WATCH: Micky Dolenz Launches ‘60 Years of the Monkees’ Tour With Classic Hits and a Surprise Jimi Hendrix Cover

Opening Night in California

Micky Dolenz opened his “60 Years of the Monkees” tour on Feb. 12, 2026, at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, California. The concert featured a 32-song set that mixed chart-topping singles, lesser-known tracks, and a few covers that nodded to the band’s past. The evening was divided into two acts and an encore, giving fans a wide look at his long career.

Dolenz began with “(Theme From) The Monkees” and “Last Train to Clarksville,” two songs that helped launch The Monkees in the 1960s. He continued with “Papa Gene’s Blues,” “Take a Giant Step,” and “I Wanna Be Free,” the latter featuring Coco Dolenz on lead vocals. The first act also included “Mary, Mary,” “Randy Scouse Git,” and “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” keeping the focus on material that defined the band’s early success.

A Nod to Rock History

One of the night’s most talked-about moments came when Dolenz performed part of “Purple Haze” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Hendrix had briefly toured as an opening act for the Monkees in 1967, though the pairing proved unusual. During the cover, Dolenz stopped before the first chorus and said in a singsong voice, “We want Davy, we want the Monkees!” — echoing the cries from young fans who had not expected Hendrix’s hard-edged sound.

The second act featured more well-known songs such as “Valleri” and “I’m Not Your Stepping Stone.” Dolenz also revisited deeper cuts including “Porpoise Song (Theme From ‘Head’)” and “Circle Sky.” These selections highlighted the group’s later work, which often moved beyond the pop style that first made them famous.

Honoring Michael Nesmith

Dolenz paid tribute to his late bandmate Michael Nesmith by performing “Different Drum.” Nesmith wrote the song for the Monkees, but television producers passed on it at the time. It later became a hit for The Stone Poneys, featuring Linda Ronstadt on lead vocals.

The encore closed with “Listen to the Band,” “Daydream Believer,” and “I’m a Believer.” These songs brought the audience back to the band’s television roots and pop-radio dominance. Throughout the night, Dolenz moved between humor and reflection as he marked six decades connected to the Monkees’ name.

Looking Back at Six Decades

Dolenz described the meaning behind the tour in a recent statement. “I’ve spent nearly my entire life either in front of or behind the cameras or microphones,” Dolenz said. “Much of what I’ve been able to share with the world has come from this thing called ‘The Monkees’ – this wacky musical-comedy TV show about a band struggling for success. Interestingly, on the show, the Monkees never actually made it. Off-screen, however, we sold out concerts all over the world.”

He also spoke about honoring his former bandmates. “I remain proud of what I’ve achieved in my time, particularly with my late great and still-beloved Monkee brothers Davy, Peter and Michael,” Dolenz added. “What I want to do, as the 60th anniversary of that wonderful moment is upon me, is to look back and share with the fans the sheer joy of what we accomplished — and what it all still means to so many.”