Micky Dolenz is an actor, singer, director, producer, writer, radio DJ, inventor, all-around performer extraordinaire and the last Monkee standing. Today, the lovable star of the screen and stage is still going strong telling his tantalizing tales while sharing a beloved catalog of music to adoring fans on his extensive Songs and Stories tour coming to the Franklin Theatre on Sunday, April 27, 2025 for two bigs shows at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. We had the opportunity to catch up with the productive primate twice (once for print and the other for our new video production with co-hosts Rockin' Rich Lynch and Dallas Jack) in advance of his Williamson County appearance. Enjoy both features here - and get your tickets soon as they are selling fast!

What an honor it was to catch Monkee Micky Dolenz live in his natural environment!

MCN: Hi Micky - thanks for talking with us today. Your background in The Monkees consists of bringing a whole lot of physical comedy and good-natured humor into the world. But, on a heavier note - three of your bandmates are no longer around to take part in the fun. Does their noticeable absence force you to take stock of your own mortality as the years go by?

MD I'm still a little bit bewildered, a little bit like "What the hell happened?" you know? Because they're around me all the time. I'm sitting here in my office, going through old stuff and photos and things, and everywhere I look, it's the other three guys. Everywhere.

MCN: I know, I know - this is supposed to be a fun little talk. But, world events dictate that we get serious from time to time. How did you personally hold up during the destructive California wildfires this past January. I heard that you participated in a benefit at LA's Canyon Club to help provide relief to the victims. That couldn't have been an easy gig?!?

MD The "Show of Helping Hands" was more than just a concert; it was a testament to community unity during a challenging time. All proceeds from the event directly benefited organizations such as the Guitar Center Music Foundation, which aimed to help replace musical instruments lost in the fires, and the Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association, among others.

MCN: Micky - along with Davy Jones you were one of the two lead singers in The Monkees. But, you were also the drummer for the band. Now, we just had the incredible privilege to meet Ringo Starr earlier this year in Nashville. I imagine he influenced you quite a bit. But, who else were some of your own inspirational stickmen as you learned the craft?

MD I started as a guitarist and when The Monkees gig came, I was informed I’d be the drummer. So, lesson started right away. I think I’ve been influenced by every drummer in some fashion. Hal Blaine and Fast Eddie Hoh, both of whom were prominent drummers in the studio with us and on tour.

Catch the legend on tour and listen to his latest - Micky Dolenz Live at the Troubadour - today!

MCN: As a longtime fan of the show who managed to watch the program when it aired in the 60's - I know issues arose that revolved around musicianship and writing and playing your own songs within the context and confines of The Monkees. With the benefit of hindsight much of that history has undergone re-evaluation and the collective talent and ability of the quartet is now better understood and appreciated with the passage of time. With all that being said - what are the songs throughout your career that you are most proud of having a hand in creating?

MD I think the longevity, first of all, comes from the quality of the original material. And in my case, I had some of the greatest songwriters. I put an awful lot of the success of the Monkee music to the songwriters. Because we had some of the best. Well, that material stands up because the original material stands up. And when you have a song written by Neil Diamond or Carole King or Boyce & Hart, those people don't write many duff tunes. That's the reason, essentially, why the music stands up.

MCN: Your upcoming show at the Franklin Theater is part of your ongoing SONGS AND STORIES tour where you have been recounting tales about Stephen Stills, The Beatles, Elton John and more. Do you ever have an "oh, yeah" moment where a newly recounted memory might be incorporated into the show?

MD I've found the audiences want to listen to the memories of performing those songs and the details.

MCN: Wow, Micky - a quick perusal of your discography reveals your involvement in a lot of records of the "too many to count" variety. Yet, you are still finding time to release new music as your latest album MICKY DOLENZ: LIVE AT THE TROUBADOUR can attest. This is your first LIVE album in seven years that documents a benefit concert for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. With the ever-changing nature of the music industry - and the ongoing concerns about streaming media versus physical product - it must be nice to still be able to put your creative output to good use to really make a difference in the world?

MD What I learned, over the years: I've always done solo shows, and I've always done the big Monkee hits. No medleys; I do them in their entirety.

In England, my wife at the time got me tickets to see the Everly Brothers reunion at Albert Hall. And I was concerned because sometimes artists don't want to play the old hits. But they did: When they did "Wake Up Little Susie," I was clapping and singing along - [singing and mock-weeping] wake up, little Susie...

This was when I was directing and producing, you know. No intention of going back on the road - or ever going back, singing or anything. But I remember thinking that if I ever do, if anybody ever asks me to go back and do this stuff, I am going to give the audience what they want. I’m going to make sure they get those songs as they remember them.

Micky Dolenz plays two big shows at 3 and 8 p.m. on April 27, 2025 at the Franklin Theatre.

Related Links: For more information on MICKY DOLENZ and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Micky Dolenz | Franklin Theatre