Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork Respond to Death of Bandmate Davy Jones

Monkees band members and long-time friends Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz have responded to the sad news of singer Davy Jones passing yesterday at age 66. Jones suffered a heart attack in his hometown of Florida.

Tork posted a statement on his Facebook fan page which read, ”It is with great sadness that I reflect on the sudden passing of my long-time friend and fellow-adventurer, David Jones. His talent will be much missed; his gifts will be with us always. My deepest sympathy to Jessica and the rest of his family. Adios, to the Manchester Cowboy. Peace and love, Peter T.”

Band member Micky Dolenz also released a statement, commenting, “I am in a state of shock; Davy and I grew up together and shared in the unique success of what became The Monkees phenomena. The time we worked together and had together is something I’ll never forget. He was the brother I never had and this leaves a gigantic hole in my heart. The memories have and will last a lifetime. My condolences go out to his family.”

Other musicians and actors offered condolences and responses to the sudden death of the Monkees lead singer. In a statement to EW, Beatles drummer Ringo Starr said, “God bless Davy. Peace & Love to his family.” 

Maureen McCormick, who played the role of Marcia on TV's The Brady Bunch offered, "Davy was a beautiful soul who spread love and goodness around the world. He filled our lives with happiness, music and joy. He will live on in our hearts forever. May he rest in peace."

David Cassidy and Davy Jones were scheduled to perform together on April 14 at Magic City Casino in Miami. Said Cassidy, "I lost a very good friend today. I'll do some of his songs, tell stories of how we became friends. I truly loved him."

Jones had worked in the entertainment business most of his life, beginning in the early 60's when he starred as the Artful Dodger in the West End production of "Oliver". The show was a huge success, and the young actor was invited to cross the Atlantic and join the show on Broadway where he received a Tony award nomination for Featured Actor.

As a result of his Broadway success, Jones was offered a contract with Columbia Pictures and set out for the West coast, where he eventually auditioned for a new TV show about a pop-rock group called The Monkees. The producers sensed instant chemistry among Jones and his future band mates Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith and he was quickly offered the role. The series ran for two seasons, with Jones singing lead vocals on many of the group's biggest hits, including "I Wanna Be Free" and "Daydream Believer".

Despite the huge commercial success of the TV show, Jones' passion for the theater brought him back to the stage where he starred in major productions of "The Boyfriend", "Grease" and "Godspell", in which he played the role of Jesus.