Bee Gees drummer Colin Petersen has died at the age of 78

19 November 2024, 11:46

Colin Petersen played on the first five Bee Gees albums.

Colin Petersen, the drummer who was an equal partner in the early Bee Gees, has died at the age of 78.

Petersen passed away in his sleep at home in the early hours of Monday morning (November 18).

• Bee Gees first TV gig: Teenage Barry Gibb and 10 year olds Robin and Maurice sing in 1960
• When Barry Gibb and son Stephen sang incredible acoustic duet of Bee Gees' Words and Stayin' Alive
• Listen to the Saturday Night Smooth Live Playlist on Global Player

"I've known Colin for 34 years and was thrilled when he agreed to bring his career full circle by joining the Best Of The Bee Gees," his manager Greg Shaw told PA in a statement.

"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."

Bee Gees Massachusetts 1967

Born in Australia, before he was a musician Colin was a successful child actor.

Among his roles was the title character in 1956 movie Smiley, a part that gave him his nickname.

Colin went to the same school as the Gibb brothers, but despite being in the same class as Barry, wasn't actually close to him, Robin or Maurice during his time there.

Nevertheless, as they formed their band he sat in on some of their early sessions – as did other drummers.

Petersen travelled to the UK and was later followed by the Bee Gees, and it was there that he became an official member of the band.

He was the listed drummer and played on their first four albums Bee Gees' 1st, Horizontal, Idea and Odessa.

Colin also played on much of their fifth album Cucumber Castle, though he was fired from the group during its making

After the Bee Gees, he played in the band Humpy Bong and also launched a solo career, before turning to the visual arts and becoming a painter.

Colin is survived by two sons, Jaime and Ben.