Michael Nesmith opens up about his return to the Monkees

(CBS News) Former member of the Monkees Michael Nesmith says that he "never really left," when asked about his return to the group for a 12-date U.S. tour.

The Monkees announced Wednesday that they will hit the stage for the first time since singer Davy Jones died in February.

Pictures: Davy Jones: 1945-2012
Read more: The Monkees to play first shows since Davy Jones' death

Nesmith said he reconnected with PeterTork and Micky Dolenz at the private funeral for Jones, the first time the three had really communicated since the 1997 European tour.

So what inspired Nesmith to return after 15 years?

"I never really left," Nesmith told Rolling Stone . "It is a part of my youth that is always active in my thought and part of my overall work as an artist. We did some good work together and I am always interested in the right time and the right place to reconnect and play."

Nesmith told the magazine he had no regrets about not joining the group on tour last year, saying scheduling conflicts prevented the reunion.