Micky Dolenz, the last surviving member of the legendary 1960s pop‑rock group The Monkees, is preparing to lead a 60th‑anniversary celebration of the band next year, marking a remarkable chapter in music history.
The Monkees began life as a made‑for‑television band in the mid‑1960s but evolved into bona fide pop‑rock hit‑makers. They were responsible for iconic songs such as “I’m a Believer” and “Last Train to Clarksville”, and their broad cultural reach crossed over generations.
Dolenz, who fronted many of their biggest hits and remains active on stage, now carries the mantle of preserving the Monkees’ legacy. After the deaths of Davy Jones in 2012, Peter Tork in 2019 and Michael Nesmith in 2021, he finds himself alone in that role—but he embraces it. He continues to tour, perform the songs, and engage with the fan community.
For fans of the band, the upcoming anniversary event presents a unique opportunity: it may represent the last major live celebration revolving around the Monkees catalog in its classic form. With Dolenz at the helm—still enthusiastic and energetic—it could serve as a fitting tribute to a group whose origins in a television show belied the musical influence they would exert.
As the 60‑year milestone approaches, this celebration signals not only nostalgia for the past but also a recognition of the enduring power of the Monkees’ music and the singular role Dolenz plays in keeping it alive.
—
Photo Credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com