By Eric Kay, His Best Friend In England
Can you remember how, when and where you first met Davy?
I first met him at school, about 12 years ago. We were in the same class together.
What was your first impression of him?
I can’t remember, but it probably was a good impression, because we have always got on together well.
What did he look like “way back then”?
Just the same, but smaller.
What kind of clothes did you and he wear?
I suppose we wore the same as everyone else, but Davy always wore short trousers.
Were you in the same class at school?
Yes all through school.
If so, was Davy a pretty good student?
Dave could have been good if he would have tried, but he never tried.
Do you remember him ever getting into trouble at school?
Dave was always in trouble with teachers and getting me in trouble. We used to get the strap for talking at school.
Did you ever do homework together?
Are you kidding?
Did you ever have dinner with Davy’s family?
Yes, I had dinner at Dave’s house a few times.
If so, how was it different or in what way was it the same as your own family meals?
It was not different. We were all the same in those days.
When you played together after school, where did you play?
We used to play around the streets or go to the fields and play cricket or football.
What games did you play?
Aside from cricket and football, we played table tennis.
Were there always other children who played with you or did the two of you play alone?
We used to play around a few lads. We played football a lot on our own.
Did you ever play games that involved girls?
Yes, but I can’t remember the name of the game.
Do you recall Davy’s early interest in girls?
Jealous. He always had them.
Did you call him Dave, David or Davy? or perhaps some other names
Dave.
Did he have a nickname?
Jonah.
As you got older, did you grow apart in any way?
I don’t think so.
How have you managed to stay such close friends with David being away so long?
Dave always comes down to see me.
What did you think of him becoming a jockey?
I thought he could have been a good jockey.
Did you ever see him ride? If so can you describe how he looked, etc.?
No. Only riding a donkey at Blackpool.
How did you feel about him entering show business?
I was glad to see him get on.
How did you feel about his coming to America?
I hoped he would make his name there.
Did you fear you’d lose him as a friend when he went away?
No, I knew he would keep our friendship.
Did he write to you when he first got to America?
Yes, he used to write fairly regularly.
What were the things that stick in your mind from his letters?
Nothing special, except he was doing well in the show “Oliver.”
Did he seem lonely at first?
No. Not really, but he gave me the impression he was missing his friends and family over here.
Did you ever notice a change in him (through his letters) as he got older?
No, he has always been the same in my opinion.
What were some of the things you did together when he same [sic] home during those years?
We used to go to the local pub and play darts. Also Dave used to come to watch M/C United.
What did you think when he told you about The Monkees show?
Couldn’t wait to see it.
Were you anxious to see it?
Yes, very much.
Did David send you a copy of the first album before it was released in England?
Yes.
What did you think the first time you saw the show?
I thought it was quite good.
Did you enjoy it?
Yes.
Do you like their music?
Great.
Has Davy changed in any way since this sudden burst of success?
No. Still the same lad.
Do you feel his success has hurt him in any way?
No. He has not got big-headed in any way.
What are some of the things you do together when he comes home now?
He still comes in the local pub.
Is there anything else you can tell me about David, your friendship or incidents that have happened to the two of you?
Dave came to Blackpool on Holiday with me. When we were there, he entered a contest for teenagers and Dave won. He won 25 lbs. In the contest he had to propose to a girl. You should have heard him, he was good.
Can you briefly tell me your present age, your job, a little about yourself?
I’m 20, my job is an apprentice fitter. I like sports and of course The Monkees.
