Micky Dolenz Celebrates 60 Years of The Monkees

Micky Dolenz, the sole continuous member of The Monkees, is set to embark on a significant tour celebrating 60 years of the iconic band. Kicking off in Solana Beach, California, the "Micky Dolenz: 60 Years of the Monkees" tour will feature 22 dates announced so far, extending into November. Dolenz, at 80 years old, expresses a desire to shift focus from mourning to celebrating the group's enduring legacy, stating, "I feel it's time to take off the black armband and just celebrate the whole Monkees project."

The tour promises a unique approach, delving into the band's origins as a fabricated musical comedy sitcom on NBC, inspired by the success of Beatles films. Dolenz plans to incorporate videos from the original television episodes to illustrate the band's history and the context of their creation, addressing common curiosities about how The Monkees came to be. This chronological presentation will also allow for exploration of lesser-known album tracks from later Monkees works.

Dolenz reflects on the band's journey, comparing their unique situation to the Marx Brothers and their transition from television actors to a touring band. He emphasizes that their creation was a deliberate plan by producers, who cast individuals capable of singing, playing, writing, acting, and performing. Beyond the concerts, Dolenz has also released his second children's book, "Lalu Toot Toot," illustrated by his daughter Ami Dolenz, further extending his creative output.