Micky Dolenz Reflects on Being Monkees' Last Surviving Member After Bandmates' Deaths

Micky Dolenz remembered his late bandmates amid his tour.

Dolenz launched his 2023 tour, The Monkees Celebrated by Micky Dolenz, to pay tribute to his late bandmates. Davy Jones died in 2012, while Peter Tork and Mike Nesmith passed away in 2019 and 2021, respectively.

The tour started at the Plaza Live in Orlando on April 1. As he continues touring, the musician shared his thoughts about being Monkees' last member.

Micky Dolenz Says Late Bandmates Are Always With Him

In an exclusive interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Dolenz spoke about whether he processed the losses in the past years. He noted that, while Jones' passing shocked him, Tork and Nesmith's deaths were not as surprising since he knew about their health issues.

Although the unfortunate events happened years ago, he revealed that he does not think he has processed them already.

With their deaths, Dolenz shared what it feels like to do all three bandmates' parts.

"I've sung all the hits in my solo shows - [Jones'] 'Daydream Believer' for years and years, many of Nez's tunes and [Tork's] 'For Pete's Sake,'" he said. |I have found it difficult at times, even recently, to sing the lead parts. I was always doing the background vocals, and I keep falling into the backgrounds and forgetting how to do the leads."

Despite being the last member of Monkees, Dolenz continues the band's legacy while expanding his solo career.

He revealed that he has several recording projects in the work. He also has solo shows to hold.

Dolenz's The Monkees celebrated by Micky Dolenz still has several dates remaining. The musician is set to perform a three-day show at the Fallsview Casino Resort - Avalon Theatre from April 25 to 27. He will then perform at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis on April 29.

He will wrap up the whole tour at the Egyptian Theatre on June 11 after his four-day show at the venue.

The remaining member is focusing on Monkees' 1967 album "Headquarters" in the tour.

Micky Dolenz Knew He Wouldn't Tour For so Long With Mike Nesmith

As shared by AZCentral, the publication noted the last time Dolenz saw Nesmith. The duo performed at the Monkees Farewell Tour on Nov. 14, 2021, at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.

The member, unfortunately, died at the age of 78 at his Carmel Valley, California, home nearly a month after his last tour. Nesmith died of heart failure.

According to Dolenz, he knew Nesmith would not do more shows with him since he was already struggling at that time due to his health. Indeed, the musician passed away after closing their last Monkees concert together.