[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

Yep, as I remember it Mike Nesmith and Peter Tork were both professional musicians. Nesmith had recorded both in a band and as a solo act although I don't remember the band's name. Tork auditioned after a friend of his, Stephen Stills, auditioned and didn't get the part (bad hair and teeth according to Stills) but they asked him for a recommendation, and he mentioned Tork.

Mickey Dolenz and Davey Jones were primarily actors but had skills. Dolenz played guitar and sang in a band called the Missing Links, but learned to play the drums for the role. Jones was a singer, including having been nominated for a Tony for playing the Artful Dodger (Oliver) on Broadway.

I remember watching them as a kid on Saturday morning and, like @Tcoat, have always been a fan of their music.

They were a legit band, it's just instead of auditioning in a garage, they auditioned in a studio.

I remember reading once that the whole thing came about when they were first interviewed and were a bit upset that they were not allowed to play so they said they were just actors. That statement stuck even after they were allowed to actually play.