You probably know Micky Dolenz as the charismatic frontman of The Monkees, but did you know he auditioned for other music-based TV pilots back in 1965? Let’s dive into his incredible journey and the legacy of The Monkees.
Micky’s Journey to Becoming a Monkee
In an exclusive chat with Closer Weekly, Micky Dolenz reveals that he wasn’t just chasing one dream when he auditioned for The Monkees. “That season, I was up for three others besides The Monkees,” he shares. One was a Beach Boys-inspired surfer band, another was a large family folk group, and the third was a Peter, Paul and Mary-style act. But it was The Monkees that ultimately captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Micky played the curly-haired drummer in this fictional rock band, and the rest is history. Hits like “Last Train to Clarksville,” “Steppin’ Stone,” and “I’m a Believer” dominated the charts, making The Monkees a cultural phenomenon.
A Farewell Tour and New Music
Fast forward to 2021, and Micky is set to reunite with Mike Nesmith for what they’re calling the “Monkees Farewell Tour.” At 76 years old, Micky isn’t slowing down. In fact, he’s just released his first solo album in nine years, titled Dolenz Sings Nesmith. This project features a collection of songs penned by Mike Nesmith, including some deep cuts from their Monkees days. It’s a heartfelt tribute to their enduring friendship and musical partnership.
Read also:Virgin River Season 7 Whats On The Horizon For Mel And Jack
Is This Truly the End?
When asked if this is really the final Monkees tour, Micky reflects, “The short answer is yes. I think this is the last time Mike and I will get together as the Monkees. We even debated whether we should call it the Monkees, given that David [Jones] and Peter [Tork] aren’t here anymore. But yes, this feels like the last hurrah.”
Dealing with Fame in a Post-Pandemic World
Micky admits that the past year has been somewhat of a blessing in disguise. “I’ve been wearing a mask all the time, so it’s been nice to have some anonymity. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining about the fame, but it’s been refreshing not to live out of a suitcase for a while,” he jokes.
Why The Monkees Still Resonate
So, why does The Monkees continue to connect with new generations? According to Micky, it’s all about the story. “The Monkees, as a group, never actually made it on the TV show. It was always about their struggle to achieve success. Those struggles are universal and timeless. They resonate with people regardless of the era, the fashion, or the music style,” he explains.
From Acting to Architecture
Interestingly, Micky never aspired to be an actor. Growing up, his parents were in the entertainment industry, so he was surrounded by it from a young age. However, his true passion was architecture. “I was studying to become an architect when I got the audition for The Monkees. If that hadn’t worked out, I figured I’d fall back on show business,” he recalls with a chuckle.
A Look Back at Filming The Monkees
When asked about his favorite memory from filming the show, Micky says it’s hard to pinpoint just one. “The entire experience was unforgettable. We filmed the show for 10 to 12 hours a day, recorded music at night, and rehearsed on weekends. It was intense, but I cherish the people I worked with, like Rose Marie. She was fantastic,” he reminisces.
Becoming the Voice of The Monkees
Micky’s distinctive voice became synonymous with The Monkees, but how did he end up singing most of the lead vocals? “We were all cast as both actors and musicians. Initially, we were all singing lead vocals on different songs. But somehow, I ended up doing the majority of them, including the theme song. It wasn’t something we planned—it just happened that way,” he explains.
Read also:Jenna And Barbara Bush Celebrating Motherhood And Family Bonds
Embracing the Legacy
For Micky, being known as Micky from The Monkees has always been a positive experience. “It’s been a blessing because it opened so many doors for me. After The Monkees, I moved to England and spent 15 years producing and directing TV shows and commercials. Sure, there were times when I felt typecast, but overall, I’m incredibly grateful,” he says.
Proud of the Journey
When asked what makes him proud professionally, Micky credits the music, the performances, and the fans. “The audiences have been amazing. They’ve kept us going for so long, and I’m truly thankful for that,” he adds.
Exploring New Musical Horizons
Micky’s new album, Dolenz Sings Nesmith, is a labor of love inspired by his late friend Harry Nilsson’s album Nilsson Sings Newman. “I’ve always admired Randy Newman’s work, and Harry did an incredible job capturing that essence. That’s why I wanted to do something similar with Mike’s songs. Fans will enjoy it because it’s a fresh take on some incredible tunes,” he says.
Family and the Future
Micky’s family has been a constant source of joy, especially during the pandemic. “My kids were worried about me because of my age and health, but now I’m finally getting to spend time with my grandkids. It’s been wonderful,” he shares. As for retirement, Micky isn’t ready to hang up his hat just yet. “I tried it once, and I got bored. So, no plans to retire anytime soon,” he jokes.
For more insights into Micky Dolenz’s life and career, check out the latest issue of Closer magazine, available now.
