It’s been almost 35 years since Micky Dolenz made both TV and musical history as a member of the Monkees, the group that transcended its prefab origins to make a groundbreaking show and some terrific records. These days, Dolenz divides his time between his art (samples can be found at www.mickydolenz.com), his “day job” (directing for TV) and performing. At 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dolenz, Bobby Sherman and Peter Noone take part in the Teen Idols Tour at Navy Pier’s Skyline Stage, 600 E. Grand Ave. $32.50-$37.50. 312-595-7437.
Q: When did you first come to Chicago?
A: Oh, boy. Long before your time. (laughs) The first time I remember clearly would have been in 1955 or ’56. I came by train on a press junket for “Circus Boy,” the series I did as a child. I remember Chicago because I was so impressed by that lakefront vista, and the Pump Room! (laughs) They had a huge reception for me at the Pump Room, and it was one of my first experiences with high society and culture and newspapers and radio. . . . It was amazing for a 10-, 11-year-old kid to be going through that.
Q: Is it weird to sing “I’m a Believer” or “Last Train to Clarksville” after all this time?
A: Oh, I have absolutely no problem with that! I’m not trying to build a new career here as a recording artist. I do “Clarksville” joyfully and gladly every single show, and I do it exactly as it was recorded. … You have kind of this unspoken contract with the audience when you have a hit song like that. I think it’s important to honor that contract. And of course, everybody screams and yells when they hear the beginning of “Clarksville.” I mean, how can you hate that?
Q: What do you think about VH-1’s “Daydream Believer”?
A: I haven’t seen it. I probably will sit down and watch it eventually, but to be honest . . . (exhales) I don’t want this to sound ungrateful, but it doesn’t interest me a lot, reliving the past and all that. . . . it was 35 years ago.
Q: And 35 years later, you’re an artist and director. Bobby Sherman is a paramedic. Peter Noone tours throughout the year. What do three guys who’ve been performing off and on for 35 years talk about when they’re together?
A: Besides girls? Not a lot. (laughs)
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