The Monkees are one of the most storied bands of the 1960s. For example, there is a common rumor that notorious cult leader Charles Manson tried to join The Monkees. A member of the band explained how he started that rumor himself.
Micky Dolenz mixed some fun facts about The Monkees with a lie about Charles Manson
Today, Manson is most notorious for his crimes, but there was a time when he was an under-the-radar folk singer. Notably, many under-the-radar folk singers auditioned to be in The Monkees. During a 2019 interview with Studio 10, The Monkees’ Micky Dolenz said that prospective Monkees included Stephen Stills of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young as well as Paul Williams, a songwriter who went on to work with Barbra Streisand, Three Dog Night, and David Bowie.
However, Dolenz decided to work a little dark humor into a radio interview. In The Monkees’ early days, Dolenz said Manson tried out to be in the Prefab Four. Dolenz was joking, but his delivery was so deadpan that the reporter believed him. This false claim has circulated for a long time, much to the amusement of Dolenz and fellow Monkee Mike Nesmith.
Why this legend about The Monkees is simply impossible
Dolenz’s story isn’t just false. It’s impossible. According to Snopes, The Monkees auditioned for their show in 1965, but Manson was incarcerated from 1961 to 1967. In addition, the band’s producers were looking for singers between the ages of 17 and 21. Manson was 30 at the time. Four hundred thirty-seven singers tried to get a slot in the band, but Manson was not one of them.
So why did this legend last? Simply put, it was too juicy to go away. The Monkees made squeaky-clean songs for a family-friendly show, so the juxtaposition between them and Manson was darkly humorous.
Charles Manson’s weird influence on rock ‘n’ roll
Manson had other connections to rock ‘n’ roll. According to the book Helter Skelter, the Tate–LaBianca murders were motivated by Manson’s interpretations of The White Album by The Beatles. In Manson’s view, the record contained prophecies concerning an apocalypse that was just on the horizon.
Manson’s connections to rock history extend far beyond the 1960s. An album of his demos titled Lie: The Love and Terror Cult was released in 1970. Songs from that album have been covered or sampled by acts like Guns N’ Roses, GG Allin, The Lemonheads, and The Brian Jonestown Massacre. In addition, he has constantly been referenced in the work of shock-rockers like Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie. Sometimes, artists allude to the Manson Family to make a broader point about society, but other times, they do so just to be edgy.
In addition, Manson seems to show up a lot in film and television. There are numerous documentaries and movies about him and his cult. Elements of their story can be found in fictional horror films like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and House of 1000 Corpses. Lana Del Rey even made a music video for her song “Freak,” where she is in the thrall of a cult leader who seems to be a combination of Manson and Jim Jones.
The Monkees were a fun band for all ages and yet, their legend crossed paths with Manson’s infamy.
