Colin “Smiley” Petersen, who served as the first official drummer for the Bee Gees during their rise to international fame in the 1960s, died on November 18, 2024 at age 78. His death was caused by a fall, according to multiple sources.
The Australian-born musician, who played on six of the group’s first seven albums, helped shape the band’s early sound from 1967 to 1969.
Born on March 24, 1946, in Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia, Petersen earned his nickname “Smiley” after starring in the 1956 film of the same name. His early career included roles in other films such as “A Cry from the Streets” (1958) and “Strange Affection” (1957).
At age 20, Petersen relocated to London, where he joined brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, along with guitarist Vince Melouney, to become part of the Bee Gees. His contributions can be heard on several of the group’s seminal albums, including “Spicks and Specks” (1966), “Bee Gees’ 1st” (1967), “Horizontal” (1968), “Idea” (1968), “Odessa” (1969), and “Cucumber Castle” (1970).
During his tenure with the band, Petersen played on numerous hit songs, including “New York Mining Disaster 1941,” “To Love Somebody,” “Holiday,” “I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You,” and “I Started a Joke.”
Petersen’s departure from the Bee Gees came in 1970 following disagreements with the band’s manager, Robert Stigwood. Despite their conflicts, Stigwood had praised Petersen as “very level-headed” and “a very sophisticated person” with “a good appreciation of good food and wines.”
After leaving the Bee Gees, Petersen formed the band Humpy Bong and later established a management company with his wife, Joanne Newfield, with whom he had two sons, Jaime and Ben. In 1974, the family returned to Australia, where Petersen pursued a career as a painter.
In his later years, Petersen maintained his connection to music by performing with the Best of the Bee Gees tribute band. His death came just four days after the passing of Dennis Bryon, who drummed for the Bee Gees during their disco era in the 1970s.
Of the original Bee Gees lineup, Barry Gibb remains the sole survivor, following the deaths of his brothers Maurice in 2003 and Robin in 2012.