The Monkees singer and bass guitarist Peter Tork has died at the age of 77.
A post on the musician’s official Facebook page on Thursday confirmed news of his death, describing him as a “friend, mentor, teacher and amazing soul”.
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.
“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.”
The statement continued: “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.”
Peter’s cause of death remains unknown.
In 2009, he was diagnosed with a rare form of head and neck cancer, receiving the all-clear from his doctor six months later, after undergoing treatment.
Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys was among the first stars to pay his respects on Twitter, writing: “I thought The Monkees were great and Peter will be missed.”
Others included Carole King and Diane Warren.
Peter rose to fame during the 1960s, when he was cast in a planned series about a fictitious pop four-piece.
The series became The Monkees, in which he starred alongside Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and the late English singer Davy Jones.
After their formation in 1966, the made-for-TV group had number one hits with I’m A Believer, Daydream Believer, and Last Train To Clarksville soon after they were established.
Peter later worked in collaboration with several musicians including George Harrison, and also played with band Release, before going on to take part in reunion tours with The Monkees.
He was married four times and also had a daughter from another relationship.