Michael Ochs Archives/Getty ImagesMichael Nesmith accepts that Davy Jones has died. But that doesn't mean he's going to believe that Jones is gone.
"All the lovely people. Where do they all come from?" began a statement from the Monkees' guitarist, who was as shocked as anybody to learn that the 66-year-old Jones had died today after suffering a heart attack.
"So many lovely and heartfelt messages of condolence and sympathy, I don't know what to say, except my sincere thank you to all. I share and appreciate your feelings," Nesmith continued. "But let's not get ahead of ourselves here."
Come again?
"While it is jarring, and sometimes seems unjust, or strange, this transition we call dying and death is a constant in the mortal experience that we know almost nothing about," the musician said.
"I am of the mind that it is a transition and I carry with me a certainty of the continuity of existence. While I don't exactly know what happens in these times, there is an ongoing sense of life that reaches in my mind out far beyond the near horizons of mortality and into the reaches of infinity.
"That David has stepped beyond my view causes me the sadness that it does many of you," he continued, "I will miss him, but I won't abandon him to mortality. I will think of him as existing within the animating life that insures existence. I will think of him and his family with that gentle regard in spite of all the contrary appearances on the mortal plane. David's spirit and soul live well in my heart, among all the lovely people, who remember with me the good times, and the healing times, that were created for so many, including us.
"I have fond memories. I wish him safe travels."
Well, isn't that an "I'm a Believer" way of looking at things!
"I am in a state of shock," fellow Monkee Mickey Dolenz said in a statement as well. "Davy and I grew up together and shared in the unique success of what became The Monkees phenomena. The time we worked together and had together is something I'll never forget. He was the brother I never had and this leaves a gigantic hole in my heart. The memories have and will last a lifetime. My condolences go out to his family."
The fourth member of the Monkee brotherhood, Peter Tork, also spoke out via Facebook: "It is with great sadness that I reflect on the sudden passing of my long-time friend and fellow-adventurer, David Jones. His talent will be much missed; his gifts will be with us always. My deepest sympathy to [his wife] Jessica and the rest of his family.
"Adios, to the Manchester Cowboy. Peace and love, Peter T."