Original Bee Gees Star Dies at 78 – Details
The musical world is mourning the loss of the original Bee Gees drummer, who passed away on Monday, November 18, 2024.
The Best of the Bee Gees Facebook page announced that Colin “Smiley” Petersen died at the age of 78. They wrote, “It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen. 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.”
Colin was a cherished member whose contributions shaped the iconic sound of the Bee Gees. Born in Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia, he gained international fame as a child actor before becoming a pivotal figure in the Bee Gees.
Childhood portrait of Australian musician Colin Petersen pictured in London on July 25, 1956 | Source: Getty Images
His early acting career included starring roles in the iconic 1956 Australian film “Smiley” and other international productions such as “The Scamp” (1957) and “A Cry From the Streets” (1958). By his teenage years, Colin had shifted his focus to music, eventually becoming the Bee Gees’ drummer and the group’s fourth official member.
The poster for the film “Smiley,” starring Chips Rafferty, Bruce Archer, Colin Petersen, Ralph Richardson, Jocelyn Hernfield, and John McCallum, circa 1956 | Source: Getty Images
His drumming was instrumental in crafting the Bee Gees’ signature sound, featuring on four of their albums and several #1 hits, including “Massachusetts,” “To Love Somebody,” and “I Started a Joke.”
Colin reflected on his legacy, “It’s wonderful that these incredible songs live on through the Best of the Bee Gees, and I am thrilled to add another dimension by sharing my memories.”
British musical group The Bee Gees (L-R) Barry Gibb, Colin Petersen, Vince Melouney (sitting in front), Maurice Gibb, and Robin Gibb, photographed in London, England, circa 1968 | Source: Getty Images
Petersen regularly performed with the Best of the Bee Gees over the last five years, and manager Greg Shaw had nothing but kind words for the late star.
“I’ve known Colin for thirty-four years and was thrilled when he agreed to bring his career full circle by joining the Best of the Bee Gees. His endearing nature and unabashed storytelling added unique perspectives to the shows and he was loved on and off stage. It was an honor to have called him my friend,” Shaw shared in the Bee Gees’ official website’s...
