Colin 'Smiley' Petersen, original Bee Gees drummer, has passed aged 78

Australian musician Colin Petersen, best known as the original drummer for the Bee Gees, has passed away. He was 78.

The Best of the Bee Gees Facebook page announced his death today. 

“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin 'Smiley' Petersen,” the tribute began.

“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."

Colin was an original member of the Bee Gees, contributing to four albums and several hit songs, including Massachusetts, To Love Somebody and Words.

He joined the group when the Gibb brothers moved to London in 1966.

Colin attended the same school as Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb — although at different times. Colin left school to star in the classic Australian film 1956 film Smiley — which is how he earned his nickname. 

Before Colin's death, Robin died in 2012 at the age of 62, and Maurice died in 2003 at the age of 53. Barry, 78, is now the only living member of the group.

Recently, Colin worked with The Best of the Bee Gees tribute show. In 2022, he said that, at first, he was “a little bit reluctant” to rejoin the group. “I went to see the show. It would have been about the third song in, and I thought to myself, bloody hell, this band is really great, and the voices were so close, and it was well presented and they all seem really comfortable on stage and enjoying it, which is really important.

He is survived by his ex-wife Joanne and their sons Jaime and Ben.
Rest in peace, Colin.