Micky Dolenz says it's time to shed the black armband and celebrate the entire Monkees project. The 80-year-old musician and actor is gearing up for his Micky Dolenz: 60 Years of the Monkees tour, which kicks off on February 12 in Solana Beach, California. With 22 dates announced so far until November, Dolenz promises fans an entertaining experience that's more than just a tribute to the band's hit songs.
"I'm not gonna be doing a heavy tribute," Dolenz states. "I'm just gonna sing the songs and tell the stories." The tour will take a chronological approach, allowing viewers to explore lesser-known works like The Monkees Present and Changes. This format will give fans an in-depth look into the band's evolution over six decades.
The Monkees' journey began in 1965 when Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, Davy Jones, and Peter Tork came together through a casting call that included actors and musicians like Stephen Stills. The group was created to star in a musical comedy sitcom on NBC, with Don Kirshner overseeing the music. Despite not being traditional musicians, they achieved great success, releasing four consecutive No. 1 albums and six Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits.
After the show ended in 1968, the quartet continued as a group until Nesmith's death in 2021. Dolenz has remained with the band throughout its history, touring with Nesmith before taking on the solo venture after his passing.
The Monkees' success can be attributed to their unique blend of music and acting. As Dolenz explains, "It was like Pinocchio becoming a little boy." He adds that there's still much to learn about how the group came together and achieved its remarkable success.
Dolenz emphasizes that while fans will get the hits they know and love, he aims to explore lesser-known tracks as well. With his 60 Years of the Monkees tour, Dolenz invites audiences to delve into the band's rich history and celebrate their enduring legacy.
In addition to the tour, Dolenz has also released a new children's book, Lalu Toot Toot, illustrated by his daughter Ami Dolenz.
"I'm not gonna be doing a heavy tribute," Dolenz states. "I'm just gonna sing the songs and tell the stories." The tour will take a chronological approach, allowing viewers to explore lesser-known works like The Monkees Present and Changes. This format will give fans an in-depth look into the band's evolution over six decades.
The Monkees' journey began in 1965 when Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, Davy Jones, and Peter Tork came together through a casting call that included actors and musicians like Stephen Stills. The group was created to star in a musical comedy sitcom on NBC, with Don Kirshner overseeing the music. Despite not being traditional musicians, they achieved great success, releasing four consecutive No. 1 albums and six Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits.
After the show ended in 1968, the quartet continued as a group until Nesmith's death in 2021. Dolenz has remained with the band throughout its history, touring with Nesmith before taking on the solo venture after his passing.
The Monkees' success can be attributed to their unique blend of music and acting. As Dolenz explains, "It was like Pinocchio becoming a little boy." He adds that there's still much to learn about how the group came together and achieved its remarkable success.
Dolenz emphasizes that while fans will get the hits they know and love, he aims to explore lesser-known tracks as well. With his 60 Years of the Monkees tour, Dolenz invites audiences to delve into the band's rich history and celebrate their enduring legacy.
In addition to the tour, Dolenz has also released a new children's book, Lalu Toot Toot, illustrated by his daughter Ami Dolenz.
I gotta say, it's about time someone shed that black armband around here... I mean, The Monkees' legacy deserves celebration, not just mourning! 
60 years is a long time, and Micky Dolenz has been with the band since day one - he knows their story inside out. Let's give him props for taking us on this chronological journey through their history, from TV show to music to more. I'm intrigued by the idea of exploring those lesser-known tracks... I hope we get some surprises! 
anyway i guess its cool that he wants to share lesser-known works with fans but what about the rest of us who are still dealing with the aftermath of the pandemic? we could use some good news for once 
I'm so down for this! I've always been a huge fan of the Monkees' music and their story is just so fascinating. The fact that they were created as a musical comedy sitcom on TV and still managed to achieve all that success is incredible. Micky Dolenz's approach to the tour sounds like it's gonna be really special too, delving into lesser-known tracks and telling stories behind the songs 
It's like Pinocchio becoming a real little boy - you get to see how it all came together and why they were so special. And, omg, his new children's book? I need to check that out too! Ami Dolenz is such an talented illustrator. This whole thing just feels like a big ol' celebration of music, fun, and the '60s. Bring on the nostalgia vibes! 
i've always loved their music and now i get to see micky perform live with his stories and everything! 
. His approach to storytelling and celebrating their journey is so cool! I'm definitely excited for the tour and getting to learn more about that lesser-known stuff 
. It's awesome that he's involving his daughter in the book too 
. Can't wait to see how it all comes together on stage 
anyway i'm SO hyped for his 60 yrs of monkees tour 
we're gonna dance to the hits and sing along to all the lesser known tracks can't wait!!!
and still going strong! Micky Dolenz is like, "Time to party!" 
, Lalu Toot Toot, can't wait to check that out too! 
The music industry is just going downhill 
. can't wait for Feb 12 in Solana Beach! 
. I mean who wouldn't want to see Micky Dolenz on stage performing all the classics? 
. It sounds like he's really going to give fans an inside look at their history 
. Can't wait to see the tour! 
. He's not just gonna sing the familiar songs, he's also gonna share stories and insights into how they created that magic 
!
! I mean who doesn't love the classic hits like "I'm a Believer" and "Last Train to Clarksville"? But what I'm stoked about is that he's gonna take us on a journey through their whole discography, not just the hits