Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith ‘Broken Hearts’: Peter Tork Tributes
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Nesmith, Dolenz, Tork and Jones
Soon after the news arrived that Peter Tork had died on February 21, 2019, at age 77, the two surviving Monkees – Michael Nesmith and Micky Dolenz – shared their grief of his passing, as did Tork’s family. (Davy Jones predeceased him in 2012.)
[The pair are scheduled to begin a tour on March 1, billed as The Mike and Micky Show. The duo tour was rescheduled from an existing 2018 run when the final four dates were hastily cancelled last June due – ironically – when Nesmith took seriously ill. What was originally described as a “minor health issue” turned into quadruple bypass surgery when Nez was diagnosed with congestive heart failure.]
On February 21, Nesmith described the news of his friend’s death by writing, in part: “It’s going to be a rough day. As I write this my tears are awash and my heart is broken.” (Read his complete tribute below.)
On his Twitter account, Dolenz shared the same sentiment: “There are no words right now…heart broken over the loss of my Monkee brother, Peter Tork.”
There are no words right now…heart broken over the loss of my Monkee brother, Peter Tork. #petertork #themonkees @TorkTweet pic.twitter.com/C8SwoA8pEV
— Micky Dolenz (@TheMickyDolenz1) February 21, 2019
Nesmith’s full tribute via his Facebook page:
“Pardon me if I am being dogmatic — but I think it is harder to put together a band than a TV show — not to take anything away from TV shows. These days I watch MSNBC — mostly aghast at what I see — and what I am missing is ‘madcap’.
“Peter Tork died this AM. I am told he slipped away peacefully.
Yet, as I write this my tears are awash, and my heart is broken. Even though I am clinging to the idea that we all continue, the pain that attends these passings has no cure. It’s going to be a rough day.
“I share with all Monkees fans this change, this “loss”, even so.
PT will be a part of me forever. I have said this before — and now it seems even more apt — the reason we called it a band is because it was where we all went to play.
“A band no more — and yet the music plays on — an anthem to all who made the Monkees and the TV show our private — dare I say ‘secret’ — playground.
“As for Pete, I can only pray his songs reach the heights that can lift us and that our childhood lives forever — that special sparkle that was the Monkees. I will miss him — a brother in arms. Take flight my Brother.”
Tork’s family posted a message on his Facebook page:
“We are all saddened to share the news that Peter Thorkelson — friend, father, husband, grandfather, philosopher, goofball, entertainer — died peacefully this morning at a family home in Connecticut. Peter succumbed to a 10 year bout with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare cancer of the salivary glands. Peter’s energy, intelligence, silliness, and curiosity were traits that for decades brought laughter and enjoyment to millions, including those of us closest to him. Those traits also equipped him well to take on cancer, a condition he met with unwavering humor and courage.
“We are all still raw, and still have much to process, but we are also feeling appreciation for Peter’s contributions. We are grateful that we have an extended support network thanks to the attentive energy and dedication of Peter’s fans worldwide. We want those fans to know with absolute certainty that your spirit and goodwill fed Peter with continued energy and force (and of course humor).
“With that, we ask that our family have time and space to grieve in privacy.
“We are asking fans who would like to make contributions in Peter’s name to donate to the scholarship fund at The Institute for the Musical Arts in Massachusetts, a nonprofit that provides young women with music education, music recording, and music community. More info can be found here.”
2 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationWill always love Peter, Davy, Micky, and Mike. Mike’s tribute spoke my heart, too. The Monkees were a special sparkle and a beautiful burst of innocence. They certainly elevated and permeated my childhood in a special way. Daddy had to bring a portable tv to my room when I was sick so I wouldn’t miss their show. They were (and still are) real sunshine. Especially Peter… –Monkees Fan Forever
The Monkees were a young school girls crush,racing to the TV so my brothers and sister wouldn’t be able to change the station.I cried when Davy passed on now Peter.I hope they meet up with each other again and put a concert on for all.RIP PT.