Bee Gees original drummer Colin Petersen dies, aged 78

19 November 2024, 10:57

Colin Petersen was a crucial member of the early Bee Gees.

Colin Petersen, the original drummer in the Bee Gees, has died at the age of 78.

The musician died in his sleep on Monday morning (November 18), his representatives confirmed to PA.

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In recent years Colin had returned to the music of his earlier years by playing in tribute show The Best Of The Bee Gees.

"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," said his manager Greg Shaw in a statement.

"His endearing nature and unabashed storytelling added unique perspectives to the shows and he was loved on and off stage."

He added: "It was an honour to have called him my friend."

Australian-born Colin went to Humpybong State School at the same time as Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, and shared a class with Barry though they weren't thought to be close at the time.

He was first a child actor before becoming interested in music, earning the nickname 'Smiley' after playing the title role in the 1956 movie of that name.

The Bee Gees - To Love Somebody (1967)

As a musician, Petersen played with a number of bands before sitting in on the fledgling Bee Gees' early sessions.

Colin actually moved to England before the Gibb brothers, but reunited with them when they arrived and became a permanent and key member of their early group, being a partner in the band and not just a session or touring player.

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

Petersen also played on several tracks on Cucumber Castle – but was fired during its making and was replaced by Pentangle's Terry Cox on the remaining tracks.

After leaving the Bee Gees, Colin continued to play, first in Humpy Bong and then as a solo artist.

He later became a painter. Coin is survived by his two sons Jaime and Ben.