Behind the Scenes: Mickey Dolenz Remembers the Legendary Night Jimi Hendrix Opened for The Monkees!
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The Unlikely Pairing: Jimi Hendrix and the Monkees
Looking back nearly 60 years, it’s evident that having the Jimi Hendrix Experience open for The Monkees in 1967 was a questionable decision.
However,micky Dolenz,the lead singer of The Monkees,takes full obligation for this unusual pairing,referring to it as “a piece of rock and roll trivia that went awry.”
Dolenz, known for chart-toppers like “Last Train to Clarksville” and “I’m a Believer,” was an admirer of Hendrix long before he became a household name. He recalls witnessing hendrix perform in New York City with his band, Jimmy James and the Blue Flames, prior to his pivotal move to England and the formation of the Experience.
“I first saw him at the Cafe Au Go Go with John Hammond,” Dolenz reminisces. “He was famous for playing guitar with his teeth.”
Fast forward a year, and Dolenz encountered Hendrix again, this time with his new bandmates: drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Noel Redding.
“At the Monterey Pop Festival, I was astonished when this trio dressed in flamboyant outfits took the stage. I thought,’Hey,that’s the guy who plays guitar with his teeth!’”
Dolenz was mesmerized by Hendrix’s performance,which included the iconic moment of setting his Fender Stratocaster ablaze and smashing it to pieces.
“I remembered him vividly… and I was completely blown away by his talent,as well as that of Noel and Mitch,” Dolenz reflects. “It was the moast astonishing rock blues I had ever experienced. I was utterly dumbfounded, just like everyone else.”
The Monkees in 1967, during their tour with Hendrix.(Image credit: Courtesy Micky Dolenz)
By June 1967, Dolenz and the Monkees had achieved significant success, boasting a hit NBC television series, three multi-Platinum albums, and three chart-topping singles. They were gearing up for their first major U.S. tour.
“We were in search of an opening act,” Dolenz recalls. “I suggested Hendrix to the show’s producers, emphasizing his theatrical flair.The Monkees were, after all, a theatrical act in their own right, being a TV show.”
“I thought it would be a fantastic combination, and my admiration for his music played a big role in my suggestion. I was genuinely excited about it.”
In hindsight, this decision could be categorized as “Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time.”
Despite the reservations of chas chandler, Hendrix’s producer and manager, who foresaw that the Experience’s avant-garde style would clash with the predominantly female audience enamored with Dolenz and his Monkees bandmates Davy Jones, Mike Nesmith, and Peter Tork, the tour went ahead. Chandler was aware that Hendrix had formed a friendship with Tork at Monterey, where Hendrix had even stayed as a guest at tork’s home in Laurel Hills, California.
Peter tork (left) and Jimi Hendrix in 1967. Hendrix was Tork’s guest during his time in Los Angeles.(Image credit: Micky Dolenz)
Promoter Dick Clark later reflected, ”I’m sure there were concerns and doubts raised, as it was evident that this pairing was not a compatible one…That’s what The Monkees wanted, and the deal was struck.”
“They believed it would be an appealing combination. It wasn’t, and the audience was completely bewildered.”
The tour kicked off on July 8, 1967, in Jacksonville, Florida, just two months after the release of Hendrix’s groundbreaking album, Are You Experienced. The following day, they celebrated Mitchell’s birthday with a sea cruise before performing in Miami that evening. The audience reaction was predictable,with Monkees fans dominating the scene,chanting “We want the Monkees!” and “We want Davy!”
Less than two weeks into the tour,Chandler met with Clark,who agreed to remove the Experience from the lineup. The promoter fabricated a story about receiving complaints-one notably from the Daughters of the American Revolution-claiming that Hendrix’s act was “too erotic,” leading to the Experience being “barred from the tour” after just eight performances.
Hendrix on the tour bus with Experience bassist noel Redding (right) and drummer Mitch Mitchell (rear).(Image credit: Micky Dolenz)
Hendrix later discussed the tour with New Musical Express, sharing his outlook on the challenges they faced.
“Initially, we were given the ‘death’ spot right before The Monkees were set to perform.The audience was just screaming for The Monkees. Eventually, they allowed us to go on first, and the atmosphere improved substantially. however, we received no recognition-posters prominently featured ‘The Monkees!’”
“Some parents complained that our act was inappropriate for children. We realized we were simply in the wrong venue. I joked that they might as well replace me with Mickey Mouse.”
“He felt bad, and we felt terrible,” Dolenz reflects today. “But we understood it wasn’t anyone’s fault. It’s just part of the business. We knew he was a phenomenal talent,and honestly,jimi Hendrix would have thrived without opening for The Monkees.”
Despite the rocky start, Dolenz adds, ”We all became quite close friends. He was gentle, kind, and nothing like his onstage persona. We genuinely enjoyed our time together.”
This unforgettable Hendrix anecdote is a favorite of Dolenz’s,frequently enough shared during his solo performances titled Songs and Stories. He is currently on his 60 Years of The Monkees tour, which runs until november 13.
Behind the Scenes: Mickey Dolenz remembers the Legendary Night Jimi Hendrix Opened for The Monkees!
The Unlikely Pairing of Legends
In the summer of 1967, a unique chapter in rock history unfolded when the Jimi Hendrix Experience was booked to open for The Monkees during their U.S. tour.This decision, made by the producers of the show, would go down in history as one of the most intriguing pairings in music. Mickey Dolenz,the lead singer of The Monkees,reflects on that fateful night,sharing insights and anecdotes that reveal the complexities of this unexpected collaboration.
Mickey Dolenz: A Fan of Hendrix
Mickey Dolenz was not just a member of The Monkees; he was also an admirer of Jimi Hendrix long before their paths crossed on stage.Dolenz recalls his first encounter with Hendrix at the cafe Au Go Go in New York City, where he was captivated by Hendrix’s unique style, particularly his ability to play guitar with his teeth.
Memorable Moments from Monterey Pop Festival
Dolenz’s admiration for Hendrix deepened after witnessing his electrifying performance at the Monterey Pop Festival.”I was blown away by his talent,” Dolenz recalls. “He set his guitar on fire and smashed it to pieces. It was unlike anything we had ever seen.”
The Decision to Book Hendrix
As The Monkees prepared for their first major U.S. tour, Dolenz suggested Hendrix as the opening act. “I thought it was a good mix,” he explains. “The Monkees were a theatrical act, and Hendrix was very theatrical as well.” However, this decision would soon prove to be controversial.
Concerns from Management
Chas Chandler, Hendrix’s producer and manager, was skeptical about the pairing. He understood that Hendrix’s avant-garde style might not resonate with the predominantly teenage audience that adored The Monkees. Despite his reservations,the tour whent ahead,leading to a series of unforgettable performances.
The Tour Begins
The tour kicked off on July 8, 1967, in Jacksonville, Florida, just two months after the release of Hendrix’s groundbreaking album, are You Experienced. The atmosphere was electric, but the audience’s reaction was predictable. Monkees fans dominated the scene, chanting for their favorite band members, leaving Hendrix and his band feeling overshadowed.
Audience Reactions
Chants of “We want The Monkees!” echoed through the venues.
Hendrix’s performances were met with confusion and disinterest from the crowd.
Dolenz recalls feeling a mix of excitement and concern for Hendrix during these shows.
Behind the Scenes: A Unique Experience
Despite the challenges, Dolenz and hendrix developed a friendship during the tour. “He was very kind and gentle, not at all like his onstage persona,” Dolenz shares. They spent time together offstage, bonding over their shared love of music.
Hendrix’s Perspective
In a later interview with New Musical Express, hendrix expressed his thoughts on the tour. “We were given the ‘death’ spot right before The Monkees. The audience just screamed for them,” he said. “Eventually, they let us go on first, and things improved.”
Challenges Faced During the Tour
As the tour progressed, the challenges became more apparent. Less than two weeks in, Chandler met with Dick Clark, the tour promoter, to discuss removing Hendrix from the lineup. Complaints about Hendrix’s performance being “too erotic” led to the decision to bar the Experience from the tour after just eight shows.
Impact on Hendrix’s Career
Despite the setback, this experience did not hinder Hendrix’s career. He would go on to become one of the most celebrated guitarists in history, known for his innovative style and groundbreaking performances.
Lessons Learned from the Experience
Dolenz reflects on the lessons learned from this unique collaboration:
Understanding Audience Dynamics: The importance of knowing your audience and their preferences.
Embracing Diversity: The value of diverse musical styles and how they can complement each other.
Friendship in Music: Building relationships with fellow musicians can lead to unexpected collaborations and friendships.
Case study: The Legacy of Hendrix and The Monkees
The pairing of jimi Hendrix and The Monkees remains a interesting case study in music history. It highlights the unpredictability of the music industry and the importance of artistic expression. Today, both artists are celebrated for their contributions to rock music, and their brief collaboration serves as a reminder of the magic that can happen when different musical worlds collide.
Table: Key Facts About the Tour
Event
date
Location
Notable Moments
Tour Kickoff
July 8, 1967
Jacksonville, FL
First performance together
Monterey pop Festival
June 16-18, 1967
Monterey, CA
Hendrix’s iconic guitar burning
Final Show
July 23, 1967
New York, NY
Hendrix removed from tour
Practical Tips for Aspiring Musicians
For musicians looking to navigate the complexities of the music industry, here are some practical tips inspired by the experiences of Dolenz and Hendrix:
Network with Other Artists: Building relationships can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Stay True to Your Style: Embrace your unique sound,even if it doesn’t fit the mainstream mold.
Be Open to Collaboration: Working with artists from different genres can enhance your creativity.
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