Bee Gees original band member Colin Petersen has died aged 78.
Petersen was hired as the group’s first drummer in the 60s after they were formed by brothers Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb.
He played on six Bee Gees albums, including Spicks and Specks and Horizontal, although his involvement on Cucumber Castle was uncreditedbefore his departure in 1969.
The musician’s death was announced by Bee Gees tribute act The Best of the Bee Gees. Petersen had previously joined them on tour.
In a tribute, The Best of the Bee Gees said: ‘It is with the heaviest of hearts that the Best of the Bee Gees Show announces the passing of our legend, Colin “Smiley” Petersen on Monday 18 November, 2024.
‘Colin was a much loved “family” member of the troupe, holding our audiences spellbound with his stories of the lead role in the iconic Australian film “Smiley”, as the drummer in the original Bee Gees, and performing with the Best of the Bee Gees regularly for the last five years.’
Petersen’s manager Greg Shaw added: ‘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 honour to have called him my friend.’
Petersen was the first non-Gibb brother in the Bee Gees and his contributed was regarded as essential to their sound by the siblings. He performed on hit songs including Massachusetts and World.
However, he was fired from the band in 1969 after he raised questions about their finances, according to a Columbia Unviersity paper.
It’s claimed Petersen was let go when he stated there was a conflict of interest in Robert Stigwood being the group’s manager and also owning their recordings and publishing.
After his exit from the Bee Gees, Petersen joined forces with Jonathan Kelly to found group Humpy Bong in 1970.
The duo recorded a debut single and performed on BBC’s Top of the Pop but broke up less than a year after forming.
Before becoming a musician, Petersen was a child actor, appearing in the film Smiley when he was nine years old along with Sir Ralph Richardson.
His other credits include The Scamp, A Cry from the Streets and Barney.
Peterson is survived by his wife Joanna and their sons Jaime and Ben.
Metro has contacted the Bee Gees’ rep for comment.
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