Peter Tork’s – real name Peter Halsten Thorkelson – death at the age of 77 has today been confirmed. The musician rose to fame as the keyboardist and bass guitarist in The Monkees, alongside Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith and Micky Dolenz. The star’s sister Anne Thorkelson revealed he had died to The Washington Post, but did not go into details about the cause. It comes after American hitmaker was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare form of cancer affecting the head and neck, in 2009.
Peter addressed his diagnosis on his website in the March of that year, saying it was “bad news”.
He wrote: “It’s so rare a combination (on the tongue) that there isn’t a lot of experience among the medical community about this particular combination.
“On the other hand, the type of cancer it is, never mind the location, is somewhat well known, and the prognosis, I’m told, is good.”
But a spokesperson told the Telegraph at the time that he was doing well and was set to begin radiation treatment after a short recovery period.
It remains unknown what Peter’s cause of death was.
A post on behalf of his friends, family and colleagues was posted on his official Facebook page to announce the tragic news.
It read: “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.
“… We want to thank each and every one of you for your love, dedication and support of our “boss.
The upload went on: “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 ptfb team.”
Tributes quickly flooded into Twitter, with singer Brian Wilson posting: “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.”
Songwriter Diane Warren wrote: “Oh no RIP Peter Tork. Thank U for giving me your love beads (it was the 60s!) when I was a little girl.”(sic)
Filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie also said: “Peter Tork was, profoundly, unabashedly, unreservedly uncool.
“Which made him the coolest. Thank you, Peter, for making it all okay.”