The Monkees: The Real Reason Mike Nesmith’s Wool Hat Disappeared
In The Monkees history, Mike Nesmith‘s wool hat became as much of a character on the series as the actor who donned it. Fans rarely saw Nesmith without his chapeau until one day when it just disappeared. What was the reason the actor and musician finally had enough of the hat that would become one of the most iconic pieces of Monkees’ history?
Why did Mike Nesmith wear a wool hat?
Mike Nesmith originally wore a wool hat to his Monkees television audition in 1966.
Although the audition was held in California, Nesmith wore the topper to keep his hair from blowing in his face as he rode his motorcycle to the audition, reported MeTV.
However, he had no idea his accessory choice would end up being such a vital part of his television persona for years to come.
During his original audition for The Monkees, Nesmith clowned around with producers Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider wearing the cap and holding a bag of laundry. He also spoke of the time he turned over a general’s airplane while he was in the Air Force.
The series’ first episode would later include his audition. A recut version aired as the tenth episode of The Monkees‘ first season.
Along with Nesmith’s audition, the episode also included Davy Jones. Not featured in the episode were Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz’s auditions. Tork spoke about his journey across the country to audition, and Dolenz was so nervous he wore two different shoes.
In a 1966 TV guide listing promoting the fledgling series, Nesmith’s character was known as “Wool Hat” before his name was changed to Mike.
What happened to Mike Nesmith’s Wool Hat?
After two seasons where the green chapeau sat atop Nesmith’s head, the guitarist, songwriter and actor found a way to finally be rid of the item.
Monkees lore suggests that during a concert appearance, Nesmith tossed the item to a fan in the crowd.
For the past five decades since The Monkees series came to an end, the clothing item remains synonymous with Nesmith.
In 2019, The Monkees Live Almanac reported that a “Mike Hat” apparel collection made its debut. Each item featured a sketch of Nesmith’s topper.
Two years later, merchandise available during “The Monkees Farewell Tour” featured a t-shirt with a graphic of Nesmith’s iconic chapeau.
Mike Nesmith died in 2021
Nesmith would have success in both the music and production end of the entertainment business. However, the man with the thick Texas drawl and the writer of many of the most popular songs featured on the series such as “Mary, Mary,” and “Sweet Young Thing” would always be known by The Monkees fans as the man in the wool hat.
Just two months after he and Dolenz played the last date of “The Monkees Farewell Tour,” Nesmith died on Dec. 10, 2021, of natural causes.
His family released a statement republished by Rolling Stone Magazine.
“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.”
