Peter Tork Of The Monkees Dies
Peter Tork, who as one-fourth of the Monkees rose to the heights of rock stardom in the 1960s, died Thursday at the age of 77.
His death was first announced on his Facebook page:
It is with beyond-heavy and broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our friend, mentor, teacher, and amazing soul, Peter Tork, has passed from this world.
As we have mentioned in the past, the PTFB team is made up of Peter’s friends, family and colleagues — we ask for your kindness and understanding in allowing us to grieve this huge loss privately.
No cause of death was officially announced, but The Washington Post noted that in 2009, Tork was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare form of cancer affecting his tongue.
Born Peter Thorkelson, Tork came to music through his parents, who collected folk records and bought him a guitar and banjo.
He played in New York folk clubs with guitarist Stephen Stills in the early 1960s before moving out West in 1965.
A year later, Tork was cast in “The Monkees,” a musical sitcom centering on the fictional adventures of four young rock musicians, played by Tork, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith and Micky Dolenz.
Tork’s character was sort of the “Ringo” of the group, Variety reported.
The show was a huge hit in its first season, even winning an Emmy for Best Comedy Series, and the band’s albums and singles, like “Last Train to Clarksville” and “I’m a Believer,” topped the charts as well, according to Deadline.com.
The band broke up at the dawn of the 1970s but reunited in various permutations in the following decades.
News of Tork’s death brought out the Twitter tributes:
There are no words right now...heart broken over the loss of my Monkee brother, Peter Tork. #petertork #themonkees @TorkTweet pic.twitter.com/C8SwoA8pEV
— Micky Dolenz (@TheMickyDolenz1) February 21, 2019
I’m sad to hear about Peter Tork passing. I thought The Monkees were great and Peter will be missed. Love & mercy to Peter’s family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/NquzjTmtFx
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) February 21, 2019
RIP Peter Tork of The Monkees. Never got to meet the man. This track from ‘Head’ is a great Tork tune. https://t.co/mLZYJupZOz
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) February 21, 2019
So sad to hear of the passing of #PeterTork The Monkees never made it into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame, but they will forever be remembered as a part of our childhood. A great musician,songwriter, and poet. pic.twitter.com/30dXG6apCX
— Illeana Douglas (@Illeanarama) February 21, 2019
RIP, Peter Tork. 🙏 Condolences to his family and loved ones.
Peter was so adorable! I loved the Monkees when it reran in the 70s. Thank you for all the fun. Now I want to watch the Monkees again. https://t.co/z9YKy3dKcW— Ming-Na Wen (@MingNa) February 21, 2019
R.I.P. Peter Tork. Growing up would have been less fun without you. #petertork
— Rikki Rockett (@RikkiRockett) February 21, 2019
Sad to lear that Peter Tork has passed. I loved the reruns of The Monkees. Tork’s place in music goes far deeper than tv, evidenced by his friendships with the Beatles, CSNY, etc. Let’s all listen to I’m A Believer & Last Train To Clarksville. RIP Mr Tork. https://t.co/BJqiYtWytk
— Dashboard Confessional (@dashboardmusic) February 21, 2019
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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.