Micky Dolenz, 81, Is Still Monkeeing Around

In 1966, he was cast in a made-for-TV band that went on to top the pop charts. Today, Micky Dolenz is the last surviving member of the Monkees, following the deaths of Davy Jones in 2012, Peter Tork in 2019 and Mike Nesmith in 2021. In celebration of the Monkees’ 60th anniversary, Dolenz is on tour, singing the band’s hits — including “I’m a Believer,” “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” and “Last Train to Clarksville” — in a show that incorporates personal stories and footage of his late bandmates from live performances. 

Dolenz performs at Tennessee’s City Winery Nashville in December 2025. He keeps fit on the road by hitting the hotel fitness room “every morning, even if it’s just a bit of cardio and some free weights.”

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

He is also releasing a new solo EP, Timeless, on Sept. 4. And an updated version of his autobiography, I’m a Believer: My Life in the Monkees, Music, & Madness, comes out Sept. 15. We caught up with Dolenz, 81, on a video call from his home in Los Angeles.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

How does it feel to be the last one standing, so to speak?

I do feel a little melancholy sometimes. But it’s almost like they never left because [in the show] there’s so much video and so many songs that David or Peter or Mike sang. So in a way, it’s like they’re still there.

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What were the roles of each member of the Monkees?

The Monkees were not a group or a band in any traditional sense. It was a musical comedy television series about these four guys that lived in a Malibu beach house and wanted to be a band. The show was cast as you would cast a television series. There were directors and producers and writers and all that driving the train. Mike took a bit of a leadership role, but that was inherent in the TV show’s script and the storyline. Mike always was the pragmatic and practical one. I was the wacky drummer, bouncing off the walls. Davy was just so frigging cute. Peter actually is the one who had to play a part. He played the dummy, and he was not like that at all. Peter was incredibly well educated, eloquent and intelligent.

(From left) The Monkees — Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith (lying down) and Peter Tork — on their hit TV show.

Courtesy Everett Collection

Before the Monkees, what music were you into?

I grew up in the ’50s. My first albums were Johnny Mathis, Nat King Cole. My audition piece for the Monkees was “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry, on the guitar.

But you were the drummer on the series.

When I was cast, they said, “OK, you’re the drummer. We have enough guitar players.” So I started learning the drums. I met my bandmates at a wardrobe fitting for the TV pilot. It wasn’t like a traditional band that usually knew each other since [high] school, like the Beatles, or were relatives, like the Beach Boys. We met one day and started working, showing up on the set and getting scripts. Eventually we did go on the road and performed live. Mike Nesmith had the greatest observation: He said it was like Pinocchio becoming a real little boy. Isn’t that great?

What’s your routine like when you’re not on the road?

I have a little mini-gym here at home. I have discovered that consistency is the most important thing, especially at my age. Going to the gym every day for a little bit is infinitely better than knocking yourself out once a month. I injured my knee two weeks ago, got a little aggressive on a leg press. I’ve got to just keep reminding myself I’m not 80 anymore.