Remembering Davy Jones: Micky Dolenz Reflects on His Beloved Bandmate and Friend
Fans around the world are mourning the sudden passing of Davy Jones, the beloved member of The Monkees who died unexpectedly yesterday. The iconic pop star and heartthrob, known for his charm, wit, and unmistakable voice, left behind a legacy that continues to resonate across generations.
Joining Good Morning America to remember his dear friend and longtime bandmate was Micky Dolenz, the last surviving member of the original Monkees lineup. Their bond, forged through decades of music and friendship, remains one of the most heartfelt stories in rock history.
A Bond Formed from Day One
“You and Davy hit it off right from the start, huh?” the interviewer asked. Dolenz responded with quiet fondness:
“Yeah, we did. I remember him very well from the early auditions. He’d been on Broadway in Oliver, and I had done a show called Circus Boy, so we both knew the business. We understood the stage, the cameras — it gave us a shorthand.”
Dolenz recalled how producers naturally paired them during screen tests. “We just clicked.”
From Overnight Fame to Lifelong Friendship
The Monkees became an instant sensation in the late 1960s, with six Top 10 hits and a television show that redefined how bands could connect with audiences. Despite the group being initially cast for TV, their music quickly took on a life of its own. Songs like “Last Train to Clarksville” and “Daydream Believer” topped charts and captured the imagination of a generation.
But behind the scenes, Davy and Micky shared something even deeper.
“We actually lived together in the early days, before we could afford our own places,” Dolenz remembered. “One day, we were pulling up to the house and Last Train to Clarksville came on the radio. He just stared and said, ‘Wow.’ We didn’t even know it was going to air that day.”
Their lives stayed intertwined long after the Monkees’ original run. Their ex-wives gave birth to children around the same time, and the families often spent time together. “He was always over at our house, or we were at his,” said Dolenz.
Health and Heartbreak
Davy’s sudden death stunned fans and friends alike. Dolenz noted there had been no signs of health problems. “He was a vegetarian, loved horses, was always outside. He was even an apprentice jockey at one point.”
Reflecting on Davy’s early losses — both his mother and father passed away when he was young — Dolenz quietly wondered if genetics had played a role. “His father died of a heart attack during the early Monkees days. Maybe there was something in the family. But I don’t know if he was under any care. None of us saw it coming.”
What the Monkees Meant
Asked whether he understood now what made The Monkees such a cultural phenomenon, Dolenz shared insight that only time could provide.
“The most important element was that the show was about a band that wasn’t successful — but wanted to be. That made us real. It spoke to every garage band, every kid trying to make it. We never ‘made it’ on the show. And that struggle resonated.”
He compared their legacy to that of more recent hits like Glee, where performance meets aspiration in a way that deeply connects with fans.
Goodbye to a Brother
Though decades have passed since their early days of stardom, the bond between Dolenz and Jones remained strong to the very end. In fact, the two had been touring as recently as the year before Davy’s passing.
“It was a huge tour,” Dolenz said. “Some of the best reviews we’d ever gotten — even from Rolling Stone. That meant something.”
As the interview closed, Dolenz offered a simple but poignant tribute:
“You made your mark, Davy. I’ll miss you, brother.”
Davy Jones (1945–2012)
A Monkee. A performer. A friend. A voice that never stopped smiling.
Gone too soon, but never forgotten.