It’s been nearly 60 years since The Monkees first hit TV screens — and now the band’s last surviving member, Micky Dolenz, is taking fans all the way back to where it began.
On October 13, Dolenz shared a remarkable piece of memorabilia on Instagram: his original 1965 contract for The Monkees pilot episode.
“Check this out — yesterday in 1965, I got my original contract for The Monkees pilot!” the 80-year-old singer wrote. “I was paid a whopping $600 for the pilot, and if the show got picked up, my contract called for $400 per episode. At the time, that felt like big money. I had no idea what kind of adventure was about to begin.”
The document, dated October 13, 1965, has aged into a soft, yellowed hue with that unmistakable vintage typewriter font — ink fading in and out across each letter. In the contract, it reveals that the young cast members would earn $400 per episode in season 1 and $550 in season 2. Had the show continued beyond its two-season run, Dolenz and his bandmates would’ve climbed to $700 in season 3, $900 in season 4, and $1,100 in season 5.
That modest beginning, of course, turned into one of television’s most beloved success stories. The Monkees premiered in September 1966, spawning four chart-topping albums, a wave of international fame and a legacy that still resonates with fans around the world.
“Who would’ve thought this little piece of paper would lead to a show (and a band) still loved all these years later, thanks to you?” Dolenz added.
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Fans React to the Rare Find
The comments section quickly filled with emotion, nostalgia, and gratitude.
“What a brilliant post Micky… so glad you’re well and active on Instagram. You were a big part of my childhood 🤜 🤛 All the best from the UK,” wrote one fan.
Another added, “That has such an awesome look — the faded paper, the classic typewriter font, the layout in general. Such a cool piece to find and relive. I’m gonna go play with my Monkees hand puppet.”
Others echoed the sentiment of timeless appreciation:
“That’s so cool you still have that contract after all these years,” wrote one.
“Changed your life and mine and forever grateful!” added another.
“I never change the radio station when a Monkees song comes on. Thanks, Micky, for all the good vibes over the years.”
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A Career That Keeps Giving
At 80, Dolenz continues to keep The Monkees’ spirit alive through his social media posts, performances, and tributes to his late bandmates — Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork.
Just last month, Dolenz honored the late Monkees songwriter Bobby Hart with what fans called a “powerful” tribute, sharing that performing “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” still “gets” him after all these years.
This latest post is another window into a career that shaped an era—and a reminder that some adventures really do begin with a single signature.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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