Former Monkees and fellow musicians were leading the tributes for Davy Jones, the Monkees singer who died Wednesday at age 66.

“I am in a state of shock; Davy and I grew up together and shared in the unique success of what became The Monkees phenomenon,” drummer Micky Dolenz said on his Facebook page.

“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. ... My condolences go out to his family.”

The Monkees – Jones, Dolenz, Peter Tork and Mike Nesmith – were brought together to create a popular U.S. TV show that ran 1966 to 1968.

Davy Jones of the Monkees reads some fan mail, circa 1967. He died Wednesday at age 66. (Fox photos/Getty images)

Jones, chosen for his British accent and Beatles-style hair, was frontman to the group and drew throngs of adoring female fans.

Although they were a manufactured band, and initially were not allowed to play their own instruments, the Monkees fame lasted well beyond the TV series and they have had several reunions since they officially broke up in 1971.

Dolenz told CNN on Wednesday that a reunion tour last August meant the band finished “on a huge high note.”

He also expressed shock at Jones’s death at 66, noting the singer was a vegetarian and lived a healthy lifestyle. Jones died in his sleep of a heart attack at his home in Florida. He was taken to hospital but could not be revived.

“Adios to the Manchester cowboy,” Tork wrote on his website, hailing Jones's talent.

Guitarist Mike Nesmith issued a statement saying how much he would miss his bandmate.

"David’s spirit and soul live well in my heart, among all the lovely people, who remember with me the good times, and the healing times, that were created for so many, including us,” Nesmith said. “I have fond memories. I wish him safe travels.”

The Monkees had four number 1 albums in America within a 13-month period — as well as nine Top 20 hits, including I'm a Believer and Daydream Believer.

"The Monkees were such a sensation that it was a thrill for me to have them record some of my early songs," tweeted Neil Young, who played guitar on As We Go Along.

The Kaiser Chiefs' Ricky Wilson said he enjoyed the sense of fun around The Monkees.

"I think there's something infectious about guys looking like that and having fun," he said. "The tunes, you can't argue with them."

Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, speaking to the BBC, remarked on Jones’s Manchester roots.

“There are a lot of musicians who have passed away who people don't remember,” he said. "And he was from Manchester as well and he looked good and had good hair."