Getty Images

Micky Dolenz feels the Monkees‘ farewell tour is a bittersweet situation, and admitted that the band’s latest chapter carried on longer than he thought it would. Dolenz and Mike Nesmith have over 30 shows planned as part of the group’s final “The Monkees Present The Mike & Micky Show” trek.

Since Nesmith rejoining him and the late-Peter Tork back in 2012 following Davy Jones‘ death, Dolenz said that age has played a more important role in band decisions than ever before: “That just kind of happened organically, and I think it was just Mike and I, y’know, lookin’ at each other and (thinking) ‘How much longer can you do this stuff?’ Y’know (laughs)? So, it certainly is not because there isn’t a demand. But, I think just being realistic; I’m 76, ‘Nez’ is 77, or 78, or somethin’ like that. I’m lovin’ the singing and doing the shows, but the traveling is very wearing. And we’re doin’ it in pretty reasonable, comfortable style. I don’t think there’s more than three (shows) in a row.”

Micky Dolenz told us that he and Mike Nesmith were very cognizant that they were performing a revue of the Monkees’ catalogue — rather than actually selling the show as being “The Monkees”: “Mike and I did not feel comfortable calling it ‘The Monkees’ with only two of us. When Davy passed, Mike and Peter and I were, like, ‘What do we do now?’ But, the fans really wanted us to go out and sing the songs again. And that was supposed to be the last one. And then, y’know, the fans said, ‘Please, we want more.’ It always was, sort of, an organic thing.”

Set for release on May 21st is Micky Dolenz’ take on a number of Mike Nesmith’s tunes, titled Dolenz Sings Nesmith. The album, which is being released on the Monkees-based rarity label 7a Records, was produced by Nesmith’s eldest son Christian Nesmith, who also tours as part of his father and Dolenz’ Monkees revue.