Bee Gees star Colin Petersen dies at 78 as tributes pour in for musician

Bee Gees star Colin Petersen has died at the age of 78.

Peterson played a key role in the band’s early years as the original drummer of the Bee Gees.

The Best of Bee Gees announced: “It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen.”

The statement continued: “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.”

Petersen was the original drummer for popular 1960s/70s band, contributing to some of the major hits such as To Love Somebody.

He earned his nickname “Smiley” after becoming a child actor and featuring in the Australian film of the same name.

Petersen is survived by his ex-wife Joanne and their two sons, Jaime and Ben.

The band’s founding members, Robin and Maurice Gibb, were the first to pay tribute to the 78-year-old.

Robin penned: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Colin Petersen, a legendary drummer and original member of the Bee Gees

“Losing two of our cherished drummers in such a short time is a profound shock.”

Maurice shared a photo of Petersen backstage in his own tribute to the musician.

Petersen reflected on his time with the band in a 2022 interview with Jason Barnard on The Strange Brew Podcast.

Recalling the creative process the band would use, he explained: “We’d often go into the studio without a song, which gave me the chance to experiment with tempos and rhythms.”

He continued: “Those tracks had a real spontaneity because we worked on them as a group. We never recorded our parts separately—it was all done together, with the orchestra coming in later.”

On his drumming talent, he added: “I wasn’t the most technically skilled drummer, but I think that sometimes less is more.

“When you’re limited, you have to get creative—just like Chuck Berry, who made magic with just a few chords. For me, it was always about serving the song.”

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Tributes poured in on social media for the iconic drummer, with many taking to X to express their sadness.

“RIP Colin Petersen, 60s Bee Gees drummer, child actor, nice man,” one penned.

“You guys… I have no words. We are losing our Bee Gees family right and left. #RIP Colin, you were such a magical part of the #BeeGees sound. Sending love & prayers to family, loved ones, & to Best of the Bee Gees musicians in Australia. #ColinPetersen,” a second wrote.

Another shared: “Condolences to Colin Petersen’s family, friends, those who cared about him, the musicians who worked with him, fans, and the Gibb family. @GibbBarry #BeeGees.”

“2024 needs to stop the madness rn because WHAT YOU MEAN COLIN PETERSEN PASSED AWAY??” a fourth added.

Another fan shared: “Colin Petersen RIP. An integral part of the early Bee Gees sound. Such sad news. @BeeGees @GibbBarry.”