PETER Tork shot to fame as a member of 60s group The Monkees, a manufactured act created by TV executives.

Critics claimed the band could not play their instruments and only existed to rival The Beatles however, before being recruited to the pre-fab four', Tork was already established as a musician on the New York folk and blues scene.

Tork only applied to audition for The Monkees after a call from his friend Steven Stills (of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young), who was struggling in his own attempts to join what was to become a groundbreaking show.

Between 1966 and 1968 The Monkees pioneered many new ideas in TV production and the musical sequences in the shows can be seen as some of the earliest music videos, many having little to do with the storyline of the episode.

During the height of his fame Tork continued to play alongside real' musicians including Jimi Hendrix, who described Tork as "the most talented Monkee".

As a solo performer Tork's love of the blues found a home when he formed the band Shoe Suede Blues in the mid 90's, joining forces with respected musicians including Grammy winning guitarist Richard Mikuls and top bassist Arnold Jacks.

The band mixes original songs, standards and Monkees tunes performed with a twist, including blues version of Last Train to Clarksville.

Rave reviews of the band reveal a side to Tork many people may not have recognised, not the dork from the Monkees but a talented guitarist and singer.

Peter Tork and Shoe Suede Blues at JB's Dudley on Tuesday May 27.