Peter Tork — a founding member of the Monkees — has died. His family broke the sad news this morning, revealing the singer/bassist died Thursday (February 21). He was 77.
While his cause of death has not yet been revealed, Tork was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma — a rare cancer affecting his tongue — in 2009.
Tork was a founding member of the made-for-TV '60s pop group, with the multi-instrumentalist playing both bass and keyboards. In addition, Tork also sang lead on several Monkees songs, including "Long Title: Do I Have to Do This All Over Again" (which he wrote for the band's infamous 1968 film Head) and "Your Auntie Grizelda."
A statement posted on Tork's official Facebook page reads as follows:
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. This page will remain open for your use in sharing your thoughts with your fellow fans and hopefully helping you through your own grieving journey, however the team will not be available for some time as we start to mend our own hearts and calm our minds.
We want to thank each and every one of you for your love, dedication and support of our "boss." Having you in our world has meant so very much to all of us. Please know that Peter was extremely appreciative of you, his Torkees, and one of his deepest joys was to be out in front of you, playing his music, and seeing you enjoy what he had to share. We send blessings and thoughts of comfort to you all, with much gratitude.
While his cause of death has not yet been revealed, Tork was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma — a rare cancer affecting his tongue — in 2009.
Tork was a founding member of the made-for-TV '60s pop group, with the multi-instrumentalist playing both bass and keyboards. In addition, Tork also sang lead on several Monkees songs, including "Long Title: Do I Have to Do This All Over Again" (which he wrote for the band's infamous 1968 film Head) and "Your Auntie Grizelda."
A statement posted on Tork's official Facebook page reads as follows:
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. This page will remain open for your use in sharing your thoughts with your fellow fans and hopefully helping you through your own grieving journey, however the team will not be available for some time as we start to mend our own hearts and calm our minds.
We want to thank each and every one of you for your love, dedication and support of our "boss." Having you in our world has meant so very much to all of us. Please know that Peter was extremely appreciative of you, his Torkees, and one of his deepest joys was to be out in front of you, playing his music, and seeing you enjoy what he had to share. We send blessings and thoughts of comfort to you all, with much gratitude.