Hey, Hey, Simon Fuller Plans Revival of '60s Monkees

Many of you know that I'm a huge Monkees fan (yes that pre-fab group of the 1960s). While not exactly Taylor Hicks news, I just found this unbelievable bit of information from the producer of American Idol (okay there's your Taylor Hicks connection). Seems like Simon Fuller, one of the Executive Producers of the show wants to resurrect The Monkees in a new reincarnation - four 'surfer dudes'. Yep, you heard right. Surfer dudes. Tell me, do we really need this? Was Simon aware that there already was a "New Monkees" that surfaced and failed on TV and on record in 1987? Sigh! Please, if there's a musical God up there, please make this go away before it even surfaces. You can't improve upon the originals - Micky, Peter, Mike and Davy, so don't even try. Anyway, here's the article -

Simon Fuller, the music mogul who created the hit Fox television show “American Idol” and its British equivalent, has now set his sights on another uniquely American institution.

Hey, Hey, he wants to re-launch a modern version of the hit 1960s show, "The Monkees". Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork played the original band and actually parlayed the show into some musical success. Fuller, however, has a few twists in mind.

First off, Fuller wants four hunky surfer dude types to play an updated version of the original boy band. The man behind The Spice Girls, wants the new Monkees to play their own instruments and effectively become a real band.

But unlike the squeaky clean original gang the new group will be much more rock ’n roll. “This will be 'The Monkees' for the 'Gossip Girl' generation and a lot more raunchy,” a source told the UK tab The Sun.

“We are looking for some charismatic lads who are up for a bit of mischief. The show will be much grittier than the original with more sex, drugs and rock ’n roll. Producers are auditioning in California seeking “great, offbeat character types with energy, charisma and humor”.

The original foursome starred as a boy-next-door band in what was an obvious take-off on the popularity of The Beatles. The show was an unexpected hit and ran for five years from 1965 through 1969. Although it was conceived as a scripted drama, it aired as a zany sit-com. The Monkees became so popular they began to cut records and, for the most part, sang and played their own instruments.

"It was a winning formula back then, and if it's done correctly, I can't see why it couldn't happen again. However, it was perfect casting... and, it was perfect music by the likes of Neil Diamond, Carole King, Harry Nilsson and Paul Williams. It's a herculean job, but, I've learned never to say never," said David Salidor who represents Dolenz. The Monkees star still performs and makes appearances regularly.

Fuller, who owns the rights to "The Monkees," attempted to put together a revival show five years ago without success. The new show, which may not use the Monkees name, will launch in here and could also air in the UK.

Source: The Improper

Monkees Last Episode 40 Years Ago Today

Many of you know I'm a HUGE Monkee fan, so I just want to take a slight interruption in our Taylor Hicks adventures to note that it was 40 years ago today that NBC aired the last original episode of "The Monkees" TV show (they filmed 58 episodes in total). Could it BE THAT LONG??? Holy Cow!! Anyway, that episode was "The Frodis Caper", an episode written and directed by Micky Dolenz, for all you trivia buffs out there. Here's a little Daydream Believer to mark the occasion. Dig the long hair, the hip shirts and the hippy bells. Groovy, man! Ah, those were the days, eh? Good music and Good Vibes all around!

Oh and one more thing - that Davy Jones was sure a cutie, eh?

Taylor Hicks - The Right Place

You know, ever since Taylor performed "The Right Place" at the wedding for the couple on Regis and Kelly last week, I've noticed some real positive buzz about the song from the many comments on YouTube, various Bulletin Boards and blogs, and ITunes (which now has the song as THE most downloaded song from the Taylor Hicks album). My question is why was this song NOT released as a single? It's without a doubt the best song on the album, showing that Taylor has undeniably one of the best soulful and bluesy voices of anyone in pop music today, or yesterday for that matter. It's a shame the world was denied the opportunity to hear it on a more global scale. You can thank Clive Davis and his goons for that huge mistake.

Wouldn't it be something if the song somehow got re-awakened so far after the album's release? Or better yet maybe get Taylor to offer this live version for sale on ITunes? How can we do that?

Would you at least join me in purchasing just one single copy of it from ITunes for a mere 99 cents to show support for Taylor and this type of music? If it can spark one person to play a 30 second clip of the song which then prompts them to listen to more of his music, then we've done our job. The song is THAT good, imo. It's the most authentic Taylor Hicks song on the record - a showcase for his voice - a signature song for him. It's now playing in the sidebar for your listening pleasure!


On a completely different subject, Happy 66th Birthday to my favorite Monkee Peter Tork!

Here is "Can You Dig It", a song penned by Peter Tork for the Monkee movie "Head". It's a great cult classic of the 1960's with some awesome music. Check it out at your local video store!

"Can You Dig It"


Peter Tork today!