Colin Petersen, the original Bee Gees drummer, died on Monday at the age of 78.
The drummer played on the band’s classic hits like the 1960s tracks I Started a Joke, To Love Somebody and, I Just Gotta Get a Message to You.
The musician’s death was confirmed on social media, via a Facebook post shared by his existing band Best of The Bee Gees, which read, “It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen.”
The statement added, “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.”
The cause of death was not revealed.
Petersen made history as the first official Bee Gees member who wasn’t a Gibb brother when he joined Barry, Robin, and Maurice in 1966.
The band had recently moved to London from Australia, and despite initial visa challenges, Petersen became a vital part of their rise to fame. He contributed to their breakthrough albums under Polydor/Atco from 1967 to 1969, following his work on the 1966 release Spicks and Specks.
The late ’60s marked a turning point for the Bee Gees as their albums propelled them to international stardom. Their 1967 release, Bee Gees’ 1st, achieved Top 10 status in the U.S. and UK, featuring memorable hits like New York Mining Disaster 1941, To Love Somebody, and Holiday.
Petersen’s final contribution came with Cucumber Castle, where he played drums on several songs, including the European hit Don’t Forget to Remember.
After leaving the Bee Gees, Petersen joined the short-lived band Humpy Bong before stepping away from the music industry altogether.
