Colin Petersen, original drummer of the Bee Gees, has died

The news was announced in a Facebook post by his band Best of The Bee Gees on Monday (November 18). The cause of death has not been revealed.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen.”reads the statement. “He enriched our lives and united our group with love, care and respect. We’re not sure how we could move forward without your bright smile and deep friendship. We love you, colonel. Rest in peace.”

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

Colin Petersen with the Bee Gees

He first contributed to the band’s 1966 album “Spicks and Specks”before playing on the four LPs they released under the Polydor/Atco label. His drums can be heard on hits like “To Love Somebody” and “Holiday”.

Peterson’s last album with the Bee Gees was Cucumber Castle in 1970, after which he finally left the group after disagreements with manager Robert Stigwood. He later formed the band Humpy Bong with the singer-songwriter Jonathan Kelly and Tim Staffellwhich dissolved shortly after.

In 1969, together with his wife Joanne Newfieldfounded a management company. The couple has two sons, Jaime and Ben.

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

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 was really part of creating something that people carry in their hearts.”