When Legends Collide: Mickey Dolenz Reflects on Jimi Hendrix Opening for the Monkees
Looking back nearly six decades, the decision to have the Jimi Hendrix Experience serve as the opening act for the Monkees in 1967 seems like a misstep. Yet, at the time, Micky Dolenz, the Monkees’ lead vocalist, believed it was a brilliant idea, taking full responsibility for this unforgettable chapter in rock history.
Dolenz, known for hits like “Last Train to Clarksville” and ”I’m a Believer,” was an admirer of Hendrix long before the two crossed paths on stage. he recalls seeing Hendrix perform in New York City with his band, Jimmy james and the Blue Flames, before the guitarist made his iconic move to England and formed the Experience.
“I first caught him at the Cafe Au Go Go alongside John hammond,” Dolenz reminisces. “He was known for his unique style of playing guitar with his teeth.”
Fast forward a year, and Dolenz found himself at the Monterey Pop Festival, where he was once again captivated by Hendrix, now accompanied by drummer Mitch mitchell and bassist Noel Redding. “Suddenly, this trio dressed in wild outfits appeared on stage, and I thought, ‘That’s the guy who plays guitar with his teeth!’”
Dolenz was left in awe as Hendrix delivered a performance that included the legendary act of setting his Fender Stratocaster ablaze and smashing it to pieces. “I remembered him and was wholly blown away by his talent, and also by Noel and Mitch. It was the most incredible rock blues we had ever experienced. Everyone was dumbfounded,” Dolenz recalls.
(Image credit: Courtesy Mickey Dolenz)
By June 1967, Dolenz and the Monkees had achieved significant success, boasting a hit NBC television series, three multi-Platinum albums, and three number-one singles. They were gearing up for their first major U.S. tour.
“We were in search of an opening act,” Dolenz recalls. “I suggested Hendrix to the producers, saying, ‘He’s very theatrical,’ wich he certainly was. The Monkees were essentially a theatrical act ourselves, being a TV show.”
“I thought it would be a fantastic combination, and my admiration for his music played a big role in my recommendation. I was excited about the idea,” he adds, reflecting on what he now humorously labels as “Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time.”
Despite the enthusiasm, Hendrix’s manager, Chas chandler, had serious reservations, understanding that the Experience’s electrifying style might not resonate with the predominantly female audience who adored Dolenz and his fellow Monkees-Davy Jones, Mike Nesmith, and Peter Tork. Interestingly, Hendrix had formed a friendship with tork at Monterey, even staying at his home in Laurel Hills, California.
(image credit: Mickey Dolenz)
Promoter Dick clark later reflected on the tour, noting, “There were definitely concerns and skepticism about the pairing. it was clear to anyone that it wasn’t a compatible match… But that’s what the Monkees wanted, and the deal was struck.”
“They believed it would be an attractive combination. It wasn’t,and the audience was completely lost,” he added.
The tour kicked off on July 8, 1967, in Jacksonville, Florida, just two months after the release of Hendrix’s groundbreaking album, Are You Experienced. Following a celebratory cruise for Mitchell’s birthday, the band performed in Miami, where the reception was predictable: Monkees fans dominated, chanting for their idols while the Experience played to a disinterested crowd.
Less than two weeks into the tour, Chandler met with Clark, who agreed to remove Hendrix from the lineup. The promoter concocted a story about complaints-one notably from the Daughters of the American Revolution-claiming that Hendrix’s performance was “too erotic,” leading to the Experience being dropped after just eight shows.
(Image credit: Mickey Dolenz)
In a later interview with New Musical Express, Hendrix shared his thoughts on the experience. “They initially placed us in the ‘death’ spot right before the Monkees were set to perform. The audience was just screaming for the Monkees. Eventually, they let us go on first, and it was much better. However, we were never given proper billing-every poster just shouted ‘Monkees!’”
“Some parents complained that our act was inappropriate for children. We realized we were simply in the wrong venue. I joked that they might as well replace me with Mickey Mouse,” he added with a chuckle.
Dolenz reflects, “We all felt terrible about the situation, but we understood it wasn’t anyone’s fault. It was just part of the business. We knew Jimi was a star, and he would have thrived regardless of the circumstances.”
Despite the rocky start, Dolenz and Hendrix formed a genuine friendship. “He was incredibly kind, soft-spoken, and gentle-nothing like his onstage persona. We had a great time hanging out together,” Dolenz shares.
This legendary encounter is a favourite story for Dolenz, frequently enough recounted during his solo performances. fans can expect to hear it again during the upcoming 60 Years of the Monkees tour, kicking off on February 13, 2026, in cerritos, California, with shows scheduled through November.
