Two Bee Gees drummers die within days of each other

A poignant development has emerged following the death of Aussie Bee Gees drummer Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen.

A sad twist has emerged following the death of Bee Gees drummer Colin “Smiley” Petersen at the age of 78.

The much-loved Queensland-born musician and actor was the original drummer of the Bee Gees.

He contributed to the group’s rise to stardom after joining the band in 1966, alongside brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, before leaving in 1969.

Colin Peterson, bottom left, joined the Bee Gees in 1966. Picture: Tony Gale

It has now emerged that another Bee Gees drummer, Dennis Bryon, who was in the band during the blockbuster Saturday Night Fever era, sadly died four days before Petersen.

The Welsh musician was not listed as an official member of the band but played percussion on some of their biggest recordings in the 1970s.

The Bees Gees during their disco era. Picture: Getty Images

The Best of the Bee Gees, an Australian tribute band that worked with Petersen in recent years, posted about his death on their Facebook page on Tuesday.

“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen,” the post read.

“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.”

Bee Gees star Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen has died aged 78. Picture: Mark Cranitch

The 78-year-old contributed to the group’s timeless hits including Massachusetts, To Love Somebody, and Words.

His time with the group also included the ground breaking album Bee Gees’ 1st.

Before his music career, Petersen started out as a young actor starring in the Australian film Smiley, which gave him his nickname.

In a 2022 interview with Jason Barnard on The Strange Brew Podcast he explained the band’s creative process.

The Best of the Bee Gees with original Bee Gees drummer Colin “Smiley” Petersen at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

“We’d often go into the studio without a song, which gave me the chance to experiment with tempos and rhythms,” he said.

“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.”

As a child he starred as 'Smiley' in the film of that name, and later was a member of the Bee Gees band.

Smiley stars Colin Petersen who later became known as the drummer for the Bee Gees. Picture: Supplied

Petersen also discussed his approach to drumming, viewing it as an extension of the music rather than a display of technical skill.

Australian band Bee Gees in London, from left, Robin Gibb, Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, Colin Petersen and Vince Melouney. Picture: The Courier Mail

“I wasn’t the most technically skilled drummer, but I think that sometimes less is more,” he said.

“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.”

He is survived by his ex-wife Joanne and their sons Jaime and Ben.

Originally published as Two Bee Gees drummers die within days of each other