 Unlike most bands, the Monkees were not formed by its members but rather by TV producers. You see, the Monkees weren't originally a real band -- they were a fictional band in TV show of the same name. While four members sang, they did not play their own instruments or write their own songs, at least at first. And yet thanks to contributions by top songwriters and session musicians, a carefully crafted image, and of course, the successful TV show, the Monkees became one of the most popular pop groups of the '60s, at one point outselling the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Though the group later seized control of its destiny, the success of the Monkees paved the way for other manufactured groups like New Kids on the Block and Milli Vanilli. Interestingly, just as "The Monkees" debuted on TV, the Beatles themselves moved from pop rock to more original, often psychedelic sounds; as a result, older fans were turned off to the series, leaving the Monkees' principle audience consisting of young teenagers and children. Nonetheless singles like "Last Train to Clarksville," "I'm a Believer," "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone," "Pleasant Valley Sunday" and "Daydream Believer" became Top 10 hits, and the "Prefab Four" became media icons. By 1967 the Monkees were perhaps the most popular band in the U.S. But as their fame grew, the Monkees themselves grew upset at not being able to play their own instruments or write their own songs - especially bona fide musician Mike Nesmith - and began to rebel against their producers and record company, going public with the truth about their songs. While this disappointed many older fans, most didn't seem to care. The Monkees began playing some of their instruments and writing some songs on 1967's Headquarters, though the continuity of their sound was preserved. That year they embarked on a major tour, proving they could perform live. Following a much-publicized reissue of their back catalog on Rhino Records, all four Monkees reunited for an original 1996 album called Justus. The reunited group continues to tour the oldies circuit, usually without Mike Nesmith, who concentrated on the band's behind-the-scenes operations. Seth Hindin
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