As the curtain closed on their 2021 tour at Berkeley’s Greek Theatre, Micky Dolenz didn’t realize it would be the last time he’d share the stage with fellow Monkee Mike Nesmith. "He was a little bit frail, but let me tell you, that guy was a trooper," Micky revealed to Closer. "I could tell he wasn’t feeling great, but he gave it his all. After the final show, we said our goodbyes, not thinking it would be the last time. My last words to him might have been something like, ‘Wow, what a tour, what a show, leave them with a bang.’ It’s hard to put into words how much that moment meant to me."
As the sole surviving member of the iconic 1960s pop group The Monkees, Micky is determined to keep their legacy alive. "It’s what I do," he says with a smile. "I’m going to keep touring, and I’m finding that fans absolutely love stories. At the start of each show, I ask them, ‘Do you mind if I tell you a story?’ because I wasn’t sure if they just wanted to hear all the hits and go home. But they love it! It’s about connecting, sharing the journey, and keeping the spirit of Mike, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones alive."
At 78, Micky has a lifetime of stories to share. Did you know he auditioned for the role of the Fonz on Happy Days? Or that he played a part in helping Jimi Hendrix get started? "Jimi was incredible," Micky recalls. "He would’ve been fine with or without me, but it’s always rewarding to be part of someone’s journey." Even his latest EP, Dolenz Sings R.E.M., has a fascinating backstory. "R.E.M. were fans, and their singer, Michael Stipe, credits The Monkees for influencing the band. It’s a full-circle moment that I never expected."
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Memories That Last a Lifetime
A Treasure Trove of Stories
Micky has so many memories that he’s compiled them into a new book, I’m Told I Had a Good Time: The Micky Dolenz Archives, Volume One. "I’ve been collecting stuff my whole life," he explains. "It wasn’t intentional like putting it in a scrapbook or dating everything. I’d just toss things into a shoebox—photos, old report cards, invitations, ticket stubs. My original Monkees contract is in there! But this book isn’t just about The Monkees. It’s about my entire life, starting from childhood. It’s a trip down memory lane, and I’m thrilled to share it with everyone."
For Micky, entering show business at age 10 with a starring role in Circus Boy felt like second nature. "My parents were in the business," he explains. "So I never had that kid moment where you watch TV or a movie and think, ‘I want to be a star!’ I wasn’t driven by fame or adulation. It was just part of my life." Despite the glitz and glamour, Micky always saw his childhood as normal. "Family has always been my foundation," he says. "That’s something I’ve carried with me throughout my career."
Today, Micky’s family remains his greatest joy. "My wife, Donna, and our four daughters mean the world to me," he shares. "And now, my grandchildren—they’re at the top of my list. Watching my girls succeed in their lives and careers is the best feeling as a parent. It’s all about family, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything."
When Micky takes the stage, he brings that sense of family with him. Whether he’s singing classics like "I’m a Believer" or "Last Train to Clarksville," he connects with audiences in a way that transcends generations. "It’s hard to put into words what these songs and this band have meant to me," he admits with a laugh. "It’s just… indescribable. But I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to share them with the world."
Reporting by Fortune Benatar
