The Monkees was never supposed to be more than a zany sitcom about four young guys forming a band. But on Sept. 12, 1966, when the first episode aired on NBC, it quickly became something else entirely — a genuine pop culture phenomenon.
Fifty-nine years later, drummer and vocalist Micky Dolenz — the last surviving member of the group — marked the milestone with a heartfelt Instagram post.
“Hard to believe it’s been 59 years since The Monkees first aired on NBC. September 12, 1966. None of us had any idea what we were getting into or how far that little show would go,” Dolenz wrote.
He continued with a vivid memory: “We were just four kids running around a soundstage at 6 a.m. with guitars, tambourines, paisley bell-bottoms, and way too much energy. Next thing we knew, the whole world was watching.”
Dolenz added that he remains grateful for the wild ride that followed: “I’m forever grateful for what that show gave me, and for all of you who have kept the music and the spirit alive all these years. Here’s to the memories, the madness, and everything still to come.”
From TV Phenomenon to Musical Legacy
The Monkees sitcom only ran for two seasons before its cancellation in 1968, but the group’s impact went far beyond television. With hits like “Daydream Believer” and “I’m a Believer,” the so-called “Pre-Fab Four” sold millions of records and eventually hit the road for live tours.
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Though the original lineup disbanded in 1970, the group reunited multiple times over the decades. Dolenz, along with late bandmates Davy Jones, Peter Tork, and Michael Nesmith, brought their music to new generations through anniversary tours and special projects.
Jones died in 2012, Tork in 2019, and Nesmith in 2021, leaving Dolenz as the group’s final torchbearer. The drummer has embraced the role wholeheartedly.
Still Going Strong at 80
Dolenz turned 80 earlier this year but shows no signs of slowing down. His Songs and Stories tour has crisscrossed the U.S. with a mix of Monkees classics, deep cuts, and his own favorite covers.
“It’s not just about looking back — it’s about celebrating the music with people who’ve made it part of their lives,” he told fans on social media earlier this year.
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That same sentiment carried into his spring conversation with the Pittsburgh-area Observer-Reporter, where he joked that at his age, he’s simply “glad to be above ground.” Despite the aches and pains, Dolenz likens himself to “the Energizer Bunny” when he’s on stage.
In a recent interview with Cleveland.com, he joked that “retirement” is “a real dirty word” to him.
“Keep moving – a moving target’s harder to hit,” quipped Dolenz. He also said that the idea for the tour came from all of the wonderful stories he has from his prolific career in show business.
“I’ve always told stories, usually just short little bits or asides, and I started elaborating on a couple of the stories, and people seemed to love it, and they wanted more. So, I’m giving them more,” he explained.
His most recent release, Live at the Troubadour (Nov. 2024), revisited Monkees staples like “Last Train to Clarksville” alongside covers of legends like Chuck Berry and The Beatles.
A Legacy That Endures
As Dolenz looks back on nearly six decades of music and mayhem, he continues to carry The Monkees’ legacy forward — while finding new reasons to celebrate.
With his 59th anniversary message, Dolenz reminded fans that the Monkees’ story isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about energy, joy, and gratitude that’s still alive today.
Or as he put it himself: “Here’s to the memories, the madness, and everything still to come.”
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the TV section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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