oh ya i agree!!! i didnt even recognize this song until i pulled up the original with peter singing. i dont think peter got enough credit for his singing. i love the song words! but in the original shades of grey the way peter sings it, makes it so beautiful! there is just something in his voice that is heartfelt! this version with only davy doesnt have the same affect!
Agreed...the harmony is what MADE this song. God, I remember the episode of their show that I first heard it and I was 10 years old and blown away. It still gives me chills. Incredible lyrics but the instrumentation and harmony rocked it. Bummed I cannot find anything on YouTube with both of them singing.
I agree. Peter should have sang. This was my favorite song. I saw them live in Jacksonville, FL and I was about 10. Jimmy Hendrix opened for them and was booed off stage. People throwing the sodas and ice at him. How sad. But yes, I WAS THERE!! AND YES, I WAS A PETER TORK FAN. My older sister, Davey and her best friend Mickey Dolenz. She was in the front row, he slipped one foot off the stage and to date, she still has his boot. Now that is fabulous.
Peter made this song what it was, disappointed he isn't singing it here, I still love this song, has to be in my top 10 songs of all time, the album version that is.
hey i saw them on there ozz tour in the 80s and it was peter the drummer that sang this song and he was so great because i didnt think he could sing but gee i was wrong this song always reminds me of the tour they did and i got to see them live
All of this concert footage from that early 1997 UK tour is really great . Too bad Mike Nesmith couldn't have joined the other 3 on the American tour later that year.
actually davy got way more credit than he deserved...such is the appeal of an accent and it's cultural illusioin. but, he really did come alive in this clip... loved that smile when he was by the keyboard, brilliant....an incredible incredible song, one of the best songs of all time, anywhere. just beautiful
this should have been a single with randy scouse git ,released before headquarters...randy scouse git was realeased in the uk under the name...alternative title .......GREAT GREAT TUNE
His voice has changed and he really uses vibrato more. Not sure if I like it considering I'm used to how he sounded young, but if you try not to compare to the young Davey, his voice is fine.
@SueWNY : On this song, Peter's voice was SO much better than David's. HIS key, his piano, the song was perfectly suited for Pete, which is why he finished so many of the stanzas solo in the original recording. The Manchester Midget just HAD to walk all over him in this and the other 2 versions I've found so far on YouTube. "Shades Of Gray" was one of my top-2 favorite Monkees songs, but these versions are ruining it for me.
I just love this song :D & I think it sounds really cool live. I like The Monkees live. I mean, they sound awesome either way, but I guess live makes it more personal.. wow, I sounded like a Hallmark card didn't I? xD Oh well. The Monkees ftw!
Peter wrote the piano piece that flows throughout the song, though, as is the norm, doesn't get a credit as the many body of the song ( lyrics and lyrical melody) were by those you said. Soloists don't get credited on songs because they contribute to an already finished work. I was at this concert by the way and what a thrill it was to see the original foursome back together.
this is like one of the best songs ever... but i agree, why didn't peter sing? also are they going to tour again? I know they did in like 2002, but i never had a chance to see them... i figured they would last year because it would be like the 40th anniversary... and i would give anything to see them live
This was one of my favorite songs that Peter sang. It was quiet, simple and powerful. I'm not thrilled by Davy singing it all - it's overly grandiose.
I'm with you, bratmaster! My absolute favorite song of all time! I prefer the album version with all the beautiful instrumentation and Peter's vocals as well as Davy's, but I'm thrilled to see that they performed this song live! I've never seen it performed before, and I think it's great that they decided to undertake it for this show.
Did they do it on the 1986 and 1987 tours? I saw The Monkees in concert in both of those summers, but I don't remember that they did "Shades of Grey." Of course, that could just be my faulty memory! LOL! I actually don't remember a whole lot of details about either of those concerts -- just that the 3kees were wonderful and I had a great time! :)
They did it on both tours, both years it was just Peter on Vocals and Micky and Davy backing him up. At one point in the song they make fun of Peter's grey hairs and Micky impersonates an old man with a cane. I will post some of those version's soon.
Actually Micky's hair is a soft gray these days. It looks quite distinguished. Mike is nearly pure white, Davy's finally stopped dying and his is going gray, and Peter has that gorgeous dark blond mixed with a bit of silver/gray. He sent me a postcard in the mail with a recent pic on it and he looks AMAZING for a man that will be 67 next month.
I would have loved to hear Peter sing his part too, but perhaps he wouldn't have been able to focus fully on his piano part and sing at the same time? Anyway, as I tried to post below (but the post came out too long), thanks so much for posting this, as well as all the other concert clips, davyo!
This song is all the more poignant now. RIP Davy.
gakabler 1 day ago
Goodnight Davy, rip and thanks
shadow3pne 1 day ago
Gran cancion,porqueria de video
fisiorobot 5 months ago
Is it just me..or is Davy pulling off a fairly remarkable Barry Gibb imitation?
elsappo1800 8 months ago
oh ya i agree!!! i didnt even recognize this song until i pulled up the original with peter singing. i dont think peter got enough credit for his singing. i love the song words! but in the original shades of grey the way peter sings it, makes it so beautiful! there is just something in his voice that is heartfelt! this version with only davy doesnt have the same affect!
nykkchick 9 months ago
Peter should definitely have been singing this too ! Not thwe same without his voice ! :-(
Gingerb456 10 months ago
Agreed...the harmony is what MADE this song. God, I remember the episode of their show that I first heard it and I was 10 years old and blown away. It still gives me chills. Incredible lyrics but the instrumentation and harmony rocked it. Bummed I cannot find anything on YouTube with both of them singing.
piccadillyarts 11 months ago
I agree. Peter should have sang. This was my favorite song. I saw them live in Jacksonville, FL and I was about 10. Jimmy Hendrix opened for them and was booed off stage. People throwing the sodas and ice at him. How sad. But yes, I WAS THERE!! AND YES, I WAS A PETER TORK FAN. My older sister, Davey and her best friend Mickey Dolenz. She was in the front row, he slipped one foot off the stage and to date, she still has his boot. Now that is fabulous.
Kismet12333 1 year ago 2
I don't recall the Monkee's originating this song?
But Air Supply did a better version of it.
The one song that I thought was the best out of the songs from Jones was I want to be Free!
Godzie1 1 year ago
Peter made this song what it was, disappointed he isn't singing it here, I still love this song, has to be in my top 10 songs of all time, the album version that is.
denniswilsonfan 1 year ago 5
hey i saw them on there ozz tour in the 80s and it was peter the drummer that sang this song and he was so great because i didnt think he could sing but gee i was wrong this song always reminds me of the tour they did and i got to see them live
peterj2000 1 year ago
What a beautiful song. I am truly moved by it.
lizgonz1019 2 years ago
I remember listening to this song on cassette when I was 4 and crying because I thought it was so sad. haha
YeahsodoI 2 years ago
Just a touch of Bach there at the end...
CitizenKate 2 years ago
My favorite Monkee's song of all time :...
Babalon 2 years ago 3
All of this concert footage from that early 1997 UK tour is really great . Too bad Mike Nesmith couldn't have joined the other 3 on the American tour later that year.
DomenicDee 2 years ago
So sad. I wanted to hear Peter sing his verse. Ah well!
MissChrystalline 2 years ago 2
actually davy got way more credit than he deserved...such is the appeal of an accent and it's cultural illusioin. but, he really did come alive in this clip... loved that smile when he was by the keyboard, brilliant....an incredible incredible song, one of the best songs of all time, anywhere. just beautiful
sidthinker 2 years ago
This is awesome thank you fo r posting it. The older I get the more this song makes sense to me. Gotta love Davy.
angelriani 2 years ago 3
Amen
BobbyDes 2 years ago
One of my theme songs.
CaptGage 2 years ago 2
this should have been a single with randy scouse git ,released before headquarters...randy scouse git was realeased in the uk under the name...alternative title .......GREAT GREAT TUNE
mrandmrsleach 2 years ago 2
Fantastic - this brings back so many memories!
And such maturity in Davy's voice these days - although he hasn't grown much *L*
magistraoptima 2 years ago 2
Wish the camera were a little bit steady here. But otherwise good song!!
petertorksgal37 3 years ago
Awesome! Davey sounds great.
amsedelm 3 years ago 3
Davy sounds AWFUL here!!
Ulysses61 3 years ago
Are you kidding? I think he sounds terrific! This video is a real treat.
SheynaVVV 3 years ago 2
His voice has changed and he really uses vibrato more. Not sure if I like it considering I'm used to how he sounded young, but if you try not to compare to the young Davey, his voice is fine.
leenyboleeny 3 years ago
Peter's piano piece is absolutely GORGEOUS but I wish he had sung with Davy. His voice mingling with Davy's is what made this song so beautiful.
SueWNY 3 years ago 12
@SueWNY : On this song, Peter's voice was SO much better than David's. HIS key, his piano, the song was perfectly suited for Pete, which is why he finished so many of the stanzas solo in the original recording. The Manchester Midget just HAD to walk all over him in this and the other 2 versions I've found so far on YouTube. "Shades Of Gray" was one of my top-2 favorite Monkees songs, but these versions are ruining it for me.
AnntichristSCoulter 1 year ago
Peter's Moment!
tommyrock69 3 years ago
I just love this song :D & I think it sounds really cool live. I like The Monkees live. I mean, they sound awesome either way, but I guess live makes it more personal.. wow, I sounded like a Hallmark card didn't I? xD Oh well. The Monkees ftw!
QuotationTime 3 years ago
I RESPECT all FOUR of their talents...this is one of my favorite songs of theirs.
foreverNezfan 3 years ago
I think I am really going to cry.
oh my God I would amputate my right arm if it would get me into one of their concerts.
and of course they sound a little different.
I mean its like what 20 or 30 years since they've sung it?
don't critisize them!
I LOVE YOU DAVY MICKEY MIKE AND PETE!
doctorwhogirl77 3 years ago 2
I also had the pleasure of seeing them tour when they reunited in the late eighties.
Always will be a fan!!! They were so awesome!!
thieffan 3 years ago 2
The complicated harmony on the chorus is what made this song great on the original recording. The song loses a lot without it.
ksample 3 years ago 3
omg i want them to go on tour again!!! ughh i would kill to see them!
wweezziiee 3 years ago 2
I love this song... but this performance is a bit of a train wreck, the piano is out of sync with the voice for big chunks of it.
clavicvp50 3 years ago
Yes, I think Davy comes in to soon with the " only shades of gray" lines.
hauntboy 3 years ago
Why isn't Peter singing!!! On the album, Peter sings the 2nd verse and the words "only shades of gray"
crazypatti13 4 years ago
maybe he can't play and sing at the same time
gryphonslite 3 years ago
That's a crock! of course he can!
momof3stooges 3 years ago
I believe this is written by Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann..great song...
bufb 4 years ago
Peter wrote the piano piece that flows throughout the song, though, as is the norm, doesn't get a credit as the many body of the song ( lyrics and lyrical melody) were by those you said. Soloists don't get credited on songs because they contribute to an already finished work. I was at this concert by the way and what a thrill it was to see the original foursome back together.
hauntboy 3 years ago
i didnt see Mike at ALL!
Jubilee2 4 years ago
Davy does sing the 1'st verse on the album, though. What I miss is the background singing by all on the chorus.
chiefbrody75 4 years ago
this is like one of the best songs ever... but i agree, why didn't peter sing? also are they going to tour again? I know they did in like 2002, but i never had a chance to see them... i figured they would last year because it would be like the 40th anniversary... and i would give anything to see them live
masterbedgood 4 years ago
They're great in concert!! this recording doesn't do justice to the song.
momof3stooges 3 years ago
seeing davey in that outfit makes me feel i should sell my soul to him
schwoogie78 4 years ago
This was one of my favorite songs that Peter sang. It was quiet, simple and powerful. I'm not thrilled by Davy singing it all - it's overly grandiose.
colleenthemuse 4 years ago
Beautiful! Davey does have a Newley touch here, love it!
dejahthoris 4 years ago
It's Peter Tork's song. Why didn't he sing it?
simonbnyc 4 years ago
Cool! It's Peter Tork from Shoe Suede Blues!
mhirtes12 4 years ago
as much of a prayer as it is a song
grdnzrnic 4 years ago
davy sounds like anthony newly here
brabon 4 years ago
I agree! lol
KellyGiftShop 4 years ago
my favorite song by anyone, anywhere. hands down.
bratmaster 4 years ago
I'm with you, bratmaster! My absolute favorite song of all time! I prefer the album version with all the beautiful instrumentation and Peter's vocals as well as Davy's, but I'm thrilled to see that they performed this song live! I've never seen it performed before, and I think it's great that they decided to undertake it for this show.
savethetpc 4 years ago
Peter has always done it on his own on past tours which is cool to see as well - I think he gives it added emotion.
davyo 4 years ago
Did they do it on the 1986 and 1987 tours? I saw The Monkees in concert in both of those summers, but I don't remember that they did "Shades of Grey." Of course, that could just be my faulty memory! LOL! I actually don't remember a whole lot of details about either of those concerts -- just that the 3kees were wonderful and I had a great time! :)
savethetpc 4 years ago
They did it on both tours, both years it was just Peter on Vocals and Micky and Davy backing him up. At one point in the song they make fun of Peter's grey hairs and Micky impersonates an old man with a cane. I will post some of those version's soon.
davyo 4 years ago
Ironic is that Mickey is the only Monkee still with dark hair (as far as we know).
mhirtes12 4 years ago
How is that ironic? lol
JustJen82 4 years ago
Actually Micky's hair is a soft gray these days. It looks quite distinguished. Mike is nearly pure white, Davy's finally stopped dying and his is going gray, and Peter has that gorgeous dark blond mixed with a bit of silver/gray. He sent me a postcard in the mail with a recent pic on it and he looks AMAZING for a man that will be 67 next month.
SueWNY 3 years ago
only shades of grey
shadow3pne 3 years ago 2
Pity that Peter didn't sing the second verse :-(
susiesalome 4 years ago 5
I agree, they should have done it as originally recorded.
davyo 4 years ago 3
I would have loved to hear Peter sing his part too, but perhaps he wouldn't have been able to focus fully on his piano part and sing at the same time? Anyway, as I tried to post below (but the post came out too long), thanks so much for posting this, as well as all the other concert clips, davyo!
savethetpc 4 years ago
@davyo You should check out the Shades of Grey versions from their 2011 Tours, all three sing in great harmony, and a lot of comedy as well!
petalrs 1 month ago
@susiesalome ....yes, I also agree...Peter's voice and piano playing makes this song what it is.
Torkgasmicgirl8 8 months ago
thank u.
I once told Peter that this song features the most beautiful piano I have ever heard.
holden190 4 years ago