Feature: Rest in Peace, Davy Jones

Davy Jones
30 December 1945 – 29 February 2012

Openshaw born, Monkees front-man Davy Jones sadly passed away this week suffering a heart-attack in his Hollywood home, aged 66.  Spending his early years living in Gorton, Davy found an early taste of fame, making a fleeting appearance in Coronation Street, before going on to be the leading man in the pioneering 60’s pop group. Despite having their TV series cancelled in 1968, they had already achieved world wide fame with a string of hits such as ‘I’m A Believer’, ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday’ and ‘Daydream Believer’. Releasing 9 albums between 1966 and 1970, they were one of the world’s biggest acts, inspiring The Beatles to embrace the power of the screen and make their film ‘A Hard Day’s Night’.

Respects have been flooding in from the great and good, with the likes of Nancy Sinatra, Julian Lennon and Will Smith queuing up to show their appreciation for the legendary front man. The Monkees played a 45^th anniversary concert last year to a packed out audience, proving their influence still to this day. A stage musical ‘Monkee Business’ will also be coming to the Manchester Opera house in March, before touring the rest of the UK. A true Mancunian icon, Davy will be remembered as one of the first true pop-stars, a charismatic performer and an incredible human being.