Concert Review
Micky Dolenz
Bear’s Den
Niagara Falls, NY
Thursday October 15, 2015
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
Micky Dolenz paid the Seneca Niagara Casino Bear’s Den a visit on Thursday evening. Dolenz who turned 70 this past March, still commanded the stage like he did when he was leading the Monkees during their glory years. This was the second appearance for Dolenz in a year, who also played the venue in November of 2014.
The show featured a good portion of Monkees classics along with some rare gems. Dolenz also played a few covers and told some stories on how those songs were linked to him. Take for example Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode”, which turned out to be the song that landed him his spot in The Monkees.
Micky’s band were no slouches as each of them have worked with him in The Monkees over the years. The band was comprised of guitarist/musical director Wayne Avers, drummer Rich Dart, bassist John Billings and keyboardist Dave Alexander. Micky’s sister Coco Dolenz sang background vocals and did an amazing rendition of the Jefferson Airplane classic “White Rabbit”.
The show began with pair of minor songs in “Mary, Mary” and (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone”, the latter the Monkees first B-side to chart. Of course the set included the bands three number one hits in “Last Train To Clarksville”, “I’m A Believer” and “Daydream Believer”. Perhaps the most underrated gem of the night was “D.W. Washburn”, a song that may be the most overlooked song in the band’s entire catalog.
Dolenz talked about the many great songwriters The Monkees were associated with such as Neil Diamond, Carole King and Gerry Goffin. He then turned his attention towards fellow Monkee Michael Nesmith and said “Nesmith wrote some great songs” which prompted his band to run through “The Girl I Knew Somewhere”.
Dolenz has had an interesting career to say the least. He mixed in honest stories as well as some good humor like during his introduction to “Daydream Believer”. “You should know this one” he said “but don’t sing along because it throws me off”. It received a healthy chuckle from crowd. It was quite a memorable evening of great music and entertainment which left everyone feeling a little nostalgic, even if you weren’t around in the sixties.
Set List
Mary, Mary
Stepping Stone
That Was Then
She
Words
Sometime In The Morning
DW Washburn
Last Train To Clarksville
Johnny B. Goode
Purple Haze
Crying In The Rain
Different Drum
Girl I Knew Somewhere
Daydream Believer
A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You
Sugar, Sugar
Oh! Darling
Goin’ Down
White Rabbit
Pleasant Valley Sunday
Encore
Gimme Some Lovin’
I’m A Believer
(Theme From) The Monkees (Instrumental)
