Imagine being the last surviving member of a legendary band, carrying the weight of a 60-year legacy on your shoulders. That’s the reality for Micky Dolenz, the final Monkee standing, who admits that old clips of his bandmates can still bring tears to his eyes. But here’s where it gets emotional—Dolenz isn’t just preserving the past; he’s actively celebrating it with a new tour and a deep appreciation for the music that defined a generation.
Dolenz understands the nostalgia fans feel for the original Monkees sound. As he puts it, there’s no need for a modern twist on classics like ‘Last Train to Clarksville’—the timeless versions are what everyone, including him, truly wants. This sentiment was shaped by his own experiences as a fan. Growing up, Dolenz idolized the Everly Brothers, even attending their 1983 reunion concert at Royal Albert Hall. Sitting in the eighth row, he hoped they’d perform his favorites, a wish that influenced his own approach to performing Monkees hits. ‘I’ve stuck with that,’ he tells USA TODAY, ensuring every song is performed in its entirety, complete with original arrangements and hooks.
At 80, Dolenz is the sole Monkee left to witness the outpouring of love as the band celebrates six decades. His bandmates—Davy Jones, Peter Tork, and Michael Nesmith—passed away in 2012, 2019, and 2021, respectively, leaving Dolenz to carry the torch. The anniversary is marked by Rhino’s new compilation, The A’s, The B’s & The Monkees, and Dolenz’s ‘60 Years of the Monkees’ tour, kicking off in Solana Beach, California. The tour promises a chronological journey through the band’s hits, complete with storytelling and video footage that delves into the show’s origins.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Dolenz has spent years clarifying a common misconception—the Monkees weren’t just a band; they were a musical comedy sitcom. While some might argue this diminishes their musical credibility, Dolenz embraces this duality. Cast as the drummer despite not being one at the time, he admits the Monkees’ music wasn’t his personal taste. ‘I was a bluesy-rocker kind of guy,’ he says, citing the Beatles, the Animals, and Otis Redding as influences. Yet, he still loves performing Monkees classics like ‘I’m a Believer’ and ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday.’
And this is the part most people miss—Dolenz credits the band’s success to the songwriting genius of Carole King, Neil Diamond, Boyce & Hart, and others. ‘I’ve learned to appreciate what makes a really good song,’ he reflects. Despite their commercial success and cultural impact, the Monkees remain excluded from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a snub Dolenz shrugs off. ‘It’s like a private country club,’ he quips, questioning whether inclusion is even on his radar.
What does he value more? The Monkees’ two 1967 Emmys for outstanding comedy series and comedy director. ‘To me, it doesn’t get better than that,’ he says. While Tork and Nesmith often expressed frustration with the band’s image, Dolenz has ‘never’ been unhappy being a Monkee. Sure, fame had its downsides—harassment, lawsuits, and awkward fan encounters—but he remains grateful for the life it’s given him.
Today, Dolenz continues to perform and record, though he’s ‘more selective’ about touring. ‘I hate the travel, but they pay me to travel, I sing for free,’ he jokes. As fans clamor for a Monkees movie or documentary, Dolenz remains appreciative of his journey. ‘It has given me a great frigging life,’ he says. But here’s the question: Does the Monkees’ legacy deserve more recognition, or is their impact already cemented in pop culture history? Let us know what you think in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions.
