Monkees "I'm a Believer" live 1997 at Wembley

[drjimtv1]

I was there!

[nopethegeek]

The Monkees got a bad rap when it was revealed that session musicians played on their first two studio albums. They eventually seized creative control and recorded under their own terms. Check out "Headquarters" from 1967 to hear what they sounded like in the studio. They also did a live album in 1967 worth checking out.

[westy40]

@nopethegeek Its to bad that got that bad rap about using session musicians during those first two albums. Many of the major groups of the day were using session musicians like The Beach Boys, The Turtles, Mamas and Papas etc.

The Monkees albums have aged extremely well. Would be nice if they got their due.

[lanilindsey]

Dolenz isn't bad on the drums... basic playing but he's singing and playing... impressive.

[nopethegeek]

@lanilindsey well they are pretty basic songs. :) He's playing true to the original recording and you're right - doing a good job at it while singing to boot.

[lanilindsey]

@nopethegeek agreed!  :)

[IstvanN1961]

it seems only davey Jones and Mickey Dolenz were the only two who got along.

[wildcatter63]

@IstvanN1961 Actually "they" credit Peter as being "the glue" that held it together. Apparently he was the "bridge" person as far as talents and interests go... This might explain why the pretty much crashed and burned after he left. He was the first one to quit when the show was over.

[Chiselnyc]

@IstvanN1961 I don't think that's true. MD & DJ were probably the closest during the 60s. But all the Monkees feel a bond. In interviews, they always support and speak well of each other. I don't think they fought more than do other siblings, or band mates. But I detect real affection among them. To get corny, there seems to be some love there that comes from having a history together. I'm sure when they tour, they get on each others nerves at times.

[Devinmch]

classic

[sshelget]

I love Micky behind the drums! I've seen him playing guitar and it just doesn't "look" right. :) He's my drummer! :)

[jripperlives]

wow what an epic fail its daydream believer not im a believer

[tubefluid]

@jripperlives This song is indeed "I'm a Believer". "Daydream Believer" is a totally different tune by them.

[wildcatter63]

@jripperlives Really don't know your music do you?

[Paneeks1960]

Showing the music world that they meant more than they got credit for. The true fans loved them . Just listen to these Wembley fans, they rock! The fans in England always get into the music 100%. I absolutely dig seeing footage from the UK. That is coming from someone who lives in the USA. Great show!!!

[dadadruma]

@Paneeks1960 england dont stereotype music and they are much more open minded than most narrowminded americans i said most cause you and I arent narrowminded :) i believe the monkees sold out 5 nights that tour at wembley than the critics slammed mike for his shall i say non flashy guitar style go figure, and mike said see ya. i thought they kicked ass

[minormike1966]

Very poor video quality.

[SAHBfan]

I believe they toured the UK and mike played with them. The critics ripped into him because his guitar playing was weak so he dropped out.

The American tour continued with three Monkeys, but then Tork either left or was sacked (depends which version you listen to) so down to two... then it fizzled out.

But, allegedly the rifts between them are not too severe and there has been talk of a reunion in 2011... check the official site.

[nosecone33]

There's nothing more awesome than an old Asian guy playing drums and singing

[beatlesbiggestfan100]

1:32 is that actually mike?

[jcall811]

The Monkees are now in their 60s and were big in the 60s, so they need to do a brand new album called "60s!"

[tsolive]

Mike is actually there...grey and bearded, but that's him.

[donnyp1966]

This song was actually written by Neil Diamond.

[cookie1176]

I really hated that Mike didn't perform with them. I don't have anything against the Beatles but I love the Monkees, it all happened in the 80's when my cousin came to town and watched the show. I asked her what the hell was she watching, because I knew it was old as hell, but for some reason I begin watching the show everyday.

[cookie1176]

I really hated that Mike didn't perform with them.

[vukstevanic]

yeah, this one we know :)

[Albinoafroman316]

I like the monkees, But where is Michael? It only 3 of then and I remember the show was not a trio. Still better band then given credit. Not better then the beatles but nearly as good. Guess Michael can be compared to John. Davey would be Paul, Micey would be Ringo and Peter would be George.

[georgebur]

Mickey spectacular in all respects. Its his signature song. Actually blitzes the songwriter Neil Diamond. It is goo to see this music a being celebrated by performers and audience alike.

[motownmaniax]

Dolenz is in fine voice throughout this concert. Btw, most don't know how hard it is to sing that well and play drums at the same time. ♫

[boofer69]

STIL GREAT @@@

[Atomicflash500]

BETTER THEN THE BEATLES !!!

[bvb7589]

@Atomicflash500 Please don't get over excited...the monkees did not have quality nor quantity to be anywhere the Beatles level....

[zerozipnada]

@Atomicflash500 Oh stop it!

[MrAxemana]

@Atomicflash500 Not really

This song is there best one

and it this song is better then alot of the beatles songs

but songs by the beatles such as Hey jude and yesterday are a lil better then this song.

not by much tho.

[georgebur]

@MrAxemana This song has more staying power than Hey Jude, which was a big hit I know

[paleblue498]

@georgebur You must be kidding - comparing "I'm a Believer" to "Hey Jude"???That's like comparing "Yummy Yummy Yummy, I've Got Love In My Tummy" to "Stairway To Heaven"!! Please tell me you were joking....

[georgebur]

@paleblue498 I think "I'm a Believer" by the Monkees, along with "Daydream Believer' were absolute classics. I really do. "Hey Jude" was another great popular song of the day. The comparison you make is not apt, but come to think of it - Yummy Yummy Yummy was a big hit, and so was Sugar Sugar. Like Hey Jude, they dont sound so fresh to me. I do quite like 1910 Fruitgum Company.

[3dogdog]

Goes to show you Mickey can play man !! Listen to him slam 2 and 4 down..Yea !! Right in the pocket.

[DavidTyler1]

@3dogdog And the most interesting thing about Mickey's drum skills is that he was actually a reasonably good guitarist but had to learn drums for the show. Watch that clip again with that thought in mind.... that he learned after the fact to play the instrument he's most known for. Blows your mind, doesn't it!

[3dogdog]

@DavidTyler1 Oh I know that as well as the whole story behind all of them as I am a professional musician and I have performed with Peter and Davy in the past.

[goldheartbadge]

Oh, Mickey, you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind - hey, Mickey! Hey, Mickey!

[jewell49707]

this is FANTASTIC !!

[puzleman1]

you notice----they arent playing as a group-but as individuals. in the 60's they weerre close togeather--physically nez is at one end of the stage -peter at the other davy on guitar? in the middle.

[DavidTyler1]

@puzleman1 Being a musician and playing different clubs myseld I can tell that you that the spacing had nothing to do with how emotionally close they were or were not.. it had everything to do with filling up a very large stage. That's all you're seeing here.

[mrhomerbojangles]

Was there with my sister and what a gig.

Absolutely amazing.

thanks for sharing & respect to all

[australiano1980]

maravilhoso isso.

[redfishradical]

They were all musicians before getting the TV gig. Micky is still pretty connected, it's pretty amazing how dialed in he is with friends from Yes & alot of other bands like that.

Sure I ended up listening to Floyd, Deep Purple, Alice Cooper, Yes, Judas Priest, Terrible Ted et. al in the 70s but I've gotta admit... The Monkees were a lot of fun!

Thanks for sharing!

Peace!

[elevationnnnnn]

Not from what I have just read. Mickey didn't play drums and had to practice just to fake it enough to look passible. The others definately were/are musicians. That is why I tuned in here. To see if Mr. Dolenze is any good w/this instument. I'm going to see him live in Sacramento July 25th.

[kd8ux]

Pretty darn good for old guys. Too bad it all imploded. Better band than people gave them credit for.

[CaptainPrivate]

"'Nez" introduces the song in his often heard schtik-style. And, Wow! it's the REAL Monkees! Good job here! Yeow!

[justafan7777777]

"Is nez there" look at 1:33 1:43 he is indeed there

[55westend]

Is Nez there?

[bloggo1]

yes, they actually CAN play musical instruments!! :-)

[beotchslayer2000]

that dudes acctually alot better on the drums than i thought.

[thebahana]

He's had a few years to practice.

[LYNXVAL]

Love Mickey's drum set! He did play the drums in the Monkees shows too!

[lisaalexis27]

lucky you monkeegirl....I saw Micky & Coco in Monticello, NY 2 years ago..I wanted to kiss Micky so bad but was so afraid to! LOL..so I got a handshake instead....wish I had the nerve....I've loved him since I was like 5...I'm 45 now...and he's still my idol...LOL

[themonkeegirl]

this is a really good video. I LOVE THE MONKEES! I got to meet the guys that year and became friends with them man i write them all the time at their addresses. The Monkees Rule.

[tglola]

I think thats just wonderful!

[playwithme30]

@themonkeegirl lucky :( im so jealous of you :(