Peter Tork, The Monkees singer and bassist, has passed away

The Monkees bassist and singer Peter Tork has passed away. He was 77. Tork’s cause of death has not been revealed. Though Pitchfork has noted that back in 2009, Tork underwent surgery for adenoid cystic carcinoma — a form of head-neck cancer. His death was confirmed on the bands’ Facebook, read the statement below:

“Our beloved Peter passed away peacefully today at the age of 77. His talent, charm and humour were undeniable and he had the rare honour of bringing joy and music to multiple generations. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fans around the world.”

https://www.facebook.com/TheMonkees/videos/284600722465629/?__xts__[0]=68.ARAWEaYKkTtR_Et18t57Aq7de46P2tvE1qsPXImeTGWJYJJvDjK8oMCd17KyJh2PY7g9xXASBipYn5TG0LZz2-SnalNW-XCB24F_MDhKMo9lq4OFWOoFhg9lVEV54a0RU_NvpnFE7suGIRvI14o7yeBwAMEfl3I8PffR28nIHElfOq7zXs-p1MHZL0LmmbRqdGyAVSiq2gWXBCbRYvj-bwuSDp_N5we19jddPlydHxlxg6OChou7tj6p8M-pvotfg5TvwRYpcnmRX-cABRNRKJzHDr3FOrKyn5E25cQLvJnaR7xCWYTCFZ-zAU3se7-Ls2K6nLVqigoa2ZyDgkaFTZ2XkN77STT2Szk&__tn__=-R

Peter Tork became an overnight sensation in 1966 when he was cast as the dopey but loveable bassist in The Monkees television series. Tork and his bandmates, Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith starred in the series from 1966-1968. They quickly transcended from television boyband to seminal 60s pop act with a string of hit singles including ‘I’m A Believer’, ‘Last Train to Clarksville’, ‘Daydream Believer and ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday.’

The TV band sold more than 50 million records worldwide, and in 1967 outsold both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

Last year, The Monkees released their Christmas record Christmas Party.