Is Mickey Dolenz a Great Drummer? Rethinking His Role in The Monkees

When watching The Monkees as a child, I, like many other fans, was more captivated by the music, the story, and the camaraderie rather than the technical proficiency of the band members. In fact, I was never bothered about the quality of Mickey Dolenz's drumming. To me, he drummed well enough, and that was sufficient for a group I admired.

Hearsay and the Initial Struggles

According to hearsay, when Mickey Dolenz was cast as the drummer for The Monkees, he couldn't even drum a single beat. This is not surprising, given that he had no prior experience with drums. However, once in the role, he put in considerable effort to learn how to play well enough to fake it. This dedication is commendable, especially considering the lack of prior experience.

Songs by Professional Musicians

It is widely accepted that the songs of The Monkees were always played by professional studio musicians. This practice was common for many acts, even those comprised of actual musicians. For instance, when The Beatles recorded their music, session musicians often filled in for the band members. Similarly, The Monkees relied on experienced session players to ensure the quality of their recordings. Therefore, no matter how talented Mickey Dolenz was, the likelihood of him being considered a great drummer is slim.

Learning and Improvement

There is an intriguing question: how well did Mickey Dolenz become as a drummer over time? While I do not have concrete evidence, it is reasonable to assume that he became adequate. His contribution to the group cannot be understated, and his role in shaping the band's music and history is significant.

The Monkees: A Childhood Memory

For me and my peers who grew up watching The Monkees, the show was a source of joy and inspiration. The music, the individuals, and the overall fun atmosphere made a lasting impact. Whether Mickey Dolenz was a great drummer or not was irrelevant to our enjoyment. He played his part and that was what mattered.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Mickey Dolenz may not be considered a great drummer in the traditional sense, he made valuable contributions to The Monkees. The show, the music, and the people remain a cherished part of my childhood memories. Whether he was an excellent drummer or merely competent enough is a debate that may never be fully resolved, but his role in the band's history cannot be denied.