Vale: Davy Jones

Davy Jones, who became a household heartthrob as a member of The Monkees, has died in Florida, aged 66.

The Martin County Medical Examiner’s Office in Florida confirmed that they had been notified of Jones’ death but would provide no other details.

The Monkees ran three seasons, from 1966 to 1968, but lived on in reruns and popularity well beyond its initial run. The band, which also featured Peter Tork, Michael Nesmith and Micky Dolenz, were formed in 1966 for an NBC television show during the peak of Beatlemania, and the quirky comedy became an American hit.

Jones was a pint-sized pretty boy frontman, banging his tambourine and singing lead vocals on such hits as “Daydream Believer,” “Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)” and “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You.”

Before The Monkees, Jones earned acclaim as the Artful Dodger in the London production of “Oliver!” He famously made a guest appearance on The Brady Bunch as the quintessential pop idol of Marcia Brady.

He continued to make appearances as part of pop nostalgia and was scheduled to perform Monkees songs at a March 31 concert at La Mirada Theatre in La Mirada.

Today the remaining members of The Monkees left condolences on Facebook:

Peter Tork:

It is with great sadness that I reflect on the sudden passing of my long-time friend and fellow-adventurer, David Jones. His talent will be much missed; his gifts will be with us always. My deepest sympathy to Jessica and the rest of his family. Adios, to the Manchester Cowboy. Peace and love, Peter T.

Mickey Dolenz:

I am in a state of shock; Davy and I grew up together and shared in the unique success of what became The Monkees phenomena. The time we worked together and had together is something I’ll never forget. He was the brother I never had and this leaves a gigantic hole in my heart. The memories have and will last a lifetime. My condolences go out to his family.

Michael Nesmith:

All the lovely people. Where do they all come from?

So many lovely and heartfelt messages of condolence and sympathy, I don’t know what to say, except my sincere thank you to all. I share and appreciate your feelings.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.

While it is jarring, and sometimes seems unjust, or strange, this transition we call dying and death is a constant in the mortal experience that we know almost nothing about. I am of the mind that it is a transition and I carry with me a certainty of the continuity of existence. While I don’t exactly know what happens in these times, there is an ongoing sense of life that reaches in my mind out far beyond the near horizons of mortality and into the reaches of infinity.

That David has stepped beyond my view causes me the sadness that it does many of you. I will miss him, but I won’t abandon him to mortality. I will think of him as existing within the animating life that insures existence. I will think of him and his family with that gentle regard in spite of all the contrary appearances on the mortal plane.

David’s spirit and soul live well in my heart, among all the lovely people, who remember with me the good times, and the healing times, that were created for so many, including us.

I have fond memories. I wish him safe travels.

Source: LA Times