Micky Dolenz of Monkees fame to hold launch-day event for R.E.M. cover EP in Athens

Micky Dolenz, former band member of The Monkees, will hold a launch-day event for his EP "Micky Dolenz Sings R.E.M." at the Athens Wuxtry Records store.

Dolenz will be at Wuxtry Nov. 3 at 5 p.m. The event was announced by record label 7aRecords, which is releasing the EP, and will include Athens mayor Kelly Girtz, who will give Dolenz the key to the city.

“Micky Dolenz is part of the great circle of creativity that includes our beloved town of Athens, GA," Girtz was quoted as saying in a release. "R.E.M. would regularly cover ‘(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone’ in their early years, and it is wonderful to have him return the favor with recordings of four of their classics."

Anyone who pre-orders the EP on vinyl or CD will get their copy signed by Dolenz and will get a photo with him; and they will be able to purchase other Dolenz and Monkees merchandise with a portion of the proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Dolenz was quoted as saying he is excited to be at the Wuxtry Records, where members of R.E.M. met.

“Once again, this EP reaffirms my long-held conviction that a solid recording always begins with solid material," he was quoted as saying. "You don’t get much more solid than R.E.M. What a joy to sing these classics and honor a team of outstanding writers.”

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Micky Dolenz, former Monkee, to hold R.E.M. cover EP launch in Athens