Peter Tork at Wizard World St. Louis 2017

Wizard World Chicago returns October 15-17. It's been a long time since my last Wizard World and I can't wait to be back "On the Beat" again.

I might have missed a lot of conventions last summer, but I have so many great memories over the years. A road trip to Wizard World St. Louis a few years ago was a lot of fun.

Peter Tork was always my favorite member of the Monkees. By now, everyone knows the Monkees started as a television show. In some ways, the concept was a precursor to many music audition reality shows of today. Musician Stephen Stills auditioned for one of the roles, but was turned down because producers felt he wasn't photogenic enough. They asked him for recommendations and he suggested Tork.

A talented musician, Tork was one of the most vocal and persistent in wanting the members to actually perform and write their own music. Eventually, they won out and the Monkees became a real band.

Despite their relatively short first run, the Monkees had a huge following. MonkeeMania was restarted when MTV aired the original tv show. The band reunited in various combinations over the years. Unfortunately, Tork and Davy Jones are no longer with us.

Tork was a lot of fun at Wizard World. He had a facemask of himself that he put over his face on and off. He joined Micky Dolenz at his table sometimes. He even ribbed Dolenz a bit. Tork got into the spirit of Wizard World. He was having fun and he made it fun for everyone else.

I was really sad to hear of Tork's death. He was one of my first favorites. The Monkees were probably the first band I ever remember hearing. I even had a Monkees Matchbox car.

Tork was 77 when he died. That's not young, but certainly too young to die. This is exactly why I try never to pass on meeting a favorite of mine at these conventions. You never know when it might be your last chance to meet someone. I am grateful I had a chance to meet Tork a few times over the years.

Go to WizardWorld.com to check for their revised convention schedule. You don't want to miss any fun.

Peter Tork and me in St. Louis, MO-April 2017.

Peter Tork Joins the Jay Leno Club

Last summer at Wizard World, Peter Tork joined the Jay Leno Club.  As regular readers know, the Jay Leno Club is comprised of celebrities who have made a reference to me resembling Jay Leno.

The magic words were stated as I approached Tork's booth.  I laughed about it and explained the Jay Leno Club to him.  As he signed my photo, I announced his induction into the club (as captured on the video below).
I was really looking forward to meeting Tork, who as part of the Monkees, was one of my childhood favorites.  Tork did not disappoint.  We talked for a few moments (pretty long considering the number of fans in line) and then took a picture together.
Tork is the twelfth member (and third non-wrestling member) of the Jay Leno Club.  As longtime reader, sometimes contributor and Jay Leno Club member himself Evil Zebra stated, "First a zebra and now a Monkee in the Jay Leno Club...what's next?"  What is next indeed!  Nobody knows, but when it happens, I will report it right here.