Bee Gees Drummer Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen Dies at 78

Colin Peterson of pop group the Bee Gees, pictured in 1968. Express Newspapers/Pictorial Parade/Getty Images

Colin Petersen, best known as the original drummer of the “Bee Gees,” has died at the age of 78.

His passing was announced on Nov. 18 in a Facebook post from Best of the Bee Gees. Petersen had played with the tribute band for the last five years.

“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen,” the band said. “He enriched our lives and bound our group with love, care and respect. Not sure how we can go on without his glowing smile and deep friendship. We love you Col. Rest in Peace.”

Evan Webster, a fellow member of Best of the Bee Gees, and Sue Camilleri, the group’s publicist, told The New York Times that Petersen died from a fall.

Petersen is survived by his his ex-wife Joanne Newfield and their sons Jaime and Ben.

His death closely followed that of another former Bee Gees drummer, Dennis Bryon, who died within days of Petersen at the age of 76. While Petersen played with the band during its early days, Bryon played with the Bee Gees at the height of their disco stardom.

The group’s former keyboardist, Blue Weaver, took to Facebook Nov. 14 to express his sorrow, with the news leaving him “lost for words.”

“Dennis has passed away. Kayte, Dennis’s wife has just called me and asked if I would let all friends and fans know. This was such a shock. Dennis has been my friend, since we were in our first band together age 15. His great drumming will always Stay Alive…“ Weaver wrote.

The post did not provide a cause of death for Bryon.

Bee Gees Era

Born in 1946, in Queensland, Australia, Petersen initially rose to fame as a young actor starring in the 1956 film “Smiley,” earning him the nickname that would follow for the rest of his career.

In 1966, Petersen moved to London, where his hopes for a movie career didn’t pan out. Instead, he joined the Gibb brothers—Barry, Robin, and Maurice—as the fourth Bee Gee. From 1967 to 1969, he contributed to several studio albums and hit songs, prior to leaving the band.

His drumming contributed to the group’s disco sound, leading to classic tracks such as “Massachusetts,” “To Love Somebody,“ ”I Started A Joke,” and “Words.”

The albums “Bee Gees’ 1st” (1967) made top 10 charts in both the United States and the UK.

“Idea” (1968)  reached the top 10 chart in the UK and top 20 in the United States, as did “Odessa” (1969). “Horizontal” (1968) followed suit, hitting the top 20 chart both at home and abroad.

Petersen’s final album with the group was “Cucumber Castle” (1970), which included the European hit “Don’t Forget to Remember.”

He officially left the “Bee Gees” that same year, following issues he had with the band’s manager, Robert Stigwood.

Petersen went on to form the short-living band “Humpy Bong” with Irish singer-songwriter Jonathan Kelly and British rocker Tim Staffell.

Petersen married Newfield in 1968. The couple welcomed their son Jaime in 1971 and Ben in 1976. In 1974, the family moved back to Australia, where Petersen became a painter.