In addition to the Bee Gees, Colin Petersen was part of other bands in his career: Steve and the Board and Humpy Bong; As a child, he acted in the film Games of Life
Known as the original drummer of Bee Gees, Colin Petersen died at age 78 last Monday, 18. The cause of death was not confirmed. The artist also joined bands like Steve and the Board and Humpy Bong.
The person who confirmed the news was the profile on Facebook of the band Best of the Bee Gees. “It is with regret that we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen. He enriched our lives and brought our group together with love, care and respect,” the statement read. “I’m not sure how we can continue without his bright smile and deep friendship. We love you, Colonel. Rest in peace.”
Throughout his career, Petersen played on the first recordings of Bee Gees and joined his brothers Barry, robin and Maurice Gibb in the band in 1966, after moving from Australia to London. The drummer’s first studio album in the iconic Anglo-Australian pop group was Spicks and Specksreleased in November 1966.
Additionally, the artist played drums on hits such as “To Love Somebody” and “Holiday.” His last album was Cucumber Castlereleased in April 1970. He left the band after disagreements with their manager Robert Stigwood. Afterwards, he formed Humpy Bong with the singer and songwriter Jonathan Kelly and Tim Staffellwhich split soon after.
In 1969, Colin Petersen opened a company with his wife, Joanne Newfieldwith whom he had two children, Jaime and Ben. In addition to music, he began acting when he was a child and was featured in the Australian film Games of Life (1956), directed by Anthony Kimmins.
So, more than 50 years after leaving Bee Gees, Petersen joined the Best of the Bee Gees and began touring Australia playing some of the group’s most iconic hits. “I was really part of creating something that people hold in their hearts,” he told ABC Australia in 2021.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
