Why Michael Nesmith Limited His Reunion Tours with the Monkees

The limited participation of Michael Nesmith in the Monkees reunion tours prior to Davy Jones' death in 2012 has been a topic of intrigue in the music industry. This article delves into the multifaceted reasons behind his selective involvement, highlighting personal, professional, and artistic considerations.

Personal Priorities

Michael Nesmith's focus on his solo career and other ventures explains much of his limited participation in the Monkees' reunion tours. Throughout his career, Nesmith has pursued diverse projects in various fields, including film and television. These personal and professional ventures often held more immediate importance than participating in reunion tours.

Musical Direction

Another significant factor was Nesmith's distinct musical vision, which often diverged from the Monkees' pop sound. His musical style included country rock and other genres that didn't align with the band's original pop style. This divergence in musical direction further diminished his enthusiasm for participating in reunion tours.

Availability and Selectivity

Much of Nesmith's limited involvement can also be attributed to scheduling conflicts and his selective approach to the tours. He was known to be choosy about when and where to participate, often making a case-by-case decision rather than committing to an entire reunion tour lineup.

Artistic Ambivalence

Nesmith's artistic ambivalence about the reunion tours is another key factor. While he rejoiced in the Monkees' legacy, he was not always enthusiastic about the idea of reuniting for a nostalgic act. Instead, he prioritized new music and artistic endeavors, showing a preference for continuing his solo career rather than rehashing past achievements.

It's worth noting that Nesmith had mixed feelings about the band's initial incarnation. He disliked miming to music played by others and preferred to be known as a serious songwriter and musician rather than just as a member of the Monkees. This desire for distinction was a driving force behind his selectiveness in reuniting with the band.

Personal Observations

Nesmith's personal experiences further illustrate his reasons for limited involvement. For instance, he had a complicated relationship with fellow band member Davy Jones and drummer Michael Tork. There were instances when tensions arose, resulting in his early departure from the 1997 tour due to tensions over his diminished musicianship.

Additionally, financial considerations played a role. Nesmith was not in need of money for the tours, as he had already established a successful solo career and several business ventures. Among these ventures was an early form of MTV, which he sold and which eventually became a significant player in the music and entertainment industry.

In summary, Michael Nesmith's limited participation in the Monkees' reunion tours can be attributed to a complex interplay of personal, professional, and artistic factors. Each of these factors contributed to a sporadic and selective involvement that reflected Nesmith's unique career paths and artistic endeavors.