Michael Nesmith opens up about his return to the Monkees

Musician Michael Nesmith arrives at the 2010 BMI Film and Television Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on May 19, 2010, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

/ Kevin Winter/Getty Images

(CBS News) Former member of the Monkees Michael Nesmith says that he "never really left," when asked about his return to the group for a 12-date U.S. tour.

The Monkees announced Wednesday that they will hit the stage for the first time since singer Davy Jones died in February.

Pictures: Davy Jones: 1945-2012
Read more: The Monkees to play first shows since Davy Jones' death

Nesmith said he reconnected with PeterTork and Micky Dolenz at the private funeral for Jones, the first time the three had really communicated since the 1997 European tour.

So what inspired Nesmith to return after 15 years?

"I never really left," Nesmith told Rolling Stone . "It is a part of my youth that is always active in my thought and part of my overall work as an artist. We did some good work together and I am always interested in the right time and the right place to reconnect and play."

Nesmith told the magazine he had no regrets about not joining the group on tour last year, saying scheduling conflicts prevented the reunion.

15 Photos

Davy Jones: 1945-2012

[alcoed]

Why would Michael want to perform with the others in the group?
He is the only one with any real talent....'Joan' ,Silver Moon'.
Big hits on his own, not just because of a goofy teen age tv comedy show.

[joeavenger]

Contrary to your comment, Mike was/is not the only one with "Real Talent". Mr. Mesmith,himself, has been quoted as saying that Peter is more of an acomplised musician than himself.Micky and Peter wrote songs used on the TV show. Not to mention that Micky is one of most underated rock vocalists in history..Know your facts....

[Valhalla0907]

Please don't. Without Davey there is no Monkees, it's an insult to his memory. Just don't, and spare us the pain.

[joeavenger]

If you know the history of the Monkees, there have been episodes of the show where only three appeared. After the show ended, the trio of Mike,Micky, and Davy carried on until Mike left. Honoring Davy by doing a short,small tour is their way of honoring him and celebrating their/his legacy with fans. It won't be pain for me, it'll be a little sad but I'm looking forward to the show.

[nohater]

just saw a rerun of the monkees show the other day. mike nesmith is now a very, very old man and should stay off the stage. if tork and dolenz look as old they should stay off the stage too. davy was pushing it as it was before he died but could still sort of pull it off a tad.

[joeavenger]

Should all the classic/oldies rock bands that tour stay off the stage? When we all get old, should we stop doing the things we're good at and love to do? Should we stop doing things that others enjoy? Should Jagger,McCartney,and Daltrey stop singing? I saw Micky Dolenz at Epcot this year and he pulled it off more than a "Tad".

[Nononameplease]

Haven't talked to the others in 15 years, waited until one of them died to do so, and he "never really left?" Sure, Mike.

[joeavenger]

This is the one comment I actually agree with, to a point. It's sad that Mike waited till Davy died to take a more than a cameo approach to appearing with the group. I waited since 1986 to see him play with the others. I thought 1997,with their Justus CD & tour, that I'd finally get my wish. Sadly, Mike only played the UK and backed out of the US leg of the tour. His perception of "never have left" is a little "off" but that's his way of spinning it. Finally, how do we KNOW how little he's talked to any them in 15 years?

[rnrstar]

THAT'S Michael Nesmith?