Music world mourns the heartbreaking loss of Bee Gees Drummer Colin “Smiley” Petersen
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The rhythm behind some of the most iconic pop and disco hits of the 60s has fallen silent with the passing of Colin “Smiley” Petersen, the original drummer for the legendary Bee Gees.
At 78 years old, Petersen's death marks the end of an era for fans and fellow musicians who revered the unique sound he helped create alongside the Gibb brothers.
Born in the small town of Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia in 1946, Petersen's journey to stardom began in an unexpected field – acting.
As a child, he earned his enduring nickname “Smiley” after starring in the film Smiley (1956). Little did he know that his smile would become a beacon of joy in the music industry as well.
Petersen's path crossed with Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb during his school years in Australia, but it wasn't until they all found themselves in England that their musical collaboration would ignite.
In 1967, Petersen joined the Bee Gees, contributing to the band's early and critical success with his dynamic drumming style.
His beats resonated through hits like New York Mining Disaster 1941 and the soulful To Love Somebody, songs that remain timeless classics to this day.
In a 2021 interview with ABC Australia, he reminisced about the surreal lifestyle that came with being part of a world-renowned band. He recounted, “Even then, if someone had said all these years on, those songs are going to be remembered, I would have said they were joking.”
He also mentioned how he lived a life like royalty–never carrying cash and having bills sent to the band's management company, NEMS, who also managed The Beatles.
However, Petersen's tenure with the Bee Gees was relatively short-lived; he parted ways with the group in 1969.
Despite the departure, he continued to work in the music industry as a musician and producer before returning to Australia in 1974, where he embraced a new creative outlet as a painter.
The music world mourns the loss of a man who was not just a drummer but a pioneer of a sound that defined an era.
Petersen is survived by his ex-wife Joanne and their two children, Jaime and Ben.
How has Smiley Petersen brought joy to your life? What’s your favorite Bee Gees song? Do you have any memories connected to their songs? Let’s celebrate the life of Colin “Smiley” Petersen by sharing our fondest memories of his works in the comments below!
At 78 years old, Petersen's death marks the end of an era for fans and fellow musicians who revered the unique sound he helped create alongside the Gibb brothers.
Born in the small town of Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia in 1946, Petersen's journey to stardom began in an unexpected field – acting.
As a child, he earned his enduring nickname “Smiley” after starring in the film Smiley (1956). Little did he know that his smile would become a beacon of joy in the music industry as well.
Petersen's path crossed with Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb during his school years in Australia, but it wasn't until they all found themselves in England that their musical collaboration would ignite.
Colin “Smiley” Petersen as a child, starring in the movie “Smiley”. Image source: Lost Brisbane via Facebook.
In 1967, Petersen joined the Bee Gees, contributing to the band's early and critical success with his dynamic drumming style.
His beats resonated through hits like New York Mining Disaster 1941 and the soulful To Love Somebody, songs that remain timeless classics to this day.
In a 2021 interview with ABC Australia, he reminisced about the surreal lifestyle that came with being part of a world-renowned band. He recounted, “Even then, if someone had said all these years on, those songs are going to be remembered, I would have said they were joking.”
He also mentioned how he lived a life like royalty–never carrying cash and having bills sent to the band's management company, NEMS, who also managed The Beatles.
However, Petersen's tenure with the Bee Gees was relatively short-lived; he parted ways with the group in 1969.
Despite the departure, he continued to work in the music industry as a musician and producer before returning to Australia in 1974, where he embraced a new creative outlet as a painter.
The music world mourns the loss of a man who was not just a drummer but a pioneer of a sound that defined an era.
Petersen is survived by his ex-wife Joanne and their two children, Jaime and Ben.
How has Smiley Petersen brought joy to your life? What’s your favorite Bee Gees song? Do you have any memories connected to their songs? Let’s celebrate the life of Colin “Smiley” Petersen by sharing our fondest memories of his works in the comments below!
