The musical world has lost a cherished member. The original drummer for the iconic Bee Gees, has passed away at the age of 78.
His passing was shared with the world via the Best of the Bee Gees Facebook page on a somber Monday.
The heartfelt post expressed profound sorrow, stating, “It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend.”
The post 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.”
As of now, the cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Colin was born on March 24, 1946, in Queensland, Australia. He earned his nickname ‘Smiley’ thanks to his starring role in the 1956 film of the same name.
In his early twenties, Petersen ventured to London and joined forces with the Gibb brothers—Barry, Robin, and Maurice—forming the band we know today as the Bee Gees. Vince Melouney also joined them, completing the group.
Colin contributed significantly to the band during his tenure from 1967 to 1969, drumming on six of their first seven albums. The albums included “Spicks and Specks” (1966), “Bee Gees’ 1st” (1967), “Horizontal” (1968), “Idea” (1968), “Odessa” (1969), and “Cucumber Castle” (1970).
Reflecting on his time with the band, Petersen recalled on The Strange Brew Podcast in 2022, “Sometimes we’d spend hours in the studio, and nothing would come together, so we’d pack up and try again another day. But when inspiration hit, we could knock out three backing tracks in one night.”
Petersen was modest about his skills, admitting, “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. For me, it was always about serving the song.”
His journey with the Bee Gees ended in 1970 after a disagreement with their manager Robert Stigwood. Despite their differences, Stigwood once praised Petersen’s level-headedness, calling him “a very sophisticated person” with “a good appreciation of good food and wines,” as cited by Sky News.
Following his exit from the Bee Gees, Petersen embarked on a new musical venture by forming the band Humpy Bong with Irish singer-songwriter Jonathan Kelly and British rocker Tim Staffell. However, the group’s journey was short-lived.
Beyond music, Petersen entered the world of business, starting a management company with his wife, Joanne Newfield. The couple was blessed with two sons, Jaime, born in 1971, and Ben, born in 1976. In 1974, Colin and his family returned to Australia where he pursued a new passion—painting.
As we reflect on the legacy of the Bee Gees, it’s poignant to note that Barry Gibb, at 78 years old, is the only original member still with us.
His brothers have left us too soon; Robin passed away in 2012 at the age of 62 and Maurice in 2003 at the age of 53.
Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen’s contribution to the world of music remains cherished, and his smile will forever be remembered by those who knew and loved him.
Rest in peace, Colin.
