Fact: Classic pop-rock band The Monkees have scored their first top 15 album in America since 1968. The band's new release, Good Times!, which features songs written by Weezer's Rivers Cuomo and Noel Gallagher, has debuted in the Billboard 200 at 14, becoming their highest-charting album since The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees reached number three almost 50 years ago. The three surviving Monkees - Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork - appear on the album, as does the late Davy Jones on an archival recording.
Fact: The Monkees have recruited Weezer star Rivers Cuomo to write their new hit. She Makes Me Laugh is the band's first single from the upcoming album Good Times!
Fact: Surviving members of The Monkees Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork have signed up to play a rare live gig at London's Hammersmith Apollo in September (15). The gig will be an acoustic set of some of the band's greatest hits. Guitarist Michael Nesmith is reportedly not involved in the reunion, which marks the band's first U.K. gig since frontman Davy Jones passed away in 2012.
Quote: "When Davy passed, it was traumatic. I'm not sure I'm still over it (sic). It's like a family member, a very close family member, like a brother, but the music is so powerful, the music it does sorta (sic) see you through." The Monkees star Micky Dolenz is still struggling to come to terms with the loss of his bandmate and longtime friend Davy Jones, following his death from a heart attack in 2012.
Fact: The three surviving members of The Monkees are heading out on tour again following the success of their 2013 reunion trek. Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork have announced a 14-date U.S. tour, which will begin on 22 May (14) in New Hampshire. Announcing the dates, drummer Dolenz says he is "looking forward to great music, great fun and truck-stop chili dogs at 4am".
Fact: Monkees star Micky Dolenz, Peter Frampton, Jeff Lynne, Joe Walsh, Corey Feldman and drummer Matt Sorum were among the surprise guests who joined Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band for an encore of rock classic With a Little Help From My Friends at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday night (21Jul12). The 2012 All-Starr Band features Todd Rundgren and Toto's Steve Lukather.
Quote: "I still get around 30 letters a week, and I must sign around 100 photographs a month for the fan club in New York." The Monkees star Davy Jones still boasts a large fanbase.
Quote: "I used to be five feet, four inches, but I've lost an inch. Even today, I have an inferiority complex. I always feel I'm there at the window, looking in. Except when I'm on stage, and then I really come alive." Monkees singer Davy Jones on his diminutive size.
Quote: "It's OK to like Daydream Believer. There's nothing wrong with a guilty pleasure from time to time..." Hollywood star Johnny Depp is not ashamed of his love for The Monkees' catchy tune.
Quote: "You could tell he was going to be huge, but it was a little embarrassing. He'd be out there going 'waaaaaaaah... Foxy Lady.' And the crowd would be chanting, 'Monkees, Monkees and 'We want DAVY(JONES)'." Former MONKEES star MICKY DOLENZ reveals Jimi Hendrix once opened for the band before he became a rock legend.
Quote: "They ruined rock and roll. They put Motown out of business. So I never bought a new record ever until punk came out. THE Beatles led to The Monkees. And it was a little hard hearing Lennon sing about 'No Possessions' when he was living in the Dakota." Filmmaker John Waters hates The Beatles.
Quote: "I used to be a heart-throb... now I'm a coronary." Former Monkees frontman Davy Jones fears his pin-up days are behind him.