Remembering the members of The Monkees: What happened to them?
What happened to the members of The Monkees? Three of the original members, Davy Jones, Peter Tork, and Michael Nesmith, died between 2012 and 2021. Davy Jones died of a heart attack, Peter Tork from a rare cancer, and Michael Nesmith from heart failure. Micky Dolenz is the only surviving member and continues to perform.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Micky Dolenz is the last surviving member of The Monkees as of 2025.
- Michael Nesmith died in 2021 from heart failure after completing a farewell tour.
- Peter Tork, the group's multi-instrumentalist, passed away in 2019 from a rare cancer.
- Davy Jones, the group's beloved frontman and teen idol, died of a heart attack in 2012 at age 66, shocking fans shortly after a series of planned tour dates.
- The Monkees left a lasting cultural impact with chart-topping albums, TV fame, and genre-blending music from the 1960s to the 2010s.
The Monkees' profile summary
| Past members | Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, Davy Jones |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Genres | Pop rock, rock, bubblegum, psychedelia |
| Years active | 1966–1970, 1986–1989, 1996–1997, 2001–2002, 2010–2021 |
What happened to the members of The Monkees?
As of 2025, three members of The Monkees have died, leaving Micky Dolenz as the sole surviving member. Davy Jones died in 2012 from a heart attack, Peter Tork passed away in 2019 after battling a rare cancer, and Michael Nesmith died in 2021 from heart failure. Dolenz, now 80, continues to perform and honour the band's legacy through tribute tours and solo appearances.
Here is a detailed breakdown of all former members of The Monkees:
1. Micky Dolenz
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: George Michael Dolenz Jr.
- Born: March 8, 1945
- Age: 80 (as of 2025)
- Instruments: Vocals, drums, guitar, keyboards
- Years active: 1956–present
As of 2025, Micky Dolenz remains the last surviving member of The Monkees and continues to perform actively at age 80. He regularly tours, delivering the band's classic hits while paying tribute to his late bandmates, Davy Jones, Peter Tork, and Michael Nesmith.
Despite the physical toll of ageing, Dolenz embraces the stage with enduring energy, likening himself to the "Energiser Bunny" and crediting fan support for keeping him going. His 2025-2026 tour celebrates Headquarters, the Monkees' pivotal 1967 album that marked their creative breakthrough.
Reflecting on his unique position, Dolenz told USA Today:
I think I'm still kind of processing it, to some degree... being the last man standing.
2. Michael Nesmith
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Robert Michael Nesmith
- Born: December 30, 1942
- Died: December 10, 2021 (aged 78)
- Instruments: Musician, composer, author, songwriter, actor, writer, director, producer
- Years active: 1965–2021
Michael Nesmith, best known as the wool-hat-wearing guitarist of The Monkees, died on December 10, 2021, at age 78 from heart failure at his home in Carmel Valley, California. In the final months of his life, Nesmith completed a farewell tour with Micky Dolenz, performing Monkees classics and reconnecting with fans.
Despite fragile health and a history of heart issues, including a quadruple bypass in 2018, he gained strength from performing.
Beyond The Monkees, Nesmith had a prolific solo career. He pioneered country rock with the First National Band and wrote hits for Linda Ronstadt. He also helped shape the music video era, founding Pacific Arts and winning the first-ever Grammy for Video of the Year with Elephant Parts.
3. Peter Tork
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Peter Halsten Thorkelson
- Born: February 13, 1942
- Died: February 21, 2019 (aged 77)
- Instruments: Bass guitar, keyboards, vocals, banjo, guitar
- Years active: 1964–2019
Peter Tork, the multi-instrumentalist, died on February 21, 2019, at age 77 after a decade-long battle with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare cancer of the salivary glands. Diagnosed in 2009, he underwent surgery and radiation but continued to perform during treatment.
Before joining The Monkees, Tork was part of the Greenwich Village folk scene. Stephen Stills recommended him for the TV show. He played bass, keyboards, banjo, and guitar, contributing musically and co-writing songs like For Pete's Sake.
After leaving the band in 1969, he pursued solo projects, taught high school, and later reunited with fellow Monkees for tours and albums.
Tork's final years marked resilience and creativity. He released solo blues albums and participated in Monkees reunions until health issues limited his appearances. He left behind his wife, Pamela Grapes and three children.
4. Davy Jones
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: David Thomas Jones
- Born: December 30, 1945
- Died: February 29, 2012
- Instruments: Rock, pop, pop rock, sunshine pop, psychedelic rock, music hall
- Years active: 1961–2012
Davy Jones, the charismatic lead singer of The Monkees, died on February 29, 2012, at age 66 from a massive heart attack. He began experiencing chest pains at his Florida ranch, and paramedics rushed him to Martin Memorial Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.
Jones had been actively touring in the days leading up to his death and had more concerts planned for 2012. His passing shocked fans and fellow Monkees, with Micky Dolenz calling it "a gigantic hole in my heart" and Peter Tork describing Jones as a "long-time friend and fellow-adventurer."
Beyond his Monkees fame, Jones was a teen idol and actor, remembered for his guest appearance on The Brady Bunch and his early role as the Artful Dodger in the Broadway production of Oliver!. He left behind four daughters and his wife, Jessica Pacheco.
Notable albums by The Monkees
The Monkees launched their catalogue with the 1966 single Last Train to Clarksville and wrapped it up with their final live album, The Mike and Micky Show, in 2020. Here are some of their most popular album releases:
- The Monkees (1966)
- More of the Monkees (1967)
- Headquarters (1967)
- Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. (1967)
- The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees (1968)
- Head (1968)
- Good Times! (2016)
FAQs
- What happened to the members of the Monkees? Davy Jones died in 2012, Peter Tork in 2019, and Michael Nesmith in 2021. Micky Dolenz is the last surviving member and continues to perform.
- Which Monkees are still living? Micky Dolenz is the only surviving member of the Monkees as of 2025.
- What happened to Davy Jones of the Monkees? Davy Jones died of a heart attack on February 29, 2012, at the age of 66.
- What was Michael Nesmith's cause of death? Michael Nesmith died of heart failure on December 10, 2021, at the age of 78.
- Why did the Monkees break up? The Monkees disbanded in 1970 due to creative differences, declining popularity, and the departure of members. Peter Tork left in 1968, followed by Michael Nesmith in 1970. The group's final recording session was in 1970.
- Which of the Monkees could not play instruments? Davy Jones had limited instrumental ability and primarily played tambourine.
- Who is the richest member of the Monkees? Michael Nesmith was the wealthiest member of the Monkees with an alleged net worth of $50 million, partly due to his inheritance from his mother, who invented Liquid Paper.
Wrapping up
If you are wondering what happened to the members of The Monkees, Davy Jones died in 2012 from a heart attack, Peter Tork passed away in 2019 after battling a rare cancer, and Michael Nesmith died in 2021 from heart failure. Micky Dolenz is the last surviving member and continues to perform in tribute to the band's legacy.
Are you seeking more information about the whereabouts of 3 Doors Down members? Tuko.co.ke published an informative article about the band's evolution, lineup changes, and current activities.
3 Doors Down is an American rock band from Escatawpa, Mississippi, that formed in 1996. Over the years, the band's lineup changed as members left, new faces joined, and personal tragedies reshaped its path. Discover more about the band in the article.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
