In a moment that has deeply moved generations of fans, Micky Dolenz, the last surviving member of The Monkees, has opened up about the passing of his longtime bandmate and friend, Michael Nesmith. With a heavy heart and tear-filled reflection, Dolenz revealed the depth of his grief — and the enduring love he holds for the man he called both a “brother” and a “genius.”
“I’ll miss everything… so much,” Dolenz said in a recent interview. “The music. The laughs. The fights. The silence. The moments you can’t explain to anyone else because they weren’t there.”
Michael Nesmith passed away in December 2021 at the age of 78, just weeks after he and Dolenz completed what would become The Monkees’ final tour. Fans at those shows now look back on them with reverence — a last, unknowing farewell.
For Dolenz, that final tour took on even more meaning in hindsight.
“I knew he was tired. But I didn’t know it would be goodbye,” he said. “There was something sacred about those last performances. We didn’t talk about the end. We just… played.”
The Monkees — originally formed in 1965 for a TV show — transcended their made-for-TV origins to become one of the most beloved pop-rock acts of the 20th century. Over time, their chemistry, talent, and unique personalities created a legacy that was anything but artificial. And at the heart of that legacy was the often quiet, fiercely creative Nesmith, whose songwriting and artistic vision helped shape the group’s lasting influence.
“He was brilliant,” Dolenz said. “He saw things differently — musically, spiritually. He challenged us. He challenged me.”
Dolenz shared that after Nesmith’s passing, he found himself listening to old recordings, reading old letters, and watching unreleased footage — not as a performer, but as a friend looking for connection.
“I’d give anything for one more sarcastic remark from him. One more eye-roll. One more song that made me say, ‘How did you write that?’”
Since Nesmith’s passing, Dolenz has honored his friend by continuing to perform selected shows that pay tribute to The Monkees’ legacy. He has also worked on preserving the band’s archives and personal memories, helping ensure that future generations understand just how much heart existed behind the humor and harmonies.
“People saw the funny guys. The zany antics. But behind it all, there was a depth to Mike that was incredible. He was one of a kind. And now, there’s a space no one can fill.”
Micky Dolenz’s message is clear: this isn’t just the end of an era — it’s the loss of family. Yet even in grief, he finds gratitude.
“We had something rare,” he said. “And I got to live it. Laugh through it. Sing through it. I’ll miss him every day. But I’ll carry him with me, every time I step on stage.”