Micky Dolenz Honors Michael Nesmith in Heartfelt Tribute: “There Was Always Magic When He Played”
When The Monkees first appeared on television screens in 1966, few could have predicted the cultural impact they would leave—or the lifelong bonds that would form behind the scenes. For Micky Dolenz, his connection with Michael Nesmith was more than just professional. It was deeply creative, spiritual, and enduring, lasting through decades of change and reinvention.
Following Nesmith’s passing in December 2021 at the age of 78, Dolenz—the last surviving member of the iconic group—chose to grieve quietly. But in a rare and deeply personal interview with the Los Angeles Times, Dolenz opened up about his friend and bandmate, offering a tribute filled with memory, respect, and emotion that has moved fans around the world.
“There was always a part of Nez that seemed to live just outside the boundaries of this world,” Dolenz said. “He was a poet, a philosopher, and a fearless musical explorer. Even when we disagreed creatively, I always respected the world he saw—and how brilliantly he brought it to life.”
Dolenz recalled their final tour together in 2021—just weeks before Nesmith’s death—as something sacred.
“Every night, when the lights went down and the first notes played, I’d glance over at him,” he said. “He looked tired, but when he sang ‘Papa Gene’s Blues’ or ‘Different Drum,’ there was a light in his eyes. He knew the fans weren’t just there for the songs—they were there for the connection. And he gave them everything he had left.”
Offstage, Dolenz described Nesmith as having grown gentler and more introspective. Their conversations drifted away from fame and focused more on family, legacy, and meaning.
“One night after a show, he just looked at me and said, ‘We did okay, didn’t we?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, Nez. We really did.’ I think that was the goodbye.”
While the public outpouring of grief and love has brought comfort, what moved Dolenz most were the letters—from longtime Monkees fans and also from younger artists inspired by Nesmith’s fearless creativity and emotional honesty.
“Mike was never one to chase approval,” Dolenz shared. “But he made art that mattered. He told the truth in songs, even when it hurt. That kind of bravery—that’s what stays with you.”
Though stepping onto a stage without Nesmith feels like “walking through an echo,” Dolenz says the music—and the memory—must live on.
“I owe him that. We all do.”
In this touching tribute, Micky Dolenz doesn’t just remember a legendary bandmate—he honors a true friend, a visionary, and a gentle soul who helped define a generation’s soundtrack. And in doing so, he reminds us that while the music may fade, the connection remains.
