Come along with Micky, Mike & Davy as they take over the merrie olde island like she’s never been grabbed before!
The first real live Monkee (not counting Davy Jones, of course—cos he came from there in the first place) to hit England was madness’ own Micky Dolenz. He arrived at London’s Heathrow Airport on February 6 to an unexpected (because his arrival had been kept “secret”) crowd of over 300 super-enthusiastic female fans. Because the security police were caught off guard, Micky had quite a time—losing a few buttons and a piece of his hair—getting through the crowd to his waiting limousine. After a frantic but glorious battle (thoroughly enjoyed by everyone—press, fans and Monkee—except the under-staffed guards), Micky and his retinue made it to their hotel. Let’s join them there and go along with Micky—and, eventually, with Mike, Phyllis and Davy—as they take over merrie olde England like she’s never been grabbed before!
-
Micky gets swamped while astounded airport officials seek to rescue him. -
Whew—that was exciting! Well, what shall we do next, luvs? How’s about a shopping spree on Carnaby Street? -
First stop: Lord John’s soopa chic boutique. I like this sweater—and I love that jacket over there! -
Ah-ha—a perfect fit. So Micky decided next to look at a suit. -
Single-breasted tweed with diagonal pockets—well, what do you think? -
Micky, old chap—what do you think of England? -
Wow! It’s crazy, man—cray-zee!! -
The greatest moment of all comes for Micky—he meets Paul McCartney at a London disco, and Beatle Paul invites Monkee Micky to his home in St. John’s Wood. -
What’s more, Micky gets a royal introduction to “Martha”, Paulie’s groovy English sheepdog—talk about long hair. (For the greatest Dolenz-McCartney ever, turn to Page 19.) -
Even more? Yep—the next day, at Disc-Music Echo’s “Valentine’s Day Award,” Micky met Beatle chieftain Brian Epstein. -
Helen Shapiro cops Jimmy Savile’s cap for Micky— -
—But Micky returns it and Jimmy, the forgiving kind, promptly “knights” Sir George Michael Dolenz, Jr.! -
Just before going to Pop Inn, BBC’s top radio show, Micky ran into two old buddies of his. -
Inside, he met two new buddies—Tom Jones and Herman (Peter Noone). -
Micky poses with pop newcomer Cat Stevens, pop regular Cliff Richard and model Samantha Juste (he later dated “Sam”—but don’t cry, t’weren’t nothin’ serious). -
“Do the Monkees really make their own recordings?” -
Aww—you’re not going to ask that tired old question again, are you? -
Tell you what—see that gentleman in the white jacket carrying a tray of sandwiches? Well, he’s the one who cuts all our records! -
Next night Micky meets Spencer Davies [sic] (second from left) Group at the Marquee Club. They are his second favorite English group—the Beatles come first! -
The quietest Monkee arrival in England was made by Mike and Phyllis Nesmith, who sneaked into London in the wee hours of dawn. -
The first thing on their list (too) is a shopping trip along Carnaby Street. Dig Phyllis’ groovy boots and coat! -
Can you tell me in American dollars how much this pipe is—sir? -
Hey, wait a minute—it says, “Made In America” on this! -
Pow! Monkee meets Beatle! -
At Lady Jane’s, Phyllis looks at a wig, but decides that she’d rather have a dress instead. -
She finally chooses a pale paisley shift and a fuzzy coat. -
What does hubby think? Well, just take a look at the expression on Mike’s face and figure it out for yourself. -
Later that day, Mike visits four of his faves, the Kinks, at their recording session. But the biggest thrill is yet to come— -
The scene is a Beatle record session that is being filmed for a British TV spec. That’s Mick Jagger sitting at Paul’s feet. -
Wearing a butcher’s apron and a ’30’s tie—Paul conducts a 41-piece orchestra— -
—while a “happening” audience—Cyn Lennon, Astrid Kirschner [sic] (Beatle-buddy from Hamburg, Germany), Phyllis Nesmith, Mike Nesmith and Ringo Starr—groove among themselves! -
The next day, on behalf of the Monkees, Mike received a Gold Disc for I’m A Believer—then he and Phyllis went off to Surrey to spend the weekend with their new friends, Mr. and Mrs. John Lennon! -
The next Monkee to hit London was native Mancunian David Jones—who was met (along with his buddy, David Pearl) by 700 stampeding fans! -
Just before the deluge, Davy innocently stops and gives an airport attendant his autograph. Seconds later he was immersed in screaming English teeny-boppers! -
Locked in his suite in a London hotel for two days—literally to avoid causing mob scenes in the streets—Davy whiles away the hours “bombing” his tea cup with sugar cubes— -
—and rolling about on the floor! -
Before he is “smuggled” out of town, Davy gets to meet and greet his former TV “Grandma” of Coronation Street, Ena Sharples. -
Safely “hid out” in Middleham, Yorkshire Davy teaches David Pearl how to “pull a pint” in the local pub. -
He reminds the “resident experts” that he’s still got a good hand for throwing darts, too! -
Peace and freedom at last! Davy rides English racing champ “Candid Picture” across the deserted moors. -
Don’t worry, me luvvies—I’m coming back. See ya’ Monday night—same time, same station!
