The Monkees to play first shows since Davy Jones' death

(CBS/AP) The Monkees will hit the stage for the first time since singer Davy Jones died in February.

Surviving members Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork announced Wednesday that the group will launch a 12-date U.S. tour in November. It's the band's first outing in 15 years.

Pictures: Davy Jones: 1945-2012
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"This seems like a good time to do this - the right time," said Nesmith, according to Rolling Stone. "Who knows when we will get another chance?"

The tour kicks off Nov. 8 in Escondido, Calif. and wraps on Dec. 2, in New York. The group will perform its hits, along with rare tracks. There will also be a multimedia aspect to the shows, featuring films and photographs. Jones, who died of a heart attack on Feb. 29 at age 66, will be saluted throughout the tour.

Dolenz, meanwhile, has a solo project due out on Sept. 25. The set, called "Remember," finds him covering "Johnny B. Goode," "Sugar Sugar," among other classics.

The Monkees starred in its own NBC television show in 1966 as a made-for-TV band seeking to capitalize on Beatlemania sweeping the world. Jones rocketed to the top of the music charts with The Monkees, captivating audiences with hits including "Daydream Believer" and "I'm a Believer."