In 1966, a TV-concocted rock group
revolutionized both prime time television and the record charts with their mix
of rock chops and humor. They became the biggest rock act in the world, and although
their show lasted just two full seasons--along with delivering a misunderstood
movie and TV special--their legacy has been tremendous.
Flash
forward to 1986. The young MTV network, hungry for programming that went beyond
the typical three-minute video, programmed the original half hour show, and it
became a hit with a new generation of young fans. Three of the original four
band members reformed, had a hit single and album, and led the most prosperous
concert tour of the year.
Well, it's
almost 2011, and hey, hey, it's the Monkees all over again.
Reports are
that Davy Jones, Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz will once again rejoin as the
three-quarter Monkees for a tour in the new year, without, of course, Mike
Nesmith, who if he decided to come on board, would probably make this the
biggest and most anticipated tour in 2011.
Without him,
it's just the three cogs in a four-cog wheel, but it's still impressive.
Why get back
together now? The threesome had been successful in a number of tours since 1986,
and even recorded two albums--one with Nesmith--of new material since that
fabled re-launch.
They have
had their differences in the past, and each has forged a solo career singing
old hits and incorporating new music into their shows.
But the number
45 has become a very important number in pop culture recently.
No, its not
just the speed we played those wonderful singles at on our phonographs. It goes
way beyond that.
It seems
that the number 45 is important because it sets the stage for the number 50.
Let me
explain.
With CD and
DVD sales slowing, entertainment companies have tried to come up with a new
angle for their classic releases, and the number 45 is that angle.
When a
classic movie or album or act hits the number 45, companies release product to
celebrate that anniversary. Just this year, "The Sound of Music" was
re-released for the umpteenth time, but as a 45th anniversary release. This
time, the pull beyond seeing the great movie again is that all the living
members of the cast are involved in the promotion of this gem ... and it will
certainly lead to another re-release on the 50th anniversary of this movie's
debut in 2016.
What I am
trying to say is that the 45th lays the groundwork for the 50th, and helps to
build a groundswell of anticipation for the 50th.
And that is
why the Monkees, or at least three of them, hope to reform in 2011.
The new year
is the 45th anniversary of the show's debut, their first album's debut, and
their first single's debut.
To provide
steam for the 50th, in today's market, you have to promote the 45th.
So that is
what they hope to do, if all the pieces fall together the right way.
The Monkees,
however, have something else in their favor as they go into this.
Rhino
Records has taken great care with their wide and expansive catalog, and has
been releasing deluxe editions of each of their LPs with bonus tracks and
premium packaging for the past few years. They have been good sellers, but the
penultimate Monkees re-release came out just a few weeks ago...
The deluxe
re-release of the "Head" soundtrack, followed by the re-release, on
both DVD and Blu-ray, of the film of the same title.
This has
sparked so much interest, and been so well received, that the soundtrack found
its way into the Top 20 of Billboard's top soundtrack chart--and at $60 a pop,
and with "Glee" fever all around, this is no small feat.
So this is
clearly the time for the threesome to get together, to mine as much public
adoration--and money--as they can. There is clearly no better time to do this,
and it creates traction for the 50th anniversary in 2016.
Maybe even
ol' Wool Hat will come on board by that time, who knows.
So full
speed ahead, boys, the Monkees are reportedly back ...
And you
thought the reunion of New Kids on the Block and the Backstreet Boys was
something!
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