Podcast: Micky Dolenz, who brings his Monkee business to Morristown on Aug. 27, remembers Davy Jones, ‘Head’ and sitcom gold

Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork of The Monkees sing in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin, Aug. 27, 2015
Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork of The Monkees sing in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin, Aug. 27, 2015
3

Madness!! Auditions. Folk & Roll Musicians-Singers for acting roles in new TV series. Running Parts for 4 insane boys, age 17-21. Want spirited Ben Frank’s types. Have courage to work. Must come down for interview. –Ad in Hollywood Reporter and Daily Variety, September 1965.

By Kevin Coughlin

What was the most important ad you ever answered?

Micky Dolenz answered one in 1965. A half-century later, it’s the reason he’ll be performing with Peter Tork at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015.

Listen to our interview with Micky Dolenz of The Monkees:

 

Micky aced his screen test to become one of the “Pre-fab Four,” as critics dubbed the made-for-TV Monkees

Micky Dolenz of The Monkees at the Mayo Center for the Performing Arts in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin, June 9, 2011
Micky Dolenz of The Monkees at the Mayo Center for the Performing Arts in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin, June 9, 2011

Though some slagged them as ersatz Beatles, The Monkees–Dolenz, Tork, Mike Nesmith and the late Davy Jones–reportedly outsold the real Fabs for the two seasons of their Emmy-winning NBC sitcom.

With material from some of pop’s best songwriters (Gerry Goffin and Carole King, Neil Diamond, Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart), the Monkees scored hits that remain staples of Classic Rock radio: Last Train to Clarksville, I’m a Believer, Pleasant Valley Sunday and (I’m Not Your) Stepping Stone, to name a few.

The last time Micky brought his Monkee business to Morristown, four years ago, Davy Jones was part of the act.

Davy passed away in 2012 from a heart attack.  Micky reflects on his late friend in our interview, recorded this month.  We also talk about…

  • Micky’s early TV fame, as 10-year-old star of Circus Boy
  • The behind-the-scenes tumult that was the Monkees
  • Whatever happened to Mike Nesmith?
  • Why aren’t the Monkees in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
  • The Monkees’ 1968 movie Head,  “dreadfully written” by Jack Nicholson   (NY Times) and now considered a psychedelic cult classic in some circles.

 

The Monkees, featuring Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork

Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015 at 8 pm

The Mayo Performing Arts Center

100 South St., Morristown

Tickets: $49-$99

973-539-800

 

Peter Tork, the late Davy Jones and Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in 2011. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Peter Tork, the late Davy Jones and Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in 2011. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
STILL SHAKIN' : If there were a Maraca/ Tambourine Hall of Fame, Davy Jones of The Monkees would be a first-ballot inductee. Photo by Kevin Coughlin, June 9, 2011
STILL SHAKIN’ : If there were a Maraca/ Tambourine Hall of Fame, Davy Jones of The Monkees would be a first-ballot inductee. Photo by Kevin Coughlin, June 9, 2011
Peter Tork of The Monkees, at the Mayo Center for the Performing Arts in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin, June 9, 2011
Peter Tork of The Monkees, at the Mayo Center for the Performing Arts in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin, June 9, 2011
Micky Dolenz of the Monkees. Photo by Kevin Coughlin, Aug 27, 2015
Micky Dolenz of the Monkees. Photo by Kevin Coughlin, Aug 27, 2015

3 COMMENTS

  1. What a great interview. Nicely timed before the show this past week. You and Micky are both such pros!

  2. I just couldn’t figure a tactful way to say that years ago I tried to watch the whole thing, and couldn’t get through it! Maybe I’ll try again. But the premise of the question still was valid: That movie was a sharp departure from the Monkees’cuddly TV personas. And Micky talked pretty openly about that. It was really fun to interview one of my childhood idols. He and Peter put on a very entertaining show here the other night. Thanks for listening, and for sharing your thoughts. 🙂

  3. Dude, you got schooled by Micky Dolenz… “It’s called doing your homework” Hahahaha… Perhaps that was an honor though, in a way? Hopefully you’ve watched Head by now. It’s a trip, that’s for sure. Other than that blunder (which was still entertaining), nice interview. And props to ya for not editing that part out. 🙂

LEAVE A REPLY