Bee Gees founding member Colin ‘Smiley’ Peterson has died. He was 78.
The news was announced in a statement by The Best of Bee Gees on Tuesday morning. No cause of death has been reported.
”It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen,” the statement began.
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“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 statement concluded.
Peterson was best known for being the original drummer of the group formed in the ’50s by brothers Maurice Gibb, Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb.
The musician was born in Kingaroy, Queensland, before moving to England in the ’60s and joining the Bee Gees.
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Peterson played drums on the group’s first few albums, including Bee Gees 1st, Horizontal, Idea, Odessa and Cucumber Castle.
He featured on some of the band’s biggest hits to date such as To Love Somebody and Massachusetts.
After being a key part of the band’s rise to success, the Aussie-born drummer officially left the group in 1969. He was replaced by Terry Cox, who played for The Pentangle.
Before his career in music, Peterson started out in acting.
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He became nicknamed ‘Smiley’ after one of his first acting roles in the 1956 Aussie film of the same name when he was just a child.
After leaving the Bee Gees, Peterson formed the English folk rock band Humpy Bong in 1970 with singer Jonathan Kelly.
Peterson’s death comes just days after Dennis Bryon, who was a drummer for the Bee Gees in the ’70s, died on November 14, 2024.
Tributes for the music great have begun to flow in, remembering the star for his legendary life and legacy in the industry.
“The world has lost two iconic drummers in one week. Dennis Bryon drummer for the 70s Bee Gees and Colin Peterson, official member and drummer of the 60s Bee Gees,” one person wrote on X.
Peterson is survived by his ex-wife Joanne and their two children.
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