The Monkees Bassist Peter Tork Dies at 77

Peter Tork, bassist and keyboardist of American rock band The Monkees, has died on Thursday at the age of 77. Tork’s death was confirmed by the group’s representatives and on his official 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,” said the post on The REAL Peter Tork (Official) FB page, which is managed by Tork’s group of fans, friends and family. “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.”

Although the cause of Tork’s death hasn’t been confirmed, it is believed that it may be connected with denoid cystic carcinoma he was diagnosed with in 2009.

Peter Tork started his music career in 1964, when he became a part of New York City’s folk music scene. In 1966 he was cast as a member of The Monkees, fictional band from the TV sitcom of the same name, which aired through 1968. The band took had a life of its own beyond the television, and recorded more 13 studio albums while touring actively until recently.

Besides his work with The Monkees, Tork also one solo album, 1994’s Stranger Things Have Happened, and several other albums with his side project Shoe Suede Blues.