Colin Petersen, the first drummer for the Bee Gees who played on some of the band’s early and iconic hits, has died. He was 78 years old.
The news of his passing was mentioned in a Facebook post on Monday (Nov. 18) by his current band, Best of The Bee Gees, though no cause of death was given. “It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen,” the statement reads, alongside a photo of Petersen smiling behind his drum set. “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.”
Petersen joined brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb as part of the Bee Gees in 1966, when all members moved from Australia to London. After playing drums to the 1966 album, Spicks and Specks, Petersen played on all four of the group’s albums under Polydor/Atco, including 1967’s Bee Gees’ 1st, which featured hits like “New York Mining Disaster 1941,” “To Love Somebody” and “Holiday.” He went on to play drums on 1968’s Horizontal, 1968’s Idea — which featured “I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You” and “I Started a Joke” — and 1969’s Odessa. His last album with the Bee Gees was 1970’s Cucumber Castle.
After leaving the group due to disagreements with manager Robert Stigwood, Petersen went on to form the band Humpy Bong with singer-songwriter Jonathan Kelly and Tim Staffell. After a short-lived stint as a group, Humpy Bong broke up and Petersen started a management company in 1969 with his wife, Joanne Newfield. The couple share two sons, Jaime and Ben.
Petersen played a crucial role in shaping the Bee Gees’ early success, contributing to their rise to international fame between 1967 and 1969. The drummer was an integral part of the band’s sound during its formative years, performing on timeless hits like Massachusetts, To Love Somebody, and I Started A Joke. His drumming added depth to their first four albums, helping to cement the group as global icons.
Reflecting on his time with the Bee Gees in a 2022 interview, Petersen described the magic of their recording sessions.
He highlighted the collaborative energy within the band, explaining how they often entered the studio without finished songs, allowing room for spontaneous creativity.
“We worked on tracks as a group,” he said, noting that this unique process contributed to their signature sound.
Beyond his musical talents, Petersen’s career began as a child actor in the Australian film Smiley, earning him the nickname “Smiley.”
His transition from acting to music showcased his versatility and passion for the arts.
Later in life, he reconnected with fans by participating in The Best of the Bee Gees tribute show, reflecting his enduring connection to the group’s legacy.