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Micky Dolenz Offers Up a Tasty Slice of The Monkees and So Much More in Franklin
by Rich and Laura Lynch
On April 27, 2025 The Franklin Theater in Franklin, Tennessee proudly presented Micky Dolenz of The Monkees: Songs & Stories. During both the early and late shows fans were treated to memories and music from an artist who lived through the 1960's and is still here to share his tales.
Micky Dolenz sang songs, told stories and performed two shows in Franklin on Sunday.
Micky Dolenz is an actor, author, director, producer, radio DJ and solo artist. Many of us know Micky as the drummer and vocalist of The Monkees which also was a television musical sitcom that first aired on NBC from September 12, 1966 to March 25, 1968. The series followed the adventures of four men (The Monkees) trying to make a name for themselves as a rock 'n' roll band.
The show was syndicated and has since gone on to become a cult classic. In the 60's, The Monkees had a number of chart-topping albums that launched three number-one singles: "Last Train to Clarksville", "I'm a Believer" (both with lead vocals by Micky) and "Daydream Believer".
"Welcome, welcome," said Micky in response to the warm welcome he received from the crowd at the Franklin Theater. He introduced us to Coco declaring that his sister was a better singer plus she had the range for a number of classic covers that opened the show including "Beautiful" (Carole King), "You're No Good" (Linda Ronstadt) and the timeless "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" (Jackie DeShannon). Coco - a professional entertainer in her own right, shared the spotlight and stage all night with her personable brother as a member of his solid backing band.
Micky shared the stage with sister Coco while being joined by special guests - Phil Keaggy and Sandy Gennaro.
Micky returned to the stage to lead his talented team through a snappy "I'm Not Your Stepping Stone" followed by the catchy "That Was Then, This Is Now" while clips of The Monkees TV show scrolled above them. Dolenz talked a bit about that show stating that they had some of the best writers in the business. Plus, his fellow co-stars also crafted some tunes including the oh so cool "For Pete's Sake". Later Dolenz shared that Tork was a very generous host offering his guests plenty of herbs and kale.
Along with songs as promised there were stories. Back in the 1960's, Dolenz meet some of rock's royalty and his tale of hanging out with Paul McCartney during the making of St. Pepper was amusing and led to the group playing a number of Fab Four tunes from that pivotal album. He also recalled that Jimi Hendrix was the first opening act for The Monkees. So, they played part of Purple Haze along with an imitation of young girls screaming "we want Davy" demonstrating that The Monkees' preteen fan base was just not ready for the likes of the Master of the Stratocaster.
We were treated to "Last Train to Clarksville" along with "Johnny Be Good" which was the tune Micky performed for his audition for the TV show. The last few songs of set one featured special guests Phil Keaggy (one of our personal favorite artists) and Santo Michael "Sandy" Gennaro who has drummed for a countless list of people including Cyndi Lauper. Gennaro also sat behind the kit for every reunion tour The Monkees held from 1987 until the death of Davy Jones in 2012.
Phil Keaggy and Micky Dolenz worked together on Micky's "Remember" album in 2012.
As groovy as the first half was the second was even better. Micky shared more of his encounters with people who were up and comers back in those days such as Stephen Stills and Elton John. They presented more songs that many of us associate with The Monkees such as "Valleri", "Daydream Believer", "Pleasant Valley Sunday" and the encore penned by Neil Diamond "I'm A Believer" that featured a return to the stage by Phil and Sandy. Micky Dolenz of The Monkees: Songs & Stories took fans on a trip down memory lane and we left the Franklin Theater with a smile on our faces.
In addition to the concert the town of Franklin was hosting their popular Annual Main Street Festival which made for an even more memorable day - especially when we noticed the huge gathering outside of the newly opened Slice House pizza restaurant. Being from back east we know how hard it is to find a good slice in the Mid-Tenn region.
So, we waited in line to taste the creation of Tony Gemignani - the globally acclaimed 13-time world pizza champion - who now offers his unparalleled pizza experience that blends artisan craftsmanship with fast-casual dining in Franklin. Our take? Well, we will just say that we are already planning our next trip to Main Street for a $7 average priced slice (as the doorman said - it's really enough for a meal) and a salad combo ahead of our next concert at the Franklin Theatre.
We fueled up at the just-opened Slice House before the concert.
Related Links:
For more information on MICKY DOLENZ and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -
Micky Dolenz |
Coco Dolenz |
Phil Keaggy |
Sandy Gennaro |
Slice House |
Hey, Hey He's a Monkee - Interview with Micky Dolenz |
Franklin Theatre
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