Michael Nesmith, who achieved global fame as a member of the pop
group the Monkees, has died aged 78.
“With infinite love we announce that Michael Nesmith
has passed away this morning in his home, surrounded by family, peacefully and
of natural causes,” his family said in a statement. “We ask that you respect
our privacy at this time and we thank you for the love and light that all of
you have shown him and us.”
Nesmith was the
group’s guitarist, and also one of its songwriters, for tracks including The
Girl I Knew Somewhere, Listen to the Band and Mary, Mary.
Nesmith successfully auditioned for the role of “Mike” in the
show, in October 1965, having begun his music career as a jobbing folk music
performer in Los Angeles.
