Micky Dolenz, the last surviving member of The Monkees, is preparing for a special performance at The Canyon in Agoura Hills on Saturday, October 12, and fans are in for a nostalgic treat. His show, titled Micky Dolenz: Songs and Stories, brings together an eclectic mix of music and personal anecdotes from his extraordinary career. Dolenz, whose career spans decades, reflects on his time in the spotlight with fondness and humor. In a recent interview, he shared his excitement about this unique format, blending beloved hits with untold stories.
“I obviously couldn’t continue doing Monkees shows because, unfortunately, there’s no Monkees left except me,” Dolenz said, reflecting on the passing of his bandmates. “So, I thought, what do I do now? People kept asking in interviews what it was like to have Jimi Hendrix open for us, or how Stephen Stills auditioned for The Monkees. So, I started telling these stories on stage, and people loved it.”
The show is a blend of rock concert and storytelling, where Dolenz weaves his personal tales into the setlist. For example, he recounts his encounter with Jimi Hendrix, whom he saw perform in New York before suggesting him as an opening act for The Monkees. “I tell the story of meeting Hendrix and what it was like to have him open for us, and then segue into a song that captures that time,” he said. These stories offer fans a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic moments that helped shape the band and Dolenz’s career.
Dolenz will also be joined by his sister, Coco Dolenz, a longtime collaborator who adds a personal touch to the performance. “She’s always sung with me,” Micky shared. “She even did some background vocals on the early Monkees records. She’s an invaluable part of the show.” Fans can expect to hear her perform some songs solo, as well as harmonizing with her brother on the Monkees’ hits that defined a generation.
As for the music, Dolenz reassures fans that all the big Monkees hits will be there, from “I’m a Believer” to “Last Train to Clarksville.” However, this time, the hits are wrapped in new stories, anecdotes that add depth to the tunes audiences have loved for years. “It’s mostly music, of course, but I’ve expanded on the storytelling. The punchline is always a song,” he added. It’s a format that resonates with audiences, as shown by the success of similar acts, like Jim Croce’s music and storytelling performances.
While Dolenz is best known for his work with The Monkees, his career as a musician, actor, and director continues to evolve. In addition to the live show, Dolenz has released new music, including an EP of R.E.M. covers. The EP includes “Shiny Happy People” and “Man on the Moon,” which Dolenz says allowed him to “bring something new to the party.” The project even caught the attention of R.E.M. themselves, who attended a record release party with Dolenz and showed their appreciation for his interpretations of their hits. “They loved it,” Dolenz recalled fondly.
Dolenz also has a new album coming out soon, a live recording of his performance at The Troubadour, where he performed for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a cause close to his heart. “The Troubadour is an incredible venue,” he said, reflecting on the club’s place in music history. “Doug Weston introduced so many incredible acts there, and it’s an honor to perform at such a legendary place.” The live album, Micky Dolenz: Live at The Troubadour, captures the magic of that night, filled with his signature mix of songs and stories.
In addition to his music, Dolenz recently released a memoir titled I’m Told I Had a Good Time, a reflection of his colorful life and career. The book’s title comes from Dolenz’s often-repeated joke about the whirlwind of his Monkees years. “People come up to me and say, ‘Do you remember this?’ and a lot of the time, I don’t,” he laughed. “But it wasn’t because I was out of it; it was just that so much was happening so fast.” The memoir offers readers a glimpse into the frenetic pace of The Monkees’ success and Dolenz’s adventures beyond the band. He recounts stories about the Hollywood Vampires, a group of rock legends that included Alice Cooper and John Lennon, and the surreal experience of being in the center of one of the biggest pop culture phenomena of the 1960s. Cooper has since taken the name Hollywood Vampires and created a band with Johnny Depp and Joe Perry.
Dolenz’s ability to seamlessly blend humor, nostalgia, and music makes his Songs and Stories show a must-see for fans, both old and new. The Canyon show will undoubtedly be a night filled with laughter, memories, and timeless hits that remind us all why Micky Dolenz remains a beloved figure in music history. As he continues to share his journey through song and story, Dolenz proves that his star is still shining brightly.
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