Monkees guitarist Mike Nesmith dead at 78
- Dubbed the ‘Pre-Fab Four’, the US band was a made-for-television outfit set up to rival The Beatles
- The group was a commercial smash, with hits like Last Train to Clarksville, I’m a Believer and Daydream Believer that remain recognisable more than 50 years on
Mike Nesmith, one of four members of 1960s television and pop phenomenon The Monkees, has died, fellow band member Micky Dolenz and his family said on Friday. He was 78.
The group were a made-for-television outfit put together in the United States to rival Britain’s The Beatles.
Dubbed “The Pre-Fab Four” – a play on their artifice and The Beatles’ nickname – The Monkees were a commercial smash, whose catchy pop hits remain instantly recognisable more than 50 years on.
“I’m heartbroken. I’ve lost a dear friend and partner,” tweeted Dolenz, the last surviving member of the foursome.
“I’m so grateful that we could spend the last couple of months together doing what we loved best – singing, laughing, and doing shtick. I’ll miss it all so much. Especially the shtick. Rest in peace, Nez.”