Colin Petersen, the original drummer of the Bee Gees, has passed away at the age of 78, with fans around the world mourning the loss of a musician whose talents helped shape the sound of one of the world’s most iconic bands
The music star, who joined brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb in the 1960s and played on hit tracks including I Started A Joke, To Love Somebody and I Just Gotta Get A Message To You, sadly passed away on Monday, November 18.
Tribute band The Best of the Bee Gees, with whom Petersen had toured with over the previous five years, announced his passing.
“It is with a heavy heart I let you all know the original Bee Gees drummer and child actor Colin “Smiley” Petersen passed away suddenly this morning not long after returning home from the years last gig with the Best of the Bee Gees band,” the band announced.
“Rest peacefully olde friend. Fly high and thank you for everything.
“To Joanne, Jamie and Ben our deepest condolences and also to his ‘family’ in the band, the Best of the Bee Gees and the George Ellis Orchestra, where Colin found much happiness and love.
“You will be missed by so many Colin. Be at peace.”
Born March 24, 1946, Petersen’s entertainment career began at the tender age of seven, starring in the 1956 film Smiley alongside Sir Ralph Richardson. Despite a promising start with roles in The Scamp (1957) and A Cry from the Streets (1958), his acting career was cut short at 12 by his mother, who prioritised his education.
At Humpybong State School in Queensland, Petersen’s passion for music blossomed. Initially a pianist, he soon switched to drums, showcasing his talent in films like The Scamp.
In 1966, Petersen moved to England, where he became the first non-Gibb brother to officially join the Bee Gees. His drumming was pivotal on six albums, including Bee Gees’ 1st and Odessa.
After his time with the Bee Gees, Petersen co-founded the band Humpy Bong, managed solo artist Jonathan Kelly, and ultimately returned to Australia in 1974 to pursue painting.
Over the last five years, Petersen has played with the Best Of The Bee Gees tribute show.
Bee Gees member Barry Gibb was among the first to pay tribute to his former bandmate, telling fans it was “a terrible shock” to learn of Petersen’s passing.
“Last week I lost two of the finest drummers I’ve ever known, Dennis Bryon and Colin Petersen,” he wrote.
“This is a terrible shock and I send all of my prayers to their immediate families. I will miss them both dearly. I’d like to think that there’s a giant jam session going on in heaven and they need Colin and Dennis’s rhythmic talents.
“Colin was a famous child actor in Australia before becoming our drummer in the early years of the group. Dennis joined us at the time of Mr. Natural, Saturday Night Fever, Children of the World, and Spirits Having Flown.
“I’m sure all my brothers are waiting for you both to join in on the jam session. I know it will be amazing, I can hear it now. I love you both.”
Tributes soon poured in for Petersen not only from Gibb but also from fans around the world, who remembered the late musician with heartfelt messages.
“A sweet & talented man. What an interesting life! So many wonderful stories RIP Colin,” one wrote.
“So sad to hear this and Dennis too. Love The Bee Gees.”
“My condolences to his family, friends and fans. May God wrap his loving arms around them during this difficult time and May the Angels of Paradise welcome him home,” another commented.
“Most definitely we will miss him, rest in peace Colin.”
Petersen is survived by his two sons Jaime and Ben.