"Alright you dirty rats! Hmm! Alright, oh you dirty rats! Shhh.... I want to introduce somebody to you! Heh heh heh heh... Shh! Quiet! Ladies and gentlemen! The gargantuan, Peter Tork!" introduced Micky to the screaming crowd in a 1967 concert. Peter Tork really is one of the most talented persons around. And he has made great progress over the years. He's had many ups and downs, but he's come through them a better man. And his latest albums are fantastic. What, you didn't know he has solo albums out? Well, read on!

On February 13, 1942, Peter Halsten Thorkelson was born in Washington, DC. His parents were John and Virginia Thorkelson. Peter's family moved frequently during his childhood and he lived in Germany at one point and also in Michigan. He began learning a variety of instruments in his teenage years and when he was old enough to leave home he moved to Greenwich Village, NY. It was there that he hoped to gain fame and fortune, but it didn't happen. He did meet a man named Stephen Stills and they performed together. Peter played back-up for The Mamas and The Papas, before they were known as this.

Peter moved from New York to California where he got a job washing dishes at a club called the "Golden Bear" in Huntington Beach. During these years he met a young man named James Lee Stanley. They became fast friends and have been friends ever since. Also during this time Peter was married to a 16-year old girl named Jody (this was when he was still in New York). After a month and a half Peter and Jody separated, and after 18 months they were divorced. They were just too young at the time.

Peter's friend, Steven Stills, was the one who saw the ad for "The Monkees" and auditioned. The producers liked him, but apparently didn't like his teeth and asked him if he knew of someone who looked similar to him who could audition. Steve called up Peter and told him to go audition. At first, Peter didn't think it was worth it, but he did go and we all know the rest.

Peter left the Monkees after they made the special called "33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee". During the Monkees Peter didn't feel he was expressing himself to his full potential. All he ever wanted was to be in a real band. The producers let him play guitar with five other musicians on a track on the first album, but otherwise didn't give him much chance. When the Monkees got together and made the album "Headquarters", Peter thought his hope for being in a real group was coming true, but Headquarters only proved to him that they weren't ready for this. The following albums gradually showed each of the Monkees going their own way musically, instead of as a group. Frusterated and a bit dejected, Peter left the group after they made "33 1/3".

After he left the group, Peter opened his mansion in Laurel Canyon to other folk/rock singers and they all, basically, partied forever. They would drink, get stoned, party, have sex and skinny dip in the pool. In 1973 he was arrested and charged with possesion of hash. He spent time in jail for it.

Still trying to form the band he always wanted, Peter created a group called "The New Monks". They didn't last too long. He then tried his hand at teaching math, english and philosophy. After doing this he got a job as a "singing waiter" in LA.

Over the years (in the 1970's) Peter re-married twice. Once to Reine Stewart, with whom he had his daughter Hallie Thorkelson who was born January 25th, 1970 and then he was married to a lady named Barbara. With Barbara, Peter fathered Ivan Thorkelson who was born December 22nd, 1975.

In the 80's Peter came clean. He went into rehab for his drug and alchohol problems, and since then has become completely clean. He doesn't smoke, and doesn't drink or do drugs anymore. He's also a vegitarian, like Davy. It was Peter who influenced Davy to become a vegitarian.

In 1994 Peter did realize a dream: he released a solo album fully produced and published by him. This album is called "Stranger Things Have Happened" and is wonderful! He was aided in this endevour by his best friend, James Lee Stanley. Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith also helped out by singing back-up on one of the tracks, "Milkshake". Mike also sang on "MGB-GT".

Peter and James went out touring together. They would do small shows in cafes and clubs. Peter would do a set, James would do a set, then they would do one together. People started asking for a cd with both Peter and James together, so in 1996 they released "Two Man Band". On this cd Peter and James play guitar and sing on all the tracks. It's another great album for Peter, and introduces us to his friend, James, who is also a great singer.

If you want to get a copy of "Stranger Things Have Happened" or "Two Man Band" send a SASE to:

Beachwood Recordings
4872 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Ste 223
Woodland Hills, CA 91364

for a catalog or call 1-818-888-3534 mc/visa (orders only) 1-800-668-7420

• You can write to Peter at:
  524 San Anselmo Ave. #102
  San Anselmo, CA 94960
• His fave color is orange
• His fave song is Life in the Fast Lane
• His fave movie is Wasn't That a Time
• His fave TV show is Hillstreet Blues
• His fave food is sushi (so-sue-me... inside joke)
• His fave music is jazz and folk
• His lucky number is 13
• He won't eat cheese
• His fave indulgence is chocolate
• He can play guitar, bass, banjo, keyboard, organ, and drums
• He taught Micky how to play the drums
• He became a Buddhist (may have changed over the years)
• He either dated Mama Cass or her sister, the rumors are flying
• He is quoted as to saying "Don't quit just before the miracle." and "For every drop of rain that falls, a flower grows."
• He wrote the song "For Pete's Sake" that was sung by Micky and later put on the TV show as the ending credits theme song.
• Though his TV character was "the dumb one", Peter is far from dumb and sometimes wished he didn't play that character because he couldn't fully express himself.
• His birthday is February 13, 1942 (get those cards ready!)

Anything else you'd like to see about this guy? Send me a note at _mars_@geocities.com and I'll see if I can find out for you!