Original Bee Gees drummer Colin Petersen has died, aged 78

Colin Petersen, the first drummer for the Bee Gees has died aged 78.

The news was announced in a Facebook post by his band Best of The Bee Gees on Monday (November 18). No cause of death has been given.

“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen,” the statement reads. “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.”

Peterson played on some of the Bee Gees’ earliest recordings, after joining brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb in the band in 1966, following their move from Australia to London.

He first contributed to the band’s 1966 album ‘Spicks and Specks’, before playing on all four of their LPs released under Polydor/Atco. His drumming can be heard on hits like ‘To Love Somebody’ and ‘Holiday’.

Peterson’s final album with the Bee Gees was ‘Cucumber Castle’ in 1970, after which he eventually left the group following disagreements with manager Robert Stigwood. He subsequently formed the band Humpy Bong with singer-songwriter Jonathan Kelly and Tim Staffell, which broke up shortly after.

He then went on to start a management company in 1969 with his wife Joanne Newfield. The couple have two sons, Jaime and Ben.

Prior to joining the Bee Gees, Peterson’s first experiences in the spotlight came as a child actor, for his role in the 1956 Australian film Smiley.

So sad to hear of the passing of Bee Gees drummer Colin Peterson age 78. Colin and his wife Joanne are seen here in 1969 pic.twitter.com/CVYIsQt0eT

— Stuart Penney (@StuartPenney1) November 18, 2024

More than 50 years after his departure from the Bee Gees, Peterson joined Best of The Bee Gees, and began touring Australia playing some of the group’s most iconic hits.

In 2021 he told ABC Australia: “I really was a part of the creation of something that people are holding in their heart.”

Sue Camilleri, the tribute band’s publicist said Peterson was “very special and loved”.

“His insights and professionalism were appreciated on and off stage … he was unique and loved sharing the road and the spotlight with us,” she said.

Petersen performed shows with the band as recently as last Saturday (November 16) in Queensland, Australia.