Many thanks to 7a Records for issuing this EP and bringing back to light a little piece of the musical legacy of Peter Tork.

Vinyl/CD Track Listing:

1. This Stuff Never Gets Old (Michael A Levine)
2. Sea Change (Peter Tork)
3. Vagabond John (Derek Lord)
4. Miracle (Peter Tork)

Deep Discount Order Link: https://www.deepdiscount.com/search?q=peter+tork+this+stuff&mod=AP

Amazon US Order Link: https://www.amazon.com/This-Stuff-Never-Gets-Old/dp/B0BDGGRXWC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WUHT43AC4W27&keywords=peter+tork+this+stuff&qid=1668888264&sprefix=peter+tork+this+stuf%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Amazon UK Order Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/This-Stuff-Never-Gets-Old/dp/B0BDGKQWTN/ref=tmm_acd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667165767&sr=8-1

iTunes Store/Apple Music Digital Order Link (Available December 9, 2022): https://music.apple.com/us/album/this-stuff-never-gets-old-ep/1652472599

Fred Velez, 2022

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’ and The Monkees themed CD ‘A Little Bit Christmas’.

FreddyPop Shop Link: https://freddypop.wordpress.com/freddy-pop-shop/

NEW 7A RECORDS PETER TORK EP ‘THIS STUFF NEVER GETS OLD’

7a Records are proud to present “This Stuff Never Gets Old”, a brand new Limited Edition EP featuring four previously unreleased Peter Tork recordings. The EP will be released on CD and on pale blue Vinyl on November 17. The CD is limited to 500 copies and the vinyl is limited to 800. You can pre-order from the following sites:

US Customers:

CD: https://www.deepdiscount.com/this-stuff…/5060209950495

Vinyl: https://www.deepdiscount.com/this-stuff…/5060209950471

UK Customers:

CD: https://www.amazon.co.uk/…/B0BD…/ref=tmm_acd_swatch_0…

Vinyl: https://www.amazon.co.uk/…/B0BD…/ref=tmm_vnl_swatch_0…

Japan:

CD: https://www.amazon.co.jp/…/B0BD…/ref=tmm_acd_swatch_0…

Vinyl: https://www.amazon.co.jp/…/B0BD…/ref=tmm_vnl_swatch_0…

Brazil:

CD: https://imusic.br.com/…/peter-tork-2022-this-stuff…

Vinyl: https://imusic.br.com/…/peter-tork-2022-this-stuff…

More links and more territories to follow.

The EP

“This Stuff Never Gets Old” was originally submitted for inclusion on the Monkees’ 2016 “Good Times” album, but producer Adam Schlesinger chose not to include it on the album. “Sea Change”, “Vagabond John” and “Miracle” are all soundboard recordings made at The Speakeasy in New York in 1988. It is believed that Tork was once working on releasing a full album from The Speakeasy concert, but these are the only tracks that have been found so far. All recordings have been remastered. These are great recordings and we are delighted to be able to release them and make them available for all the fans to enjoy.

Track listing:

1. This Stuff Never Gets Old

2. Sea Change

3. Vagabond John

4. Miracle

For more information please visit www.7arecords.com and sign up to our newsletter.

A Journey With Michael Nesmith: 1942 – 2021

 

Michael Nesmith has passed away on December 10th, 2021 at the age of 78, just a few weeks short of his birthday on December 30th which he shared with fellow Monkee, the late Davy Jones. I’ve been a fan of the Monkees for 55 years, and I’ve been rewarded by the incredible music and art I’ve been exposed to during those years by the four individuals, especially Papa Nez.

When I began watching the Monkees television show after I discovered it in 1967, I loved the series which was like watching The Beatles every week on a regular basis, except with a different foursome of comic musicians. Each member stood out: Micky Dolenz was the wild, crazy one. Peter Tork was the sweet and naive goofy one. Davy Jones was the cute, Paul McCartney type heartthrob. And Mike, the one in the green wool hat, well he was Mike, the group leader, the cool one with the laconic, sly sense of humor. As much as I liked the other three, there was something special about Nesmith. You couldn’t quite put your finger on it, but you just couldn’t take your eyes off him. When he entered a scene he captured your full attention. There was just a mystique about him.

This wasn’t just true about the television show. This carried over into the group’s recordings. As good as some of the other songs might have been, Nesmith’s tracks immediately stood out. They were well written and had an edge to them that demanded further attention. They weren’t frivolous Pop tunes, they were songs that carried a bit more weight and maturity than a typical 1960’s Pop song. And they sounded different than the other songs that shared the albums. The songs had a distinct Country flavor to them that made them sound much more unique. Even the songs he didn’t write benefited from his touch.

After the whole Monkee trip ended, Nesmith continued onward on a path of his own making. His solo recordings, starting with the First National Band albums, saw Papa Nez following his muse, branding his songs with the Country tinge first heard in his Monkees recordings, but with the help of musical partner Red Rhodes, the songs went into a whole other stratosphere. The imagery the songs evoked were much more cosmic and other worldly, it’s no wonder that he earned the nickname of the ‘Cosmic Cowboy’. His records may not have been as big sellers as artists like Gram Parsons, The Byrds or the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band who played in a similar style, but they were just as creative, if not more-so.

https://youtu.be/9ZiHjmE-5BI

 

As a growing artist, Nesmith was not content to remain in one style for long. He continued to push himself forward with unusual concepts like ‘The Prison’, a book with a soundtrack, that saw his writing style become much more visual in execution. This naturally led to the next step in Nez’s artistic evolution, a new way to visually present musical ideas, the Music Video. Where there had been ‘promotional films’ issued by artists to help sell their records, Nesmith’s approach with his video ‘Rio’ was much more cinematic, presenting the music in a non-linear visual style, at times with a story that wasn’t a virtual representation of the song lyrics, but carried their own storyline apart from the actual song.

https://youtu.be/WnpcTsy10dE

 

Continuing to move forward with these concepts, Nesmith produced the long form video ‘Elephant Parts’ which combined his music with his unique sense of humor, winning a Grammy Award in the brand new category of Music Video, becoming the first music artist to win in the field. Nesmith branched out and became a movie producer for films like ‘Time Rider’, and the acclaimed ‘Repo Man’ and ‘Tape Heads’. He later became a published author of fiction and most recently with his autobiography ‘Infinite Tuesday’.

I followed Michael Nesmith through all these phases of his career, and I was rewarded by the exposure of the art that he was creating. From the Monkees television series, the records, the movie ‘Head’, the ’33 & 1/3 Revolution per Monkee’ tv special, his solo music career and his entry into the field of Music Video, each was a stepping stone where he kept going forward and rarely if ever looked back.

While I had seen and met Davy, Micky and Peter at concerts from 1976 into the 1980’s, I didn’t meet Nesmith until 1981 when he launched ‘Elephant Parts’ at a special party event at Tavern on the Green in New York City. I was invited to the event through my friend, animation expert Jerry Beck. Finally meeting the man, we shook hands and I told him how much I admire his work and that I wished him great success with his new video venture. He smiled and humbly thanked me. I was immediately struck by the full attention he gave, paying total attention to me as I spoke, his eyes kind and friendly. Whatever nervousness I may have had before, Nesmith wiped it away with his gentle demeanor. To this day, the memory of that first meeting has stuck with me.

 

I fortunately had other occasions in meeting Nez. In 1986 when the incredible Monkees 20th anniversary tour had ended it’s successful run, I was able to attending the taping of MTV Christmas Video that would feature all four Monkees, Nez disguised as Santa Claus as the big surprise ending of the video. I had already made friends with Davy Jones and Peter Tork and they both said hello to me when I entered the studio. It was Peter who introduced me to Mike who was all decked out in the Santa suit and makeup. As on our first meeting, Nez was friendly and he gave me his full attention as we spoke. All four Monkees signed the latest copy of Maggie McManus’s Monkee Business Fanzine that I brought with me which had a cover illustration featuring all four of them. When the taping had finished to reveal the big surprise of Nesmith as Santa Claus, I was able to have pictures taken with Davy Jones and Michael Nesmith whose eyebrows were still white from the Santa makeup.

The next time our paths crossed was in 1989 when the Monkees were going to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which would be proceeded by a concert at the Universal Amphitheater with all four members, Nesmith’s first fully rehearsed Monkees concert since 1968. (He had made a surprise guest appearance when Micky, Davy and Peter played the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles in 1986).

A Monkees convention took place the weekend of the events. Having never seen any of the 1967 concerts, seeing all four Monkees sharing the same stage together allowed me to cross off this major event from my bucket list. When Mike came on stage the entire theatre broke out in major shrieks of excitement from the fans which raised the roof. There was not a dry eye in the house as tears of joy were shed by the time the show ended.

There was even more excitement the following day when the Monkees were to receive their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a special ceremony held in front of the Vogue Theatre where the movie ‘Head’ premiered in 1968. Helen Pantuso, who spearheaded the campaign for the Monkees to receive their star, called on me to help with fan security. Inside the Vogue Theatre the Monkees were finishing up a press conference prior to the ceremony when Helen brought me in. Peter saw me first and then Davy and they both said hi. Peter then introduced me to Nesmith, telling him that I was major booster of the group. As in our previous meetings Nez was friendly and attentive as we spoke. As we were speaking, our mutual friend photographer Michael G. Bush who was taking pictures of the group, politely told me that I was in the shot. I quickly apologized and started to move away when I felt someone tug at my elbow. It was Peter Tork who was pulling me back into the group and said “Fred, you’re IN the picture!!!” So I had a photo taken with myself and all four Monkees as well as musician Lawrence Haley who was part of the Monkees backup band. In the picture it looks like I’m thinking “I can’t believe that I’m in this picture!!!”. The photo is a treasured piece of my Monkees collection, and I’ll always thank the kindness of Peter Tork for helping to make it happen.

 

I’ve had other occasions where I met Nesmith, including a solo concert he performed at the Lone Star Cafe in New York City during the promotional tour of his album ‘Tropical Campfires’. Seeing Nez in a solo show was another check off my bucket list, as he performed from his classic catalog as well as selections from his new album. After the show there was an informal meet & greet where Mike said hello to the fans. I had another opportunity to speak with him and he was just as friendly and attentive as he was at our previous meetings. As we talked I told him that my favorite Monkees song that he wrote was ‘While I Cry’ and I said that I hope he would one day consider performing it live in concert. He gave me a small smile and thanked me and said that he’d think about it.

The years passed. The Monkees with Davy Jones went on a major tour in 2011 which was one of the best tours they had done in years. I caught them at the Beacon Theatre in New York City and was able to attend the after show meet & greet and had a picture taken with Peter, Davy and Micky along with my future wife Linda. Sadly, it turned out to be the last picture of me and Davy together as he passed away from a heart attack on February 29th, 2012. The devastation of that loss was somewhat alleviated by the joy of finding out that Micky and Peter would be joined by Michael Nesmith for a tour to celebrate the Monkees ‘Headquarters’ album. The tour was in the planning stages with Davy before his untimely passing. Linda and I attended two of the shows on that tour, which became both a celebration of the Monkees and the life of Davy Jones.

In 2013 Michael Nesmith embarked on his first solo tour in years with his ‘Movies of the Mind’ shows. Me and Linda attended the tour stop at Town Hall in New York City, and I was also able to score tickets for the after show meet & greet with Nez. Nesmith and his band gave incredible renditions of his classic songs, which were accompanied by stories that gave a visual flair to the numbers. I was surprised to learn later that Elvis Costello was also in attendance at the show. After the performance, everyone who had meet and greet tickets lined up as we waited for Nez. He finally appeared and met each fan, autographing Monkees and solo items, giving each fan time to talk with him. Finally it was mine and Linda’s turn as we stepped up and Nesmith smiled and shook our hands and signed our items, which included a ‘Elephant Parts’ DVD, a cd box set of Nesmith’s Pacific Arts catalog, and for our friend musician Gary Owen, the cover of his ‘The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees’ album that had already been signed by Davy, Peter and Micky and just needed Mike’s signature. As on previous occasions, Nez gave his full attention to us as we spoke to him. I mentioned that the last time we saw each other that I had suggested if he would please consider performing ‘While I Cry’ live as it was my favorite Monkees song of his. He again smiled and seem to say “we’ll see”.

In 2014, Linda and I attended the Monkees Convention being run by Jodi Ritzen and Phyliss Paganucci, a year after the successful Davy Jones Memorial Convention that was also co-produced by Charles Rosenay who had co-produced some of the 1980’s Monkees Conventions along with Maggie McManus and Ed Reilly. 2014 saw the publication of my first book ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’, and I brought along copies of my book which sold out by the end of the weekend. This years’ convention had as special guests Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith in his first full convention appearance since his brief appearance at the 1989 Hollywood Monkees Convention. Nesmith was not only appearing as a guest, he would also be performing one of his ‘Movies of the Mind’ shows at the convention. I saved three books to give signed copies to each member of the attending Monkees. At a special breakfast, I was in the company of fans and the families of the individual Monkees. I gave my inscribed copies to Micky and Peter who graciously accepted them. I was pleased to see the members of Micky’s family looking at the book and passing it amongst themselves.

Michael Nesmith was seated with his family at their table, saying hello to fans who dropped by, playing with a little baby one fan brought along. I waited till a more opportune moment when Nez was free and finally came up to say hello, saying what a pleasure it was to see him again. He thanked me and I offered him the copy of my book as my gift to him and asked him how I should address the inscription, as Mike, Michael or Nez? He smiled and said “Nez would be fine”, and I signed it that way. We had a couple of more minutes before he needed to leave and I again addressed our previous conversations about ‘While I Cry’ and that I hoped one day he would consider performing it. He smiled and thanked me for liking the song and gave me a “we’ll see” look. Later that night he performed his ‘Movies of the Mind’ show which knocked out everyone who attended. Nez was surprised and pleased by the incredible crowd response, grinning so wide you could see him glow from the other side of the room. Many in the audience who had never seen a solo Nesmith show before became instant converts. It was one of the best solo Michael Nesmith concerts that I ever had the pleasure of attending.

 

Over the years Nesmith did a few more Monkees tours with Micky and Peter as well as some solo shows. He sat out most of the 2016 50th Anniversary Monkees tour, making a special Skype appearance at the New York Town Hall concert performing ‘Papa Gene’s Blues’.

 

Nez did commit himself to perform live at the September Monkees Pantages Theatre concert in Hollywood. Linda and I quickly got tickets for this show and made hotel arrangements to stay in Hollywood for the weekend of the concert. Peter Tork, who had been diagnosed with throat cancer, was unable to do the two shows prior to the Pantages concert, and Nesmith stood in for him on those dates.

There was a buzz of excitement the night of the Pantages concert. Fans came from all around the world for this major event. As Linda and I entered the theatre we saw old friends like Monkees friend and actress Valerie Kairys Venet, and I was surprised and pleased to see Marty Ross of the New Monkees was there for the show too.

The concert was fantastic, with a mixture of the classic Monkees songs plus selections from the 2016 album ‘Good Times!’, the first album of new Monkees material since the 1996 ‘Justus’ album, the last album with Davy Jones. The songs from the new album that went over the best were the beautifully haunting ‘Me and Magdalena’ written by Ben Gibbard and ‘Birth Of An Accidental Hipster’ written by Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller.

 

Towards the end of the show, Michael Nesmith took the stage alone with his guitar as he spoke his introduction to the song ‘Tapioca Tundra’, explaining that the inspiration for it was the first concert the Monkees performed in Hawaii in 1966 when with the wild fan adulation, all four members strangely felt the presence of another person sharing the stage with them. After that concert Mike asked the others if they too had felt that presence and Peter said that he thought he knew what it was. Mike pressed him and Peter answered “that was The Monkees”. Nez agreed with the assessment, acknowledging that with the group and the audience together, that they were all collectively ‘The Monkees’, which were expressed in the lyrics, “it can not be a part of me, but now it’s part of you”.

 

The entire show was emotional for the group and the fans attending, especially later when it sadly became the final Monkees concert Michael, Micky and Peter would perform together before Peter Tork succumbed to his cancer on February 21st, 2019.

 

Nesmith and Dolenz would tour together in 2018 as ‘The Mike and Micky Show’ with Michael planning another solo tour with his First National Band Redux band, having already performed a special show at the Troubadour Club in Los Angeles earlier that year.

The ‘Mike & Micky’ tour was at the mid-way point when it was reported that Nesmith was ill and the rest of the tour was cancelled to be rescheduled as Mike had to go for a triple bypass. After an amazingly short recovery period, Nez was again on the road for his First National Band Redux tour. The man’s stamina was incredible as he was in good spirits and fine voice for the shows. We saw the show in New York and we were astounded by how strong Nez was.

Later in the year the new dates for the Mike and Micky Show were announced and Linda and I were able to obtain reasonably priced VIP tickets for the pre-show rehearsal at the Beacon Theatre in New York in March 2019. The informality was illuminating as the band went through several numbers, including a couple that they performed only at the rehearsal. The main concert itself had a sad bittersweetness to it as it took place just several weeks after the passing of Peter Tork. Peter was acknowledged in a special video of him performing the classic standard ‘Till Then’ on acoustic guitar. It was a moving tribute and received an emotional ovation.

The main show contain a great selection of classic Monkees tunes, many of them penned by Nesmith with rarities like ‘St. Matthew’ and ‘Auntie’s Municipal Court’ thrown into the mix. Further tributes to the missing Monkees Peter and Davy included ‘For Pete’s Sake’, ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You’ and the emotionally charge ‘Daydream Believer’. The show concluded with Nesmith on stage alone starting an a cappella version of ‘Listen To The Band’ which segued into a full band rendition and ending with the group’s biggest hit ‘I’m A Believer’.

The ‘Mike and Micky Show’ was to continue with new dates into 2020. And then the Covid 19 pandemic happened with many events canceled throughout the remainder of the year. The concerts were rescheduled for late 2021 with additional dates added. These shows were going to be different as it was announced that this would be the Monkees Farewell tour. When the early dates of the tour began, while Micky was in good form, there were concerns for the health of Michael Nesmith. He appeared very fragile and unsteady during the early shows, not playing guitar and sitting on a stool for the majority of the show. His voice was a little shaky with him speak-singing for most of the show. Even with the strong support of Micky and the rest of the band, it was hard to ignore Nez’s condition. As the tour progressed, it appear the Mike was getting stronger and more engaged from the emotional energy being given off by the fans. He sang a little more strongly and seemed to feed off the love coming from the audience. As with the tour previous many Monkees classics were performed, several of them written by Nez.

Linda and I attended the October 22nd show in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. We saw many familiar faces like Jodi Ritzen, Scott Erickson and Micky’s wife Donna. By this time I had written my second book ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’. I had brought along three signed copies for Micky, Mike and their manager and Monkees archivist and author Andrew Sandoval. Security were able to get my books backstage and Andrew contacted me afterwards to assure me that he, Mike and Micky had gotten the books.

The show soon began and everyone cheered as Micky and Mike entered from separate sides of the stage. Micky looked great and energized. Nesmith however looked a bit frail and walked steadily to his chair. He smiled and waved to the fans and thanked them for coming. As they performed the opening number of Nez’s ‘Good Clean Fun’, Mike spoke/sang the song as Micky sang to keep the tempo up. Despite early concerns, Nesmith’s spirit seemed to rise as he fed off the love generated by the fans. At times his vocals were a bit shaky, and other times his voice was as strong as it had been just a few years earlier. He waved and clowned with Micky on stage to the delight of the audience. When a song associated with Micky was being performed, Nez would duck into the wings on his side of the stage to rest before coming back.

After the intermission came the part of the show I was waiting for as I learned about the set list prior to the show. Nesmith haltingly explained the song he was about to sing and how it expressed sentiments felt by many. Then Mike began to sing ‘While I Cry’ from the 1969 Monkees ‘Instant Replay’ album, the song I had been waiting for years to hear him perform. While the vocals were shaky at times, Nez’s emotions reflected those in the lyrics, as the audience sat silently listening. The band played beautifully and with Micky’s sister Coco, sang lovely backup vocals. As the song came to its emotional conclusion with Mike tearfully singing the last lines, there was not a dry eye in the house. When the song ended I along with the rest of the audience gave Nesmith a well deserved standing ovation, which pleasantly surprised Mike who graciously thanked the fans as Micky came forward and gave Nez a big hug.

There were many highlights in the show, with Mike beaming at the enthusiastic response from the audience. The show came to an end with ‘I’m A Believer’ with Micky, Mike, Coco and the rest of the band bowing to a standing ovation from the fans. Micky and Mike soon exited to separate sides of the stage, with every eye on Nesmith as he disappeared into the wings.

A few weeks later the tour would end at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on November 14th, the official last stop on the tour. It was fitting that the tour would conclude on the historic stage that all four Monkees reunited on in 1986. Mike and Micky were to perform on a couple of makeup shows that had to be rescheduled plus a cruise show co-headlining with The Beach Boys in 2022.

 

Sadly, barely three weeks after that final show at the Greek, Michael Nesmith passed away from natural causes.

Following the man’s career for nearly 55 years, we are blessed by the music and art Nez gave to the world. Words are inadequate for everything I feel about his passing. His loss is as devastating as those of Davy Jones, Peter Tork and earlier Elvis Presley, John Lennon and George Harrison. For many fans, they all had the impact of a death in the family.

It’s been a long journey, and we should feel privileged that in a small way, we were able to tag along on Michael Nesmith’s journey.

Thanx for the ride, Nez.

Fred Velez, 2021.

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’.

 

Review: Peter Tork ‘Stranger Things Have Happened’ 7a Records Deluxe Edition

Review by Fred Velez

Of the solo recordings released by the former members of The Monkees, the solo catalog of Peter Tork was particularly sparse. There are no issued recordings of Release, the band Tork formed after leaving The Monkees in 1968. Peter had the roughest time after leaving the group, having served a prison term for possession and taking on a teaching position before slowly returning to performing music again. He made a couple of guest appearances with first Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart at Disneyland in 1976 and then with Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Coco Dolenz and the Laughing Dogs at the Starwood Club in 1977. Dipping his toes into the performance waters, he gave a couple of rare live performances at the infamous CBGB’s Club in 1977. By the late 1970’s into the early 1980’s, Peter began to tour again on his own and fronting bands like the New Monks, Cottonmouth and the Dashboard Saints. During this period, Tork returned to his Greenwich Village roots performing at clubs like Speakeasy, the Bitter End and the Bottom Line.

The first of his solo recordings also started popping up during this time, with a single with the New Monks featuring his proto-punk version of (I’m Not You) Steppin’ Stone and a rocking version of Jackie Wilson’s Higher and Higher. A rare Folk recording of I Truly Understand appears on the Traditional Folk Revisited album distributed by The Coop: The Fast Folk Music Magazine. With the New Monks, Peter did a tour of Japan in 1981 in connection with the Monkees revival that took place.

The Monkees 20th anniversary tour in 1986 propelled Peter Tork back into the spotlight along with Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones. In between the reunion tours, Peter would continue to perform solo at smaller venues. By the end of 1989, culminating with the Monkees receiving their Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame after a sold out performance which brought back Michael Nesmith for a special performance at the Universal Amphitheater, Peter Tork returned to solo performances. Thanks to the insistence of his long time friend and music partner James Lee Stanley, Peter was encouraged to finally record his first and only true solo album Stranger Things Have Happened for Stanley’s label Beechwood Recordings. 7a Records, who have done excellent work on the solo recordings of Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones and Michael Nesmith, have now added their first Peter Tork recording to their impressive roster.

Original 1994 ‘Stranger Things’ CD.

Originally released in 1994, ‘Stranger Things’ is a wonderful showcase of Peter Tork’s incredible talent as a musician. The title track incorporates Peter’s quirky time changes with a rocking beat and a lush texture to the music and background vocals. ‘Get What You Pay For’ has an ominous beat as the lyrics reflect the song’s cautionary tale. ‘Sea Change’ evokes ocean imagery with its opening effects while using the same imagery in it’s story of a love affair. Peter’s Folk roots are explored in his version of the Monkees song ‘Take A Giant Step’, presented as ‘Giant Step’ on the album. The simple guitar backing and the background vocals by Mackenzie Phillips adds to the songs’ Folky flavor.

The next track is the suggestive ‘Milkshake’ that features backing vocals by Michael Nesmith and Micky Dolenz. The extensive liner notes written by Monkees scholar Mark Kleiner reveals that Davy Jones was visiting the studios during this recording, and due to time constraints, was not able to provide additional vocals to what would have been a full Monkees track.

The track is followed by ‘MGB-GT’ with Michael Nesmith on background vocals, which Tork had performed on his solo shows and on the 1986 Monkees tour, of which a live recording exists. This is a very playful song and doesn’t stray far from the live version. Next up is ‘Miracle’ which has a very heavy, crunchy beat. ‘Pirates’ follows with a very cool sounding horns-like synth arrangement. The next Monkees track is ‘Gettin’ In’, which originally appeared on the 1987 ‘Pool It!’ album. This is a heavier sounding version of the song with a minimal use of the synths  and a tasty backing vocal by Anita Sherman. ‘Tender Is’ is beautifully played by Peter with lyrics of reflection with wonderful backing vocals by Deborah Van Valkenberg. The original album ends with Peter’s version of ‘Higher and Higher’ which closely follows the arrangement he used while performing it live, assisted again on background vocals by Anita Sherman.

The 7a Records deluxe cd of ‘Stranger Things’ features nine bonus tracks that will really please Tork collectors. Among them are renditions of ‘Milkshake’, ‘MGB-GT’, ‘Miracle’, Pirates’ and a live version of ‘Get What You Pay For’ all sung with James Lee Stanley who produced the first four tracks. ‘Easy Rockin’ is a demo produced by Tork that has a very late 60’s sound to it, and could easily have been a B-side to a Monkees single. ‘I Truly Understand’ that was recorded for the Coop Folk album is next, a great Folk tune with Peter accompanying himself on banjo, and should make a lot of Tork completists happy for its inclusion. The album rounds out with both sides of the rare New Monks single ‘Steppin’ Stone’ and ‘Higher and Higher’. Peter sings the majority of the songs in his rich baritone and he sounds great throughout. There’s a quirkiness to Peter’s vocals that is similar to Ringo Starr that adds to the charm of the songs. The musical production is top rate with additional assistance by guitarist Laurence Juber of Wings playing on ‘Milkshake’ and Timothy B. Schmit of The Eagles lending backing vocals on ‘Stranger Things’.

A new front and back cover for the album features photos of Peter taken by Henry Diltz. The booklet features extensive liner notes by Monkees scholar Mark Kleiner. I’ve learned more about Peter Tork’s solo career by reading Kleiner’s liner notes than I’ve ever known before. The notes give a very fleshed out look at Peter as a solo artist, his frustrations at being known more as a member of the Monkees and not as a serious musician and how he eventually was able to balance the two. Until a proper biography becomes available, Mark Kleiner’s liner notes are the best source on Peter Tork as a solo artist. Sprinkled throughout the booklet are wonderful photos of Peter Tork during his solo period with a few photos of him during the Monkees reunion years.

The ‘Stranger Things’ cd features the eleven tracks from the original 1994 album with the additional nine bonus tracks. It’s also available as a very limited edition in 180g pink splatter vinyl, the first time the album has become available in vinyl. (The vinyl contains six of the nine bonus tracks, the missing bonus songs are ‘Pirates’, the live ‘Get What You Pay For’ and the ‘Easy Rockin’ demo.)

7a Records have done their usual excellent work in producing a quality music product, and they did a magnificent job on their first Tork release. Here’s hoping more Peter Tork releases will be forthcoming from 7a Records.

Fred Velez, 2020.

Purchase Links for ‘Stranger Things Have Happened – Deluxe Edition:

Deep Discount – Vinyl:

Deep Discount Stranger Things Vinyl Link

Deep Discount – CD: 

Deep Discount – Stranger Things CD Link

Amazon Stranger Things Vinyl Link

Amazon Stranger Things CD Link

7a Records To Reissue Peter Tork’s First Album With Bonus Tracks!

• 

7A Records is proud to present the first ever reissue of Peter Tork’s solo album, Stranger Things Have Happened. In essence a collaboration between Peter and longtime friend and co-producer/engineer James Lee Stanley, the record also features performances from members of Peter’s live band at the time, along with several special guests including Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Timothy B Schmit (from The Eagles), Mackenzie Phillips and Laurence Juber (from Wings). The CD version includes no less than 9 Bonus tracks and has a 32 page colour booklet with sleeve notes by Mark Kleiner. The Vinyl release features 6 bonus tracks and is pressed on 180g Neon Magenta Splatter vinyl – limited to only 600 copies. The release date is December 4th in the UK and December 12th in the US – just in time for Christmas!

Please see below for the pre-order links:

U.S. Customers:

CD: https://www.deepdiscount.com/stranger…/5060209950297

180g Neon Magenta Splatter Vinyl:https://www.deepdiscount.com/stranger…/5060209950303

UK Customers:CD: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stra…/dp/B08KQBYLZ5/ref=sr_1_1…180g Neon

Magenta Splatter Vinyl: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stra…/dp/B08KHNXNSM/ref=sr_1_1…

CD Running order: 1. Stranger Things Have Happened 2. Get What You Pay For 3. Sea Change 4. Giant Step 5. Milkshake 6. MGB-GT7. Miracle 8. Pirates 9. Gettin’ In 10. Tender Is 11. Higher and HigherBonus Tracks 12. Milkshake (with James Lee Stanley) 13. MGB-GT (with James Lee Stanley) 14. Miracle (with James Lee Stanley) 15. Pirates (with James Lee Stanley) 16. You Get What You Pay For (Live) 17. Easy Rockin’ (Demo) 18. I Truly Understand 19. (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone (with The New Monks) 20. Higher & Higher (with The New Monks)

Peter Tork Memorial Convention Tribute Video and Michael Nesmith Tork Video Tribute

Reported by Fred Velez

A special tribute video was shown as part of the closing ceremonies at the February 8th, 2020 Peter Tork Memorial Convention in North Haven, Connecticut. The video includes messages from convention organizer Charles Rosenay, Monkees Authors Fred Velez and Ed Reilly and friends and associates like Bobby Hart, Gary Puckett, Valerie Kairys-Venet, Tommy James among others. The video ends with greetings and messages from Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith. The video was edited for the convention by Ian Rosenay, the intro was by Harry Rosenay.

Michael Nesmith on his Facebook page put together his own video tribute to Peter Tork.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi9ZSi_Q_C8&t=13s

Fred Velez, 2020.

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

Peter Tork/Monkees Day To Be Officially Proclaimed On February 8, 2020 In Connecticut

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has signed an Official State Proclamation designating this Saturday, February 8, 2020 as “PETER TORK AND THE MONKEES DAY” in the State. The proclamation will be delivered as part of the Welcome Ceremonies at The Peter Tork Memorial Convention for Monkees Fans coming to the Best Western Plus Hotel in North Haven, CT. 

After the welcoming ceremonies and reading of the Governor’s Proclamation, enjoy all the Live Concerts; Special Guests including James Lee Stanley; meet+greets; guest authors; shop or browse at the Monkees & 60s Music/Memorabilia Marketplace and Rock n Roll Flea Market; view the Rare Videos in the Film Screenings Room; bid in the Charity Auction; Plus experience the Very Special and Historic Tribute to Peter followed by the Gala Finale. 

CT Governor Ned Lamont’s Official State Proclamation reads as follows: 

WHEREAS, Music has the ability to define a decade and a generation, connecting people, places, and cultures; and
WHEREAS, for so many, the music of The Monkeesepitomized and illuminated the Sixties and captured the zeitgeist of so many young people of the time; and
WHEREAS, the music and entertainment value of The Monkees continues to enrich and enhance our musical heritage and pop culture today; and
WHEREAS, Peter Tork of The Monkees resided in Connecticut most of his life and performed countless concerts in the state, ultimately passing away in February, 2019; and 
WHEREAS, to commemorate Peter’s life, The Peter Tork Memorial Convention will be held on February 8, 2020, in North Haven, Connecticut for fans of Peter and The Monkees; now
THEREFORE, I, Ned Lamont, Governor of the State of Connecticut, do hereby officially proclaim February 8th, 2020 as 
PETER TORK AND THE MONKEES DAY”
in the State of Connecticut 

Such a great honor, and what a beautiful tribute to Peter and the Monkees in conjunction with the Convention. 

Bands, Special Guests & schedule + more on website: www.MonkeesFanConvention.com. Info: 203) 795-4737

The convention takes place in CT, where PETER and his family lived. In FEBRUARY, commemorating his one-year passing, but more importantly, his birthday month.

Tickets: https://petertorkmemorial.ticketleap.com/2020/t/website/
PLEASE SHARE: https://facebook.com/events/1463743380440674/?ti=icl

“We will make the world shine”
#monkees #monkeesfans #petertork #nez #davyjones #mickydolenz#mikenesmith #monkeesconvention #papanez #bluemeanies #zilch#monkeesfanconvention #thorkelson #heyhey #loosesalute#bluemeanies #liverpoolproductions #shadesofgrey #THEMONKEES#monkeesTour #imabeliever #clarksville #daydreambeliever#shadesofgrey #canyoudigit #pleasantvalleysunday #JamesLeeStanley#IMA #wewillmaketheworldshine #borntoloveoneanother#loveisunderstanding

Update 1/28/2020: James Lee Stanley to Appear at Peter Tork Memorial Convention 2/8/2020

So proud to announce Special Guest of Honor JAMES LEE STANLEY, who’ll be playing the Monkees Convention, Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the Best Western Plus Hotel in North Haven, CT. 

The convention is from 1 PM until 8 PM with an early-bird noon VIP option, so serious collectors can have first access to the vendors/dealers marketplace. There will be an after-convention party at the hotel, included in admission.

Singer/Songwriter/Actor James Lee Stanley was one-half of Two-Man Band with Peter Tork, and they recorded three albums together. He will be talking on stage, performing and will sign autographs as part of a meet & greet included in all admissions. 

Along with the Special Guests & Live Concerts, there will be a Monkees & 60s Music/Memorabilia Marketplace and Rock n Roll Flea Market; Rare Video and Film Screenings Room; Charity Auction; Plus a Very Special Tribute to Peter. 

All the Bands, Special Guest speakers and more info on the website: www.MonkeesFanConvention.com or call (203) 795-4737. 

The convention takes place in CT, where PETER and his family lived. In FEBRUARY, commemorating his one-year passing, but more importantly, his birthday month.

Tickets: https://petertorkmemorial.ticketleap.com/2020/t/website/ 
PLEASE SHARE: https://facebook.com/events/1463743380440674/?ti=icl
“We will make the world shine”

#monkees #monkeesfans #petertork #nez #davyjones #mickydolenz#mikenesmith #monkeesconvention #papanez #bluemeanies #zilch#monkeesfanconvention #thorkelson #heyhey #loosesalute#bluemeanies #liverpoolproductions #shadesofgrey #THEMONKEES#monkeesTour #imabeliever #clarksville #daydreambeliever#shadesofgrey #canyoudigit #pleasantvalleysunday #JamesLeeStanley#IMA #wewillmaketheworldshine #borntoloveoneanother#loveisunderstanding

UPDATE: Monkees Convention/Peter Tork Memorial in CT February 8, 2020 Announces Guest Speakers

North Haven, CT: The one-year anniversary of Peter Tork’s passing will be commemorated with a celebration of the former Monkees’ life and music at The Peter Tork Memorial Convention for Monkees Fans on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the Best Western Plus Hotel in North Haven, CT. The convention is from 1 PM until 8 PM with an early-bird noon VIP option, so serious collectors can have first access to the vendors/dealers marketplace. The Best Western Plus Hotel is conveniently located at 201 Washington Avenue in North Haven, CT (directly off Exit 12 via I-91). Parking is free  

There will be live concert performances, special guest interviews, autograph and photo opportunities, question and answer sessions, a mammoth Monkees & 60s Music/Memorabilia Marketplace + Rock n Roll Flea Market, rare film and video screenings, charity auction, an historic Peter Tork Memorial Tribute, and much more.

There is a very good reason why the event is being held in February. It’s the one-year anniversary of Tork’s passing, but, more importantly, it’s Peter’s birth month. He would’ve turned 78 years old on February 13th, 2020. There is also a very good reason why the event is being held in Connecticut. The state was Peter Tork’s home. He not only lived in Connecticut, it’s where his Dad H. John Thorkelson was a college professor (at UConn, from 1950-1983), and it’s where most of his family once lived or currently resides. Also, in 1982, Peter Tork was the Special Guest of Honor at the Monkees Convention which was held in Bridgeport, CT. It was quite an historic event – the very first time a Monkee was actually a guest at a Monkees convention. Peter met fans, signed autographs, was interviewed and participated in a question & answer session. Fans will never forget his reminiscences and also his powerful words about John Lennon’s passing. Additionally, he jammed with the Monkees tribute band MonkeeMania. (1982 Convention Photo below)

Speaking of Monkees music, live performances will be a highlight of the day with concerts by The Blue Meanies, Zilch, Loose Salute and John Sheridan. Renowned Monkees tribute band The Blue Meanies, from Staten Island, NY, headline the convention. Although their live catalogue normally encompasses classic rock from several decades, they are best known for their Monkees sets, having been invited to play numerous Monkees conventions and also chosen to be the official band for the Davy Jones tribute at BB Kings in New York. The beloved musicians have also played at such heralded festivals as “Danbury Fields Forever” and “Abbey Road on the River.” Zilch, based in Rhode Island and named after the novelty Monkees track, bring a completely different vibe to the day. Their infectious, high-energy versions of Monkees rockers have stolen the show at such high-profile events as “Harrifest” and the “Fab 4 Music Festival.” Formerly known as David Tessier’s All-Star Monkees Band, Zilch will certainly have the crowd dancing in the aisles. Loose Salute is fronted by Mick Lawless, who also operates the Nevermind Record Shop in Upton, MA. His band performs Monkees songs in a unique style, occasionally with a country twang. Loose Salute was the back-up band for both Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz at the Super Mega-Fest conventions. John Sheridan is a seasoned musician with quite the pedigree. He was a solo performer at some of the earliest Monkees Conventions in Trenton, NJ, that were produced by Maggie McManus, he played Mike Nesmith in the band MonkeeMania, and performed with Peter Tork nearly forty years ago at the 1982 Monkees conventions in Trenton, NJ, that were produced by Maggie McManus, he played Mike Nesmith in the band MonkeeMania, and performed with Peter Tork nearly forty years ago at the 1982 Monkees Convention.

The initial Special Guest speakers have been announced:

Reinhard Straub, LCSW, LADC

Peter Tork’s Friend/Confidante

Electric Violinist in the New Monks

Reinhard Straub was a friend and confidante of Peter Tork, and a member of Peter’s early eighties band The New Monks. He played electric violin on the band’s live dates, and added the violin parts on the only single released by Peter Tork & The New Monks in 1981, their version of “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” and “Higher and Higher.” Both songs were staples in Peter’s set-list for ages. Reinhard has many fascinating stories to share about the New Monks and about playing and recording with Peter.

Wendy Erdman-Surlea

Recording Artist and Life-long Friend
 

Wendy Erdman-Surlea knew Peter Thorkelson since early childhood. As their birthdates were close together, they celebrated birthdays together.  Growing older, they stayed friends and enjoyed many combined Erdman and Thorkelson family gatherings.

In 1970, Peter’s brother Nick and Wendy were both in New York City. Wendy was performing with a small band and living in a rehearsal loft on West 30th Street where friends would gather for jam sessions. Nick, like Peter, was a gifted musician. He played piano with Wendy and her guitarist loft-mate on a regular basis.  As the recording dates approached for Wendy’s album, Peter came into the city from L.A. and played on the record. 

Peter became famous through his work as one of the Monkees, but Wendy noted that his performance talents were a mark of his effervescent personality throughout his life.  Wendy considered him to be a brother and has many fond memories of their times together. 

She writes, “I know he is singing with the angel choir now, but his time on earth left a profound footprint on the American musical fabric.  Boogie on, Peter.”  

DANNY GEE, PETER TORK SOUNDMAN

In early 1983, Jerry Renino brought the Peter Tork Project to Danny Gee’s studio to rehearse the musicians. There, the band solidified. Danny recorded some tunes as well in the studio. From that point on, Danny was the band’s stage manager and sound engineer commencing in June 1983 at Great Gildersleeves, NYC.

Danny and Jerry Renino also went to Japan with Peter to perform the historic dates there that were recorded for posterity. In 1984, Danny formed a band with Jerry and Derek from the Peter Tork Project with another musician, Bobby. They played out as “Amtrak” and recorded some 45s.

Danny, whose real name is Danny Giorlando, later did stage management and sound for Davy and Micky, along with many other acts. Pictured below is Jerry Renino, Peter Tork and Danny Gee. 

The Official Charity of the event is Peter Tork’s favorite cause: IMA – The Institute for The Musical Arts in Massachusetts. All VIP Tickets purchased in advance include a donation to IMA, and portions of the auctions will also benefit the IMA. The organization, a 501.c non-profit, will have a display table at the show. A limited number of vendor/dealer/exhibitor spaces are still available.

The Peter Tork Memorial Convention for Monkees Fans is proudly presented by Charles F. Rosenay!!!, whose company, Liverpool Productions, is best known for their Beatles promotions. However, Rosenay!!!, a first-generation Monkees fan, has been involved with producing Monkees celebrations for many years, and he had a long and memorable relationship with Tork dating back to when Peter was the Special Guest at the aforementioned 1982 Monkees Convention in Connecticut, which Rosenay!!! produced with Monkees Business Fanzine editor Maggie McManus. Charles interviewed Peter at that show, and numerous times thereafter, including at the epic 1987 National Monkees Convention, which famously boasted guest appearances by three Monkees (Peter, Davy and Micky) along with their esteemed songwriters Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. Charles also interviewed him at the 2010 BeatExpo in Stamford, CT (see photo below) and at the 2013 Davy Jones Memorial Monkees Convention. Along with booking Peter for concerts and guest spots, he and Rosenay!!! appeared together on TV.

The Convention Schedule is below (Special Guests To Be Announced):

NOON: VIP Early Admission and Sneak Preview. Marketplace opens

1:00 PM: General Admission

1:15 PM: Welcoming Remarks and Introductions

1:30 PM: Live Music: Singer/Songwriter JOHN SHERIDAN

2:00 PM: Special Guest Interview #1

2:30 PM: Live Music: MICK LAWLESS & LOOSE SALUTE

3:30 PM: Special Guest Interview #2

4:00 PM: Live Music: ZILCH   

5:00 PM: Special Guest Interview #3

5:30 PM: Charity Auction

6:00 PM: LIve Music: THE BLUE MEANIES

7:15 PM: PETER TORK MEMORIAL TRIBUTE

7:45 PM: Gala Finale

Convention Ends at 8:00 PM. There is an after-convention party in the hotel’s Sports Grill for convention attendees.

Advance general admission start at only $29, and there are VIP options available. Tickets are limited, so there is no guarantee tickets will be available at the door. The link for advance tickets is https://petertorkmemorial.ticketleap.com/2020/.

For further information, visit www.MonkeesFanConvention.com, email MonkeesFanConvention@gmail.com or phone (203) 795-4737. The Facebook Event page is https://www.facebook.com/events/1463743380440674/

Join fellow fans and music lovers (and even your Auntie Grizelda) from all over the country and overseas as they take the Last Train To Clarksville (actually to Connecticut) to be a Believer! The convention promises family-friendly, fun-filled activities and attractions for all ages with Monkees music, Monkees memories, Monkees magic and much more.

The Peter Tork Memorial Convention for Monkees Fans is a celebration of Peter’s life and music, a special event for fans put on by fans. As Peter wrote and sang, “We Will Make The World Shine.”

PETER TORK MEMORIAL CONVENTION FOR MONKEES FANS Saturday FEB 8, 2020

(We waited until the Maryland Peter Tork Celebration was over to make this announcement.) 

So excited and honored to announce the PETER TORK MEMORIAL CONVENTION FOR MONKEES FANS Saturday FEB 8, 2020 at the Best Western Plus in North Haven CT. Concerts, vendors, guests, and memorials. 
Celebrating the Life & Music of Peter Tork
& Convention for Fans of The Monkees
“We will make the world shine”

IN CONNECTICUT, where PETER and his family lived. 
IN FEBRUARY, commemorating his one-year passing, but more importantly, his birthday month.

Featuring Live Concerts by John Sheridan, Mick Lawless’ Loose Salute, Zilch & The Blue Meanies
with Monkees & 60s Music and Memorabilia Vendors/Dealers, Rare Video Show,
Special Guests to be announced, and a Very Special Tribute to Peter.
Official Charity of the Event is the one Peter designated: IMA – The Institute for The Musical Arts in Massachusetts. 

Website: www.MonkeesFanConvention.com
Facebook Event: www.Facebook.com/events/1463743380440674
Info: (203) 795-4737

Hope to see you there in February. 
#Wewillmaketheworldshine
#petertork
#monkees
#monkeesconvention

Peter Tork: A Celebration of Life & Community, October 20, 2019

On October 20^th, 2019, Club 66 in Edgewood Road, Maryland, hosted the event ‘Peter Tork: A Celebration of Life & Community’. It was organized by the members of The Real Peter Tork Official Facebook page who helped Peter keep direct contact with fans through Facebook. Club 66 was a favorite venue for Peter and his band Shoe Suede Blues to play whenever they were on tour because of its intimacy. Capacity was limited to less than 200 fans to attend and remember Peter Tork who had passed away on February 21^st, 2019, ten days after his 77^th birthday on February 13^th. 

Free gifts of photos, special commemorative tickets and pins, bracelets and key chains were given to the attendees. Raffles were held to raise proceeds for the Davy Jones Equine Memorial Fund (DJEMF), among the items were CD’s signed by Peter and other memorabilia. I donated one of my Monkees books which I dedicated to Peter and Davy’s memories. Memorial Books and cards were available for fans to sign and give their regards and condolences to Peter and Davy’s families. A special barbeque banquet was set up for the fans to enjoy. 

On a big screen set up at one side of the club were screened photos of Peter Tork and fans while Peter’s music played over the sound system. Live video was shot to be streamed live over Facebook for fans who were unable to attend to watch online. The main entertainment was a special video of a Peter Tork & Shoe Suede Blues performance from the State Theater in Bay City, MI on September 8^th, 2012 provided by Sherri Hansen. It was wonderful to see Peter doing what he loved most, performing music in front of an appreciative audience. Later in the day another rare video was shown of Peter and his partner James Lee Stanley performing one of their Two Man shows. James is currently going through his own health issues and was unable to attend.

Among the personal items displayed on stage were one of Peter’s guitars and the white suit Davy Jones persuaded Peter to buy for photo shoots that Peter spilled wine on and never wore again but kept because of its attachment to Davy. The suit is going to be donated to DJEMF to be auctioned to raise funds for Davy’s charity. The suit was gracefully accepted by Jennifer Ann Dawson on behalf of Davy’s daughters and a group picture was taken with the fans and Jennifer holding the suit. It was a lovely moment of community with the fans that Peter loved. 

Fans from around the country attended to meet and share memories of Peter with other fans.  Among those in attendance were Sarah Clark and Christine ‘The Button Queen’ Carlson Wolfe from the Monkees Zilch Podcast, photographer Sherri Hansen who is going through her own cancer therapy and which Christine sold a special button to raise money for Sherri’s treatments. Tadg Galleran from Shoe Suede Blues shared his thoughts about Peter. Fans were happy to see that Maggie McManus of the groundbreaking and greatly missed Monkee Business Fanzine was also in attendance. 

The entire event was lovingly put together by Peter’s official Facebook group members who offered their own tearful remembrances of their “Boss”.

Club 66, where Peter loved to perform, surrounded by the fans who love and miss him, was the perfect venue to honor and celebrate the life of Peter Tork. 

“We were born to Love one another. Love is Understanding” – Peter Tork, 1942-2019.

Fred Velez, 2019.

Peter Tork Fan Celebration 10/20/19 in Edgewood, MD

From the official Peter Tork Facebook Page:

A CELEBRATION: Peter loved his Torkees fanbase and was proud of the wonderful community and friendships that developed as a result of people traveling to see him perform in Monkees and Shoe Suede Blues shows. He was always concerned about the well-being of his fans, friends and loved ones. When thinking about the time he would no longer be on this earth, Peter often said that he would not want any glitzy or flashy events, nor sad or solemn ceremonies. He wished, instead, that people would simply gather in a comfortable place to remember him in fellowship, enjoy good food, listen to music, and share fun memories. We’d like to honor Peter by giving him his wish… and we invite you to help us.

In a gathering similar to his beloved Fan Parties, we welcome you to join us on Sunday, October 20, 2019 @ 1:00-5:00pm ET at Club 66, Edgewood MD (near Baltimore) for Peter Tork: A Celebration of Life & Community, as we enjoy one more visit with our favorite Blues Boy in celebration of his life and deep love and appreciation for all of you! This laid-back, casual celebration will include a buffet lunch, the showing of a never-before-seen-in-public video of a Shoe Suede Blues concert on a big screen (featuring Peter, Arnold “AJ” Jacks, Joe Boyle, and Sturgis Cunningham), lots of Peter Tork/Shoe Suede Blues music, time to chat and reflect on good memories, and a few other activities.

We have chosen Club 66 for this celebration because it was Peter’s favorite place to play, as well as the host to most of the band’s fan parties. The owners, staff, and members of the Club were always so supportive and welcoming to Peter & SSB, and the vibe so electric there, that the band truly considered it their “home away from home.” If the timing would have worked out, Peter had even hoped to host a CD Release Party for “Relax Your Mind” at the Club. Because of all this, we couldn’t think of a more appropriate place to bring people together to celebrate, remember and heal.

We are aware that Micky Dolenz will be performing in the “It Was Fifty Years Ago Today” tour in Bethlehem PA on October 19th, and in Washington DC on October 20th. Edgewood MD is located between these two locations, approximately 2.5 hours from Bethlehem and 1.5 hours from DC. We have adjusted the timing of our gathering to make it possible for fans to attend as many of the happenings as they wish to, without causing a conflict.

Please email our team at fiorepro85[at]hotmail[dot]com for ticket information and additional details. We hope you will be able to join us in celebrating Peter and being a part of his world! ~ptfb team #ShineOn #WeAreOne #PeaceLoveAndTork

A Statement From Peter Tork’s Family

 

A Statement From Peter Tork’s Family

We are all saddened to share the news that Peter Thorkelson — friend, father, husband, grandfather, philosopher, goofball, entertainer — died peacefully this morning at a family home in Connecticut. Peter succumbed to a 10 year bout with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare cancer of the salivary glands. Peter’s energy, intelligence, silliness, and curiosity were traits that for decades brought laughter and enjoyment to millions, including those of us closest to him. Those traits also equipped him well to take on cancer, a condition he met with unwavering humor and courage.

We are all still raw, and still have much to process, but we are also feeling appreciation for Peter’s contributions. We are grateful that we have an extended support network thanks to the attentive energy and dedication of Peter’s fans worldwide. We want those fans to know with absolute certainty that your spirit and goodwill fed Peter with continued energy and force (and of course humor).

With that, we ask that our family have time and space to grieve in privacy.

We are asking fans who would like to make contributions in Peter’s name to donate to the scholarship fund at The Institute for The Musical Arts in Massachusetts, a nonprofit that provides young women with music education, music recording, and music community.

More info can be found here: In the Name of our Mothers – I.M.A.

For media inquiries, please email:publicity@petertork.com

Monkees To Release Christmas Album

Link: Rolling Stone – Monkees Christmas Album

Rolling Stone Magazine reports that Rhino Records will be issuing a Monkees Christmas album titled ‘Christmas Party’ which will be released on October 12th, 2018. The album is produced by Adam Schlesinger of Fountains Of Wayne with new songs written by Rivers Cuomo, Andy Partridge, Peter Buck and Scott McCaughey following the formula of The Monkees successful 2016 album ‘Good Times’. Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork provide vocals on the songs with archival songs added from the late Davy Jones.

https://youtu.be/JeiG3eGOnxU

The latest Zilch podcast talks about the new Monkees Christmas album with Andrew Sandoval and John Hughes:

Link: Zilch Podcast on Monkees Christmas Album

The Davy Jones Facebook page posted additional information:

Hey hey! (Or should that be “ho-ho-ho?”)

Just this very second, Rhino announced that it will be releasing The Monkees’ Christmas Album on October 12! It’ll be available in stores and for download and streaming on that date.

The first worldwide single from the album, “Unwrap,” will be released in October (hey, that’s next month!), along with a “lyric video” similar to “She Makes Me Laugh.” Here are some additional things to know:

*** Target stores will be offering a special edition CD with bonus tracks

*** You’ll also be able to purchase the CD at your favorite Walmart

*** The album won’t be released on vinyl until 2019 (it’s OK, we can survive this though, because CHRISTMAS ALBUM!)

And keep your eyes on rollingstone.com today for an exclusive article on The Monkees’ Christmas Album—it’s a great day to be a Monkees fan!

This will be a great Christmas gift for Monkees fans!

Christmas Party Track List

“Unwrap You At Christmas”
“What Would Santa Do”
“Mele Kalikimaka”
“House Of Broken Gingerbread”
“The Christmas Song”
“Christmas Party”
“Jesus Christ”
“I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day”
“Silver Bells”
“Wonderful Christmastime”
“Snowfall”
“Angels We Have Heard On High”
“Merry Christmas, Baby”

Target Bonus Tracks:

“Riu Chiu”
“Christmas Is My Time Of Year”

Target version will be available October 19, 2018.

Preorder Link: Target Exclusive with Bonus Tracks

Preorder Link: iTunes

Preorder Link: Amazon

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